The world of mental health services can be difficult to navigate, with all sorts of abbreviations and similar sounding words. So, let’s break it down for you. What out there is here to help, and more importantly how?
Community Resources:
are resources you can access within the community through local activity centres, non-profit organizations, mental health clinics and hospitals. Some places will require self-referrals or medical referrals before you can access these services. Services can be free or paid depending on where it is accessed.
Peer Support Groups - https://www.thenewnormalcharity.com/ , https://www.ocdanxietyhk.org/supportgroupmeetings
Peer Support Activities – Yoga, Boardgames, Singing, Martial Arts, Dance, Book Clubs ect.
https://love21foundation.com/our-programmes/
Group Therapy - https://www.sjccs.hk/services/group-therapy/dbt-skills-training/ , https://www.sjccs.hk/services/group-therapy/divorce-and-separation-support-workshop/ , https://www.sjccs.hk/services/group-therapy/positive-parenting-class/
Doctors:
General Practitioner/Family Doctor – are registered doctors who manage the mental and physical health of patients through diagnosis, prescriptions and referrals to treatment. They may also provide referrals to see specialized mental health professionals if required.
Psychiatrist – are registered doctors specializing in mental health, who may diagnosis, prescribe and treat mental health conditions.
Psychologists:
Are trained mental health professionals with a masters or doctoral degree in psychology. Some professionals may further have specialities, which may cater for more specific needs. You can find them at hospitals, private clinics, and non-profit organizations. Longer waiting lists may require a referral to see psychologists at more affordable places like hospitals and non-profit organizations. However, a referral is not required to see a psychologist privately, however some insurance plans will require a referral from a doctor first in order to be reimbursed.
https://www.sjccs.hk/services/individuals-couples-families-counselling/
Consultant Clinical Psychologists – are highly trained and experienced mental health professionals who supervise other psychologists and mental health professionals, and treat those with complex mental health conditions.
Clinical Psychologists – are highly trained mental health professionals in mental health disorder and often have some mental health research background. These professionals can provide diagnosis and psychological treatment for all mental health conditions and experiences.
Counselling Psychologists - are highly trained mental health professionals in counselling and therapies. These professionals can provide diagnosis and psychological treatment for mental health conditions and experiences, usually specialising in support for mild to moderate concerns.
Educational Psychologists – are highly trained mental health professionals focusing on supporting those with learning and educational difficulties. These professionals can diagnose and treat neurodevelopmental and learning conditions.
Psychologists – are mental health professionals who diagnose and treat a variety of mental health conditions.
Other mental health professionals:
Are trained professionals who may specialise in supporting mental health. You can find them at hospitals, private clinics, schools and non-profit organizations.
Occupational Therapists – are registered professionals that support patients in improving their ability to do daily tasks that may be difficult, for example using coping mechanisms and apply sensory strategies.
Social Workers – are registered professionals who may provide basic counselling, client and family support, and case management within the social welfare systems to provide access to referrals and other mental health resources.
Mental Health Nurse – is a registered nurse who specializes in supporting those with mental health experiences. They may assess and provide case management to patients.
Counsellors – hold a Master’s degree in counselling who is trained to provide emotional support to patients and help them process feelings, thoughts and experiences.
Psychotherapists – may include social workers, nurses, counsellors and psychologists who provide psychotherapy talk treatments.
https://www.bokss.org.hk/ , https://www.nlpra.org.hk/ , https://www.ocdanxietyhk.org/counselling
Alternative Medicine:
Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctors – are licensed practitioners who may use a range of techniques from acupuncture to herbal treatments to stimulate improved Qi Flow along meridian pathways to improve mental wellbeing.
https://scm.hku.hk/Views/Clinical/English-ClinicalBooking.html ,
Yoga Therapists – are yoga instructors specially trained in using yoga to support individuals living with or recovering from various physical and mental conditions. This may include physical movement and stretches, meditation and yogic philosophy.
https://www.yamahk.org/ytss , https://inspire-yoga.com/
Sound Healers – use instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks which use frequencies to relax and bring balance to the body and mind.
https://www.red-doors.com/ , https://malbertlee.com/ , https://www.yin-ki.com/ , https://www.alivewellness.hk/sound-healing/
Crises Resource:
Hotline – are a phone number or webchat you can access immediately and receive support from a trained volunteer or mental health professional
Emergency Department at your Local Hospital – is a physical location you can go to and receive physical and mental healthcare, there is usually a doctor or psychiatrist on available to provide support if needed.
Books:
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/books/g38018758/best-mental-health-books/
