Expert Mental Health Services in Hong Kong: What You Need to Know

Mental health issues have risen in Hong Kong over the past two decades, and it’s no surprise that many people are struggling to deal with the pressures of living in one of the world’s most fast-paced cities.

According to recent statistics, one in six Hong Kong residents has experienced common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. This begs the question: what mental health services are available in Hong Kong, and how can residents choose the right service for their needs?

Mental Health Services Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a well-developed healthcare system, but the mental health services sector faces some challenges.

One of the most significant problems is that many people are unaware of the mental health services available or how to access them. The second most critical challenge is the need for more affordability. Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities, so finding affordable therapy services might be challenging, especially for more extended therapies.

Third, a shortage of trained mental health professionals in Hong Kong can create long waiting lines, especially in the public sector. The waiting time at Hong Kong hospitals in June 2023 hovered around 95 days.

Another issue is the stigma attached to mental health, which prevents many people from seeking help even when they know it’s needed.

Workplace Stress and Financial Difficulties

Stress is a leading cause of mental health issues in Hong Kong. According to a Hong Kong Mental Health Association survey, more than 30% of the city’s population experiences work-related stress and nearly 60% struggle with social and financial pressures. Other factors contributing to mental health issues in Hong Kong include family problems, relationship issues, and personal crises.

Mental Health Issues in Hong Kong

Stress due to workplace culture or financial difficulties is not the only mental health problem experienced by most Hong Kongers. Other mental health conditions requiring psychological services are:

• Anxiety
• Depression and other mood disorders
• Panic attacks
• Insomnia and other sleep problems
• Phobias
• Eating disorders
• Substance abuse
• Self-Harm

More severe mental illnesses might require specialized psychiatric services. They include:

• Bipolar disease
• Early psychosis and schizophrenia

Private services: Psychiatrists, Hypnotherapists, Psychologists and Counsellors

The private services have a qualified network of mental health practitioners with different specialities which complement each other.

Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Psychiatric Services

Psychiatrists typically work in local hospitals, a “psychiatry specialist outpatient clinic”, or a private clinic with other medical doctors or mental health practitioners. They tend to look after more severe mental health issues, and under their care, patients can receive medical assistance in the form of medication prescriptions. Many patients may be wary of their potential short-term and long-term side effects.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapists use hypnosis techniques to facilitate a state of deep focus to let go of limiting beliefs. This therapy is increasingly backed by a compelling body of research for physical and mental ailments. As more people use conventional services such as clinical psychology and counselling, they naturally turn to faster therapies like hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy does not only focus on symptoms. Instead, it adopts a holistic approach conducive to greater resilience and happiness. Finally, hypnotherapists do not provide any diagnosis. The whole focus is on accompanying people toward better health and happiness.

Clinical Psychology Services

Clinical psychology services tend to offer more prolonged therapies, but many are increasingly integrating hypnotherapy. The most commonly used techniques are cognitive behavioural therapy and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR). Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists can provide assessments, i.e., a diagnosis.

Counselling Services

Counsellors form a large contingent and can provide early intervention for mental illnesses. They cannot give any diagnosis but are trained in many healing modalities suited to children, young people and adults. Skilled at helping others deal with emotional distress, counsellors typically work in private practices with a clinical psychology unit or in wellness clinics with doctors or hypnotherapists.

In-person Therapy

In-person therapy belongs to the traditional model of administering psychological care. The pandemic highlighted the limits of this model and its inability to provide mental health support at crucial times. Nevertheless, in-person therapy remains one of the most requested types of services, especially for couple and family counselling.

Online Therapy

Everyone can experience psychological distress. When facing unfamiliar challenges, consulting a mental health professional can make a drastic difference in one’s life. Nowadays, early intervention comes in different shapes: telehealth services and online counselling services facilitate access to speedy emotional support, minimizing the likelihood of mental health illnesses.

More people are aware and also more inclined to consult their psychotherapist online. But over the last few years, another type of support service has become mainstream, with individuals, especially young people, relying increasingly on mental health applications.

Digital Therapy Made in Hong Kong

A few years ago, digital therapy was shunned and deemed inferior to in-person interventions. Nowadays, many patients admit that they have used digital therapy, either through meditation apps, cognitive behavioural therapy apps and self-hypnosis programs.

Mental health services are becoming increasingly digitized, and almost all types of therapy can migrate onto a digital platform. With daily practice, self-help programs like UpNow self-hypnosis can help you release stress and anxiety. In addition, research is increasingly unearthing valuable applications for mind-body therapies that can benefit both mind and body. With digital therapy, you can care for your physical health at the same time, for a fraction of of the cost of an in-person session, from anywhere and at any time.

Other Mental Health Resources in Hong Kong

Support Groups

Mental health support happens beyond one-to-one interactions with a mental health therapist. Support groups, or self-help groups, can fill a void and mix education programs with experience sharing. They have become a cost-effective way to receive mental health support.

Nevertheless, for many people, the drawbacks are substantial: the lack of personalization and the confidentiality might dissuade them to sign a up for group sessions. The Renewed Edge mental health professionals lead an anxiety support group in Hong Kong. For more information, contact us today.

Suicide Prevention Services

Suicide prevention services are highly skilled at crisis intervention and are crucial in supporting those most at risk of self-harm.

Public Resources in Hong Kong

Social Welfare Department (and other government authorities)

The Social Welfare Department provides a wide range of social services to support the well-being of individuals and families in Hong Kong. The department offers mental health services to those experiencing mental health challenges or distress. Services include counselling, psychotherapy, and psychiatric care. These services are available to all residents of Hong Kong who are in need, regardless of their financial situation.

1. Counselling – Counseling services are available to individuals who need support coping with their mental health problems. The Social Welfare Department offers counseling services to individuals of all ages, including children, teenagers, and adults.
2. Psychotherapy – Psychotherapy helps individuals manage their mental health issues by examining their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The Social Welfare Department offers psychotherapy to individuals experiencing more severe mental health problems.
3. Psychiatric Care – The Social Welfare Department and the hospital authority provide access to psychiatric care for individuals who need medication to manage their mental health issues.

NGOs

As the World Health Organization highlighted, mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and the need for accessible and effective support services has never been more critical. In Hong Kong, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played a pivotal role in fighting the stigma against mental illnesses and providing essential mental health services to those in need.

Numerous NGOs in Hong Kong focus on mental health issues, each with its area of specialization and target audience. Some of the prominent organizations include:

Organizations for Children and Youth: These NGOs cater to the mental health needs of children and teenagers, offering services such as counseling, therapy, and support groups. Examples include the Kely Support Group.

Organizations for Adults: These organizations provide mental health services, addressing issues like depression, anxiety disorders, and stress management.

Organizations for Specific Conditions: Some NGOs focus on specific mental health conditions, offering specialized support and resources to individuals and their families. Examples include the Hong Kong Alzheimer’s Disease Association and Eating Disorders Association.

Organizations for Mental Health Promotion and Advocacy: These NGOs aim to raise awareness about mental health issues and advocate for better policies and resources.

Renewed Edge: Your Mental Wellness Partner in Hong Kong

Renewed Edge offers confidential counselling and hypnotherapy services. Its counselling service helps you address emotional distress or deeper-seated issues. We offer in-person and online counselling services, hypnotherapy sessions, and the UpNow self-hypnosis app. In addition, we also train hypnotherapists through the coveted NGH hypnotherapy certification course. With its comprehensive services, The Renewed Edge Centre can provide support services 24/7. Emotional support comes to your home.

We believe in education. You might start by perusing our blog, a free and well-documented mental health resource. You, too, can overcome mental health challenges. Contact us today and get ready to improve your mental well-being.