China's mental health interventions during the COVID-19 outbreak

ABSTRACT

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has threatened both the physical health of individuals who contracted the virus, and the mental health of everyone directly or indirectly associated with or concerned about it. Objective: As telecommunication technologies and online mental health apps become more available and affordable, they allow behavioral and mental health professionals to provide quality care by handling problems arising from the COVID-19 outbreak virtually. The aim of the current article is to summarize the online psychological assistance supported by the Chinese government during the epidemic. Design: Several measures, policies, action plans, and programs that have been underway in China during the COVID-19 outbreak epidemic are listed to provide guidance for mental health intervention practices around the world. Results: A total of seven types of mental health services and supports developed in China were listed and introduced 1) online psychological assistance;2) online psychological self-assessment and self-help;3) a "Peace of Mind" self-help counseling camp;4) a "Peace of Mind" self-help training camp;5) mental health training and lectures;6) psychological assistance to Hubei;and 7) collaboration with social workers in "Thousands of Institutions Send Peace of Mind." Moreover, several areas for the organization and management of psychological intervention activities in the future were identified. Conclusion: Mental health interventions helped people cope with their mental health concerns during the outbreak of COVID-19. They could facilitate the development of Chinese public emergency interventions, and eventually improve the quality and effectiveness of emergency interventions in China. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)