Muntinlupa offers mental health e-consultation for Covid-19 patients, frontliners

THE Muntinlupa City government is offering free psychosocial support and mental health services via online and limited face-to-face consultations for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients and frontliners.

The Muntinlupa Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) provides psychological first aid and psychiatric check-up, including psychotherapy, through the Mental Health and Wellness “Alay Malasakit” Program for city residents experiencing anxiety and stress during the pandemic.

The MHPSS team is composed of a psychiatrist, registered psychometrician, nurses, social workers, a special education (SPED) teacher, barangay health workers, and other staff members from the city government.

As of August 5, MHPSS Team has provided free mental health service and referrals to 900 clients.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said the city government recognizes the need to support the people’s mental health as fear and anxiety grow from various factors, including the virus’ threat to public health, the implementation of strict quarantine, and a wave of social media misinformation, among others.

The MHPSS program was established last 2016 to cater to persons in crisis such as fire victims and displaced families during calamities. Social workers have provided counselling in evacuation centers and self-care seminars for calamity victims.

As of August 5, Muntinlupa City has 1,800 confirmed cases with 955 recoveries and 78 deaths.

Source: TheManila Times