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Background

  • The 2023 Policy Address announced the launch of a pilot scheme at three District Health Centres ("DHCs") / District Health Centre Expresses ("DHCEs") for free community-based mental health assessment
  • Under the scheme which is now named as the Healthy Mind Pilot Project, members identified as having mental health needs upon initial assessment will be referred to non-governmental organizations for further assessment and follow-up, so that they can receive appropriate support as early as possible
  • The Pilot Project is being implemented in Tuen Mun DHC, Eastern DHC Express, and Yau Tsim Mong DHC Express

Key Objectives

  • The 'Healthy Mind Pilot Project' provides evidence-based psychological intervention in primary healthcare settings for people experiencing mild to moderate psychological distress to achieve early identification and early intervention to prevent deterioration
  • The Pilot Project aims to detect people with psychological distress at an early stage and to enhance their ability in managing their mental wellness through low-intensity psychological intervention
  • Members assessed as high-risk cases will be referred to other community professional service providers (e.g. Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness ("ICCMW")) to receive multi-disciplinary support services in the community, so that relevant individuals can receive comprehensive and professional care and support

Programme Content

  • Pilot Project starts from August 2024
  • The service targets are members of the 3 designated DHC/DHCEs aged 18 or above who suffer from psychological distress
  • Service Mode – Interview in person, by phone or online
  • The 3 designated DHC/DHCEs have the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 included in the health risk factors assessment to assess whether members are having risks of emotional distress in relation to depression and anxiety. DHC staff will, according to protocol, refer members to NGO service partners for thorough assessment and follow-up if they are found to have reached target score in any of the 2 questionnaires
  • The Wellbeing Practitioner will provide 6 to 8 sessions of low-intensity psychological therapy to those with mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression
  • A professional team led by the clinical psychologist will provide the low-intensity psychological therapy which is an evidence-based service to effectively manage mild depressive and anxiety symptoms. The intervention includes guided self-help treatment and psychoeducational groups, covering cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness based intervention. Emotional distress may associate with multiple factors, including family etc. The Wellbeing Practitioner will conduct assessments, review and make referral accordingly.

Participating Organizations

Client Journey

Client Journey