Gwangju Office of Education Establishes Regional Mental Health Support System

Collaboration with Chosun Nursing College, National Naju Hospital, and Chonnam National University Hospital
One-stop support for crisis students: counseling, treatment, and alternative education

A hospital-school linked support system to care for students' mental health has officially begun operations.

On May 7, the Gwangju Office of Education announced that it has established a regional mental health support system in cooperation with Chosun Nursing College, National Naju Hospital, and Chonnam National University Hospital, and is providing various mental health programs.

Gwangju Office of Education building.

Chosun Nursing College is responsible for the eastern region, National Naju Hospital for the western region, and Chonnam National University for the Gwangsan region, with each institution supporting students in crisis at local schools.

The three "Mental Health Promotion Centers" established at these institutions have been in full operation since this year. Mental health specialists and staff visit schools to conduct in-depth assessments and intervention counseling for students in crisis, manage individual cases, and provide consulting for faculty and parents.

In particular, a one-stop support program is also available for high-risk students, connecting them from diagnosis to counseling, treatment, and education.

Last year, the Gwangju Office of Education opened two hospital-type Wee Centers in partnership with Chosun University Hospital and National Naju Hospital. These centers provide alternative educational programs for students at risk of academic interruption due to long-term treatment.

The "Student Mind Voucher Program," which supports mental health treatment costs, will also continue. Students who have attempted suicide or are considered high-risk can receive up to 1 million won per person for outpatient or counseling services at psychiatric or counseling institutions, and up to 1.5 million won for hospitalization costs. According to the Office of Education, a total of 1,013 cases were supported last year, amounting to 1,036,500,000 won, and 344 cases have been processed so far this year.

This year, social-emotional education is being introduced for the first time. In addition to operating on-site support teams and holding talk concerts in connection with the student council, an online training session on "ADHD and Family Therapy" is also scheduled for May 23.