The National Center for Medical Health (NCMH) is offering its 24/7 crisis and suicide services for free and confidential consultation.
Callers are received by mental health crisis responders and are referred to a hospital’s licensed psychiatrist, if needed.
This is part of the initiatives to safeguard the mental and psychosocial well-being of the public.
Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire discussed with local mental and psychosocial care groups about the options available for managing the psychological impact not only of the pandemic, but all the other stress-inducers in one’s life.
The NCMH Crisis Hotline may be reached at 0917-899-USAP (8727) or (02) 7-989-USAP.
To respond to the increasing mental health concerns experienced by frontliners and repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), NCMH also launched its Telemental Health Response initiative, which is an internet platform for remote psychosocial support sessions.
The remote setup helps provide much-needed support while reducing the risk of transmitting the virus through outside exposure.
“Hindi po kami tumigil sa services. Kahit na po nung nag-lockdown, hindi po namin pinabayaan ang mga pasyente natin,” said NCMH psychiatrist Bernard Argamosa.
UP Diliman’s Psychosocial Services, or UPD PsycServ, is a 100-volunteer-strong service organization that offers telepsychotherapy for free.
The service assists callers not only with clinical issues, or mental health problems that require diagnosis by a licensed psychiatrist, but also existential issues.
UPD PsycServ Director Violeta Bautista said the program aims to nurture resilience and growth of Filipinos and has pivoted to address the growing concerns brought about by the Covid-19.
In addition to psychotherapy, the organizational so conducts wellness workshops, organizational training, and consultation, and research in the growing body of academic literature for Filipino mental health.
UPD PsycServ may be reached at fb.com/UPDPsycServor at 0916-757-3157. – DOH release
