The Mental Health Environmental Change Project is a Japan-US-UK joint project led by community and mental health experts to improve the mental health environment in Japan and promote our mental health.
The importance of mental health care has been advocated in the world these days. With the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019, the number of people who need mental health support has increased rapidly. In addition, there are various effects on mental and physical health such as social distress due to war, tragic incidents, an increase in suicides, fatigue, and a decrease in hope for the future of young people. The world has a realization that mental health support is necessary to maintain our well-being.
Since its enactment of the Community Mental Health Act in 1963,the US has been focused on providing mental health support through community based mental health initiatives. Community mental health initiatives allow people to improve their wellness by receiving mental health support within their community, instead of receiving treatment only at specialized institutions, such as hospitals and psychiatric clinics.
In fact, It is evident that in countries like the United States with advanced mental health policies and decades of investment in improving their mental health environment, many more people are benefiting from this and receiving mental health support.
In countries such as Japan, where the mental health environment is not yet developed or has a strong cultural resistance to mental illness, it is difficult to access mental health care. As a result, many people continue to suffer from mental health issues.
It is predicted that this mental health status will worsen in the future and the impact on the next generation will be immeasurable if proper care and support are not provided.
The Mental Health Environment Change Project is a social activity to protect the mental health in Japan and promote our mental health. The community will take the initiative in improving the mental health environment of Japan with the support of mental health and medical experts from Japan, the UK, and the US. We aim to create an environment where many people can easily access receive mental health support.
Bringing together the expertise and experience from established mental health systems in the US with experts in Japan allows us to integrate resources and develop a mental health system which best aligns with Japanese culture. Japan can more efficiently and effectively build a mental health system that supports its mental health and wellness.
As the first phase to improve accessibility, we will build a website to provide effective and timely access to those who need mental health support.
Feature 1: Quality assurance of registered counselors
Registered counselors undergo careful screening and receive continuous education and training to improve their counseling skills. Providing an environment where clients can feel safe in receiving the counseling service is essential. In addition, by building a website while gaining the knowledge and experience of psychological and medical experts widely, the credibility of medical institutions will be improved, and medical and psychological support will effectively support clients. This medical and mental cooperation will continue to provide comprehensive support to clients.
Feature 2: Partnerships with medical institutions and domestic and international experts
Not limiting the above collaboration in Japan, but we widely introduce the knowledge and experience of mental health systems developed in the advanced mental health countries such as the United States. It helps this mental health system to be more reliable and effective.
Feature 3: Intake System
Also, when using counseling, which emphasizes the usability of clients, many people are worried about "I don't know who to ask for counseling" or "It is difficult to decide whether I should really see counseling". In order to solve those concerns, we will introduce a function called “concierge (intake)” who has received professional training.
Besides the traditional self-counselor search function, you will receive third-party support to find a counselor that is more suitable for you and your symptoms. In addition, when counseling clients in partnership with doctors and medical institutions, this concierge can communicate with doctors so that they can be referred to counselors more appropriately.
United States of America
Daisuke Oshioka, Ph.D
Professor of Kyushu Women's University/
Rinsyo-Shinrishi/Konin-Shinrishi
