South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare will provide vouchers for professional psychological counseling services to citizens experiencing depression and anxiety through the “2024 Nationwide Mental Health Investment Support Project” starting Monday. The project aims to care for mental health, prevent chronic mental illnesses and reduce suicide and self-harm attempts. Eligible recipients include those referred by mental health institutions, those with moderate or higher levels of depression, young people who are transitioning out of the child welfare system, and youth who remain in the child welfare system or foster care beyond the typical age of emancipation.

The counseling services will be provided by qualified professionals and classified into two levels based on expertise. Recipients can choose a service provider and receive eight one-on-one sessions within 120 days of voucher issuance. The government will cover 70 to 100% of the counseling costs, depending on the recipient’s income level.