COVID-19

#StayMentallyHealthy During COVID-19 Pandemic by Reaching Out These Mental Health Care Groups


Recognizing the growing impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on a person’s mental and psychosocial well-being, the Department of Health (DOH) advises the public to mind their mental health.

According to DOH, a person’s mental well-being is an equally important part of staying safe and healthy during the pandemic.

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Thus, in a virtual presser today, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire, together with local mental and psychosocial care groups, discussed different ways to deal with the impact of the pandemic and other stressors on their mental health.

Mental and Psychosocial Care Groups

Here are mental and psychosocial care groups identified by DOH on its website that you can contact if you need help or consultation:

National Center for Medical Health (NCMH)

  • NCMH Crisis Hotlines:  ​0917-899-USAP (8727) ​or ​(02) 7-989-USAP
  • Free and confidential consultation at NCMH’s 24/7 crisis and suicide services

Mental health crisis responders at NCMH receive the calls and refer these callers to a hospital’s licensed psychiatrist if needed.


Online Platform for Frontliners and OFWs

In addition, NCMH has also launched an online platform to cater to frontliners and repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWS) who have mental health concerns.

This platform called Telemental Health Response initiative offers remote psychosocial support sessions that provide much-needed support to these individuals.

NCMH Psychiatrist Dr. Bernard Argamosa said that they didn’t stop serving patients even during the implementation of lockdown.

“We believe that napaka-importante po ng mental health sa ating bansa, sa ating mga kababayan. It must be front and center of every country’s response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic”

– Dr. Bernard Argamosa

UP Diliman Psychosocial Services

Otherwise known as UP PsycServ, this organization offers free telepsychotherapy services.

UP PsycServ offers service for callers dealing with:

  • Clinical issues
  • Mental health problems that require a licensed psychiatrist’s  diagnosis
  • Existential issues

You may reach the organization through their official Facebook Account or at 09167573157​.

Furthermore, the UP PsycServ Director Dr. Violeta Bautista explained that the program aims to nurture the resilience and growth of Filipinos. However, the organization has has turned its focus on addressing the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the public’s mental health.

In addition, Dr. Bautista said that focusing on the dangers caused by COVID-19 might rob our attention from mental health. She explained that it is also very important to focus our attention on mental health in order to be able to manage stress.

Other services by UP PsycServ:

Aside from offering Psychotherapy, the organization also conduct the following:

  • Wellness workshops
  • Organizational training and consultation
  • Research in the academic literature for Filipino mental health

Reach Out and Save Lives

While urging people to reach out to the organization, UP PsycServ director emphasized that whatever we do during these times will not only spare ourselves but also the people we love from danger.

So whatever you’re going through right now, know that you are not alone and that there are people who are willing help, to listen, and hear you out. Don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health care organizations like NCMH and UP PsycServ.

SOURCE: DOH

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