Hong Kong's Secretary for Health, Lo Chung-mau, announced today (Jan. 8) in the Legislative Council that approximately 11,000 residents have undergone preliminary mental health assessments under a pilot program launched in August 2024. The program, conducted in collaboration with community organizations, operates at the Tuen Mun District Health Centre and the Yau Tsim Mong and Eastern District Health Centre.
As of December 2024, about 700 participants were advised to seek follow-up assistance from mental health officers based on their initial evaluations. Among 300 participants who completed further assessments, 226 were identified with mild to moderate symptoms and are either receiving or scheduled to receive psychological therapy. Additionally, 80% of participants who completed low-intensity psychological treatment reported significant improvement in their clinical symptoms. Another 34 individuals classified as high-risk have been referred for more intensive follow-up care.
Lo highlighted that the mental health officers participating in the pilot program hold bachelor's degrees, with nearly 90% specializing in psychology and 30% also holding master's degrees in counseling or psychology. They have undergone 120 hours of training provided by universities or non-governmental organizations, including 25 hours of theoretical coursework and 95 hours of clinical training. Under the supervision of clinical psychologists, these officers deliver professional mental health services to program participants.
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