President Yoon Suk Yeol announced on Wednesday that the government will bolster systemic support for mental health services, focusing on prevention, treatment, and recovery to aid those in need.
During a meeting of the presidential committee on mental health policy, Yoon addressed the escalating mental health issues, underscored by South Korea’s highest suicide rate among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.
“It is crucial to identify depression and anxiety early in daily life to prevent them from progressing into severe mental illnesses,” Yoon stated at the National Center for Mental Health in Seoul.
Starting next month, the government will introduce a professional counseling service, with a goal of providing a service package to 1 million people by the end of Yoon’s term in 2027.
Health authorities will begin conducting mental health checkups for adolescents every two years, instead of the current ten-year interval, beginning next year. Additionally, resources for suicide prevention, such as call center staff and facilities, will be increased.
To enhance treatment, the government plans to boost emergency intervention staff by over 50 percent and expand the number of regional emergency mental health care centers to more than 30.
Yoon also highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive package addressing rehabilitation, employment, and welfare to support the full recovery of individuals with mental illness.
To achieve these objectives, the government will establish regional rehabilitation centers, develop employment models tailored for mental health patients, and provide over 50 housing units annually for patients starting next year.
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