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Mind HK’s 2023 Policy Recommendations for Hong Kong

07/10/2023
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Mind Mental Health Hong Kong Limited (Mind HK) 

2023 Policy Recommendations for Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong 

 

Mind HK, a local S88 registered charity, is submitting to the Chief Executive’s Policy Address Consultation to propose strategies for improving mental health support. Our suggestions draw upon our recent experience with the successful “Youth Wellbeing Practitioner Pilot Training Programme” and the urgent mental health needs observed in Hong Kong.

 

Recommendations:

 

  • Strengthen Early Detection and Support

 

Hong Kong is witnessing a steady rise in the prevalence of mental health conditions, making it crucial to focus on early detection and intervention for those at risk. We welcome the Advisory Committee on Mental Health’s proposed measures to enhance early identification and intervention strategies, inclusive of the provision of timely assessment and early referral.

 

Less than 30% of individuals with common mental disorders (CMDs), which make up approximately 70% of all mental health conditions, engage with any mental health services. This gap between need and service usage can lead to a deterioration in mental health, impair personal and family function, increase mortality rates, and reduce societal productivity. Primary and secondary prevention aligns with the Government’s focus on primary care; we recommend considering the integration of early mental health support services into primary care services. 

 

  • Formalise the Role of Wellbeing Practitioners

 

Drawing from our successful implementation of the “Youth Wellbeing Practitioner Pilot Training Programme,” we recommend wider adoption of such early intervention, low-intensity mental health initiatives. The programme successfully delivered over 3,330 free mental health psychological therapy sessions to young people in Hong Kong, which led to significant improvements in quality of life and an encouraging 70% of clients (aged 18-24) entering ‘recovery’ from clinical psychological distress following eight support sessions provided by the Youth Wellbeing Practitioners (YWPs).

 

In view of the current shortage of mental health professionals, particularly clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, we urge the formal recognition and placement of wellbeing practitioners within community settings as a cost and time-efficient means to improve access to mental healthcare. We need over 700 and 300 psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, respectively, in Hong Kong to reach the OECD population-to-clinical average ratios. On top of ensuring continued growth in educating clinical professionals, para-professionals, such as wellbeing practitioners, can provide essential psychological intervention for individuals experiencing mild to moderate levels of common mental disorders. Given the lengthy training period and high costs associated with specialised professions, we propose that mild to moderate cases be managed by a newly trained and supervised workforce of wellbeing practitioners, who take 11 months – compared to 10+ years for a specialist in psychiatry – to train and at a fraction of the training cost.

 

  • Introduce Low-intensity Services and a Stepped-Care Model 

 

We recommend integrating low-intensity mental health services into a stepped-care model within the public healthcare system. Low-intensity services, such as guided self-help and psychoeducation, can be delivered by a wider range of trained paraprofessionals, including wellbeing practitioners. These types of services can be hosted and delivered in a diverse range of clinical and non-clinical settings, including schools, NGOs, and community centres; it is cost and time-effective and can be crucially beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate mental health conditions. Low-intensity services serve as an initial step in providing care and can help prevent the escalation of severe mental health conditions while also freeing up resources for more severe cases that require higher-intensity interventions.

 

  • Establish a Specialised Mental Health Task Force with Executive Power

 

We recommend the establishment of a specialised mental health task force with executive powers that aligns with the government’s proposed cross-sectoral mechanism to offer treatment and social support to individuals with mental health needs. Given the broad nature of mental health, which spans across different bureaus, including the Labour and Welfare Bureau (Social Welfare Department), Food and Health Bureau (Primary Health, Hospital Authority), and Education Bureau (SEN Service, Student Wellbeing), a coordinated effort is crucial. A task force with executive power would effectively circumvent resource duplication and streamline clear, actionable mental health goals, many of which have already been determined by the Mental Health Advisory Committee’s work. 

 

  • Foster Public-Private-Non-profit Partnerships

 

To effectively address the mental health needs in Hong Kong, a comprehensive and coordinated approach is essential. We, therefore, call for robust partnerships between public, private, and non-profit sectors to address the recommendations proposed by us and the Advisory Committee on Mental Health.

 

Given the substantial gaps in communication and provision of care, these partnerships can leverage the strengths and resources of each sector to enhance prevention and treatment strategies. The private sector can provide innovative solutions and funding, the public sector can ensure policy support and infrastructure, and non-profits can offer grassroots insights and provision of care. Together, these partnerships can drive the implementation of a comprehensive mental health strategy, including the formal introduction of wellbeing practitioners and low-intensity services, which ensures no one in Hong Kong faces a mental health problem alone.

 

Incorporating these recommendations can significantly enhance mental health outcomes in Hong Kong, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more resilient society. We at Mind HK are committed to our vision of ensuring no one faces a mental health problem alone in Hong Kong, and believe these steps will take us closer to this goal. The mental health of our people is vital for the continued growth and overall wellbeing of Hong Kong. 

 

For further information, please contact 

Dr. Candice Powell, CEO, Mind HK: candice.powell@mind.org.hk 

Carol Liang, Deputy CEO, Mind HK: carol.liang@mind.org.hk 

 

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What is iACT Service?

Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT®) is one of the services from Mind HK. Trained Wellbeing Practitioners will offer initial assessment and early intervention for people dealing with mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties.

 

The service includes 6-8 sessions of low-intensity psychological support, the flexibility of the service allows individuals to receive free and timely support when needed.

If you’re aged between 18 – 65 and are facing some emotional challenges, we would like to invite you to take an online assessment for us to gain a better understanding of your current emotional struggle.

 

If you’re eligible, we’ll get you connected with a Wellbeing Practitioner within two weeks to sort out the next steps.

The service runs for about 3 months and includes 6-8 support sessions, tailored to your needs.

 

We encourage you to attend all sessions and actively practice the tips and exercises provided by your Wellbeing Practitioner.

We take your privacy seriously. Your chats with the Wellbeing Practitioner are confidential.

 

We won’t share any of your info unless you’ve provided consent or if there are risks detected.

This programme isn’t suitable for people facing emergencies, major setbacks, or those diagnosed with serious or complex mental health conditions.

 

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, this programme might not meet your needs, so please seek help right away. You can check out Mind HK’s “Find Help Now” page for immediate information and services.

Most of our Wellbeing Practitioners have backgrounds in psychology or counselling and are passionate about mental health. They’ve gone through about 140 hours of intensive training and completed at least 120 hours of supervised clinical practice over 9 months to ensure the quality of service.

 

They’re trained by accredited local experts in the mental health field, including clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists. Plus, we regularly check how effective our services are. All service outputs and performances are subject to consistent monitoring.

Who is suitable for participating in this programme?

This programme welcomes anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who may be feeling lost or facing emotional difficulties. Please note that this programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions.

This programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions, but suitable for those who experience mild to severe moderate anxiety, mild to moderate depression, or other emotional challenges. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

After signing up, our Wellbeing Practitioner will contact you within two weeks to schedule a convenient time for a 45-minute conversation, either via video or phone call, according to your preference. During the conversation, the Wellbeing Practitioner will understand your current situation and help you gain a better understanding of your emotional state based on the questionnaire you filled out during application. Additionally, they will provide recommendations for appropriate community resources based on your needs, helping you take an important first step in taking care of your mental health.

Although the intervention procedure is mostly standardised, Wellbeing Practitioners will work flexibly with clients to address individual presenting problems and unique characteristics.

Our Wellbeing Practitioners are trained to support people who experience mild to moderate mental health difficulties primarily. This programme is not suitable for the situations mentioned above. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

Your conversations with the Wellbeing Practitioner are absolutely confidential. Any information about you will not be shared with anyone without your consent unless you or others are at immediate risk or the Wellbeing Practitioner has reason to believe that you may be in imminent danger.
Supervisors will monitor trainees’ development throughout the placement to ensure that they are meeting the required level of competency to pass the training course at the end of the placement.

Yes, it is necessary to book an appointment in advance by filling out the form. Additionally, you can select one of the five stores yourself. We will allocate clients to different Wellbeing Practitioners based on their chosen location.

Before having the conversation, we will ask you to fill out a basic questionnaire for preliminary screening assessment. This screening process aims to ensure that the training received by the Wellbeing Practitioners is sufficient to meet the needs of the individuals receiving the service. If it is determined after the screening assessment that the service is not suitable for you, Mind HK will provide alternative recommendations to ensure your safety and support.

For adults who are suitable for this service, all Wellbeing Practitioners have received training on how to identify and respond to safety and risk issues. If you have any concerns about the support process, the Wellbeing Practitioners have appropriate measures in place and will develop response plans based on the urgency of the situation. They can also access support from clinical practitioners from Mind HK or participating organisations.

What private training does Mind HK provide?

Mind HK provides 4 themes of mental health training, including: Supporting Self, Supporting Others, Family Wellbeing and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).

 

Check out the brochure here for more information.

Mind HK provides a wide range of standardised mental health training, which can be tailored to different circumstances. Chat with our team to explore more! 

Our trainers come from a diverse, accredited pool of clinically experienced professionals. Check out our trainers’ biographies here.

Yes, the Mental Health First Aid class of Mind HK is internationally accredited by the MHFA International. The content and certification is delivered by trainers certified from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong. You can find out our trainers accreditation here.

We are here to support your mental health education journey! Reach out to us and chat with our team.

Mind HK’s 2023 Policy Recommendations for Hong Kong

 

Mind Mental Health Hong Kong Limited (Mind HK) 

2023 Policy Recommendations for Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong 

 

Mind HK, a local S88 registered charity, is submitting to the Chief Executive’s Policy Address Consultation to propose strategies for improving mental health support. Our suggestions draw upon our recent experience with the successful "Youth Wellbeing Practitioner Pilot Training Programme" and the urgent mental health needs observed in Hong Kong.

 

Recommendations:

 

  • Strengthen Early Detection and Support

 

Hong Kong is witnessing a steady rise in the prevalence of mental health conditions, making it crucial to focus on early detection and intervention for those at risk. We welcome the Advisory Committee on Mental Health's proposed measures to enhance early identification and intervention strategies, inclusive of the provision of timely assessment and early referral.

 

Less than 30% of individuals with common mental disorders (CMDs), which make up approximately 70% of all mental health conditions, engage with any mental health services. This gap between need and service usage can lead to a deterioration in mental health, impair personal and family function, increase mortality rates, and reduce societal productivity. Primary and secondary prevention aligns with the Government’s focus on primary care; we recommend considering the integration of early mental health support services into primary care services. 

 

  • Formalise the Role of Wellbeing Practitioners

 

Drawing from our successful implementation of the "Youth Wellbeing Practitioner Pilot Training Programme," we recommend wider adoption of such early intervention, low-intensity mental health initiatives. The programme successfully delivered over 3,330 free mental health psychological therapy sessions to young people in Hong Kong, which led to significant improvements in quality of life and an encouraging 70% of clients (aged 18-24) entering ‘recovery’ from clinical psychological distress following eight support sessions provided by the Youth Wellbeing Practitioners (YWPs).

 

In view of the current shortage of mental health professionals, particularly clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, we urge the formal recognition and placement of wellbeing practitioners within community settings as a cost and time-efficient means to improve access to mental healthcare. We need over 700 and 300 psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, respectively, in Hong Kong to reach the OECD population-to-clinical average ratios. On top of ensuring continued growth in educating clinical professionals, para-professionals, such as wellbeing practitioners, can provide essential psychological intervention for individuals experiencing mild to moderate levels of common mental disorders. Given the lengthy training period and high costs associated with specialised professions, we propose that mild to moderate cases be managed by a newly trained and supervised workforce of wellbeing practitioners, who take 11 months - compared to 10+ years for a specialist in psychiatry - to train and at a fraction of the training cost.

 

  • Introduce Low-intensity Services and a Stepped-Care Model 

 

We recommend integrating low-intensity mental health services into a stepped-care model within the public healthcare system. Low-intensity services, such as guided self-help and psychoeducation, can be delivered by a wider range of trained paraprofessionals, including wellbeing practitioners. These types of services can be hosted and delivered in a diverse range of clinical and non-clinical settings, including schools, NGOs, and community centres; it is cost and time-effective and can be crucially beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate mental health conditions. Low-intensity services serve as an initial step in providing care and can help prevent the escalation of severe mental health conditions while also freeing up resources for more severe cases that require higher-intensity interventions.

 

  • Establish a Specialised Mental Health Task Force with Executive Power

 

We recommend the establishment of a specialised mental health task force with executive powers that aligns with the government's proposed cross-sectoral mechanism to offer treatment and social support to individuals with mental health needs. Given the broad nature of mental health, which spans across different bureaus, including the Labour and Welfare Bureau (Social Welfare Department), Food and Health Bureau (Primary Health, Hospital Authority), and Education Bureau (SEN Service, Student Wellbeing), a coordinated effort is crucial. A task force with executive power would effectively circumvent resource duplication and streamline clear, actionable mental health goals, many of which have already been determined by the Mental Health Advisory Committee’s work. 

 

  • Foster Public-Private-Non-profit Partnerships

 

To effectively address the mental health needs in Hong Kong, a comprehensive and coordinated approach is essential. We, therefore, call for robust partnerships between public, private, and non-profit sectors to address the recommendations proposed by us and the Advisory Committee on Mental Health.

 

Given the substantial gaps in communication and provision of care, these partnerships can leverage the strengths and resources of each sector to enhance prevention and treatment strategies. The private sector can provide innovative solutions and funding, the public sector can ensure policy support and infrastructure, and non-profits can offer grassroots insights and provision of care. Together, these partnerships can drive the implementation of a comprehensive mental health strategy, including the formal introduction of wellbeing practitioners and low-intensity services, which ensures no one in Hong Kong faces a mental health problem alone.

 

Incorporating these recommendations can significantly enhance mental health outcomes in Hong Kong, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more resilient society. We at Mind HK are committed to our vision of ensuring no one faces a mental health problem alone in Hong Kong, and believe these steps will take us closer to this goal. The mental health of our people is vital for the continued growth and overall wellbeing of Hong Kong. 

 

For further information, please contact 

Dr. Candice Powell, CEO, Mind HK: candice.powell@mind.org.hk 

Carol Liang, Deputy CEO, Mind HK: carol.liang@mind.org.hk