The Government today launched the Healthy Mind Pilot Project at three district health facilities to offer free initial mental health assessments to members of the public on a trial basis at the community level.

Citizens preliminarily assessed to have mild symptoms of depression or anxiety will be referred to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for further assessment and follow-up, so that they can receive appropriate support at an early stage.

At the Tuen Mun District Health Centre (DHC), Yau Tsim Mong and Eastern DHC Expresses, where the trial project takes place, trained staff will in parallel conduct preliminary mental health questionnaire assessments for people aged 18 or above while conducting health risk assessments for them.

The preliminary assessments, involving the Patient Health Questionnaire – 2 (PHQ-2) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder – 2 (GAD-2), will help identify the individuals’ risks of emotional distress in relation to depression and anxiety.

Based on the assessment results and in accordance with the protocol, the staff will refer those with mental health needs to the project’s partnering NGOs in the same district, namely the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association or Mind HK for follow-up.

Professional officers with mental health training, or Wellbeing Practitioners at the two NGOs, will conduct emotional assessments for the cases, and offer evidence-based low-intensity psychological therapy to those with mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression.

The therapy will involve guided self-help treatment and psychoeducational groups, with a view to enhancing the concerned individuals’ capacity in managing their psychological health.

The high-risk cases identified will be referred to the Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness or multidisciplinary support services in the community for more comprehensive and professional care and support.

Under the pilot project, the assessment as well as subsequent counselling and therapy services are all free of charge.

In his Policy Address last year, the Chief Executive unveiled the initiative of launching a pilot scheme at three DHCs, in collaboration with community organisations, to provide mental health assessments for the public, thereby helping people with mental health needs through early follow-up and referral of high-risk cases.