Hong Kong launches free mental health tests at 3 centres after 2023 frenzied fatal stabbing

Preliminary assessments will help identify risks of emotional distress in relation to depression and anxiety, authorities say

Reading Time:2 minutes

Yau Tsim Mong District Health Center Express. Free mental health assessments have been launched to identify risks of emotional distress. Photo: Lok Sin Tong

Published: 2:36pm, 15 Aug 2024Updated: 6:44pm, 15 Aug 2024

Three Hong Kong district centres will offer free initial mental health assessments starting on Thursday as part of the government’s efforts to improve services after a frenzied stabbing attack last year.

Authorities launched the Healthy Mind Pilot Project at the health centre in Tuen Mun, as well as express ones in Eastern district and Yau Tsim Mong, a district comprising Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok.

“The preliminary assessments will help identify the members’ risks of emotional distress in relation to depression and anxiety,” the government said.

“Members preliminarily assessed to have mild symptoms of depression or anxiety will be referred to non-governmental organisations for further assessment and follow-up, so that they can receive appropriate support at an early stage.”

The pilot scheme is among 10 measures proposed by the government last June to support people in mental recovery and with emotional needs.

Other measures include setting up a mental health support hotline and improving training of social workers in community mental health services units.