The Health Ministry will hold a press conference Friday announcing the launch of a mental health support program for adults that expands the applicable age for free psychological consultation to those over 40. The previous program allotted three free consultations only to those aged 15 to 30.
A total of NT$130 million (US$3.9 million) was invested into the previous mental health support program, subsidizing 85,000 people since it first launched in August last year. The Health Ministry intends to increase subsidies and target the “sandwich generation,” those who must balance work life with caring for their parents and children.
Director of the Taiwan Counseling Psychologist Union Lo Hui-chun (羅惠群) said in an interview on Thursday that the Health Ministry initially implemented the first program with the intent of identifying and referring high-risk individuals. Although there was no threshold for the number of people who could use the program, concerns were raised that the age limit may be barring the service from others who really need it.
Lo said that even if high-risk individuals are screened and referrals arranged, it remains to be seen whether the government will provide the resources needed to follow up further. He said this aspect of the program needs to be reviewed again. Regardless, Lo remains optimistic about the development of mental health policy in Taiwan.