The New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association’s “Psychiatric Medical Subsidy and Community Support Project,” jointly funded by Chow Tai Fook Medical Foundation, Fu Tak Iam Foundation and the Shih Wing Ching Foundation, offers Hong Kong residents with financial needs who are on the waiting list for psychiatric specialist outpatient services in public hospitals to receive subsidies to receive treatment from designated private psychiatrists upon referral by social workers and submission of applications.

At present, the waiting time for psychiatric specialist services in public hospitals is as long as 1 to 2 years. The programme allows those in need to receive early intervention and treatment to avoid delayed treatment and reduce the acute demand. One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Lui suffers from panic attack shared his case. He was first assessed by a social worker before meeting a psychiatrist for medications and psychological counseling. He has now connected to the psychiatric services at the public hospital and returned to normal life.

Eligible ones can receive a maximum of 12 times subsidized consultation at a fee of $150 or free private psychiatric services a year, depending on the household income.

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