In an inspirational move to support the mental well-being of young people, a state-run online psychiatric service has launched as a free mobile application, enthused government spokesman Chai Wacharonke on Friday. The groundbreaking app, OOCA, is poised to provide essential mental health support to youths aged 15 to 25 through convenient video call consultations.
With the pressing need for accessible mental health care, OOCA is breaking barriers by offering a virtual door to expert guidance and compassionate care. Users are invited to register online, after which they can seamlessly book appointments and engage with mental health professionals. Each user is entitled to schedule up to four free consultations, ensuring ample opportunity to receive the help they need.
The consultation journey begins with a psychiatrist handling the first appointment, followed by a subsequent session with a psychologist. This creates a strong foundation of professional evaluation and guidance. Moving forward, specially trained volunteers step in to support users during the third and fourth sessions, providing continuous care with a personal touch.
The innovators behind OOCA have stressed the importance of feedback, enabling users to evaluate the service after each consultation. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that the service evolves to meet the changing needs of young people.
Highlighting the government’s dedication, Mr. Chai remarked, “Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin cares deeply about the physical and mental well-being of Thai youths. The administration is committed to supporting our young generation in every conceivable way.”
The collaborative effort to develop this tele-mental health service involved a robust partnership among the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Health, the National Health Security Office, and the Wall of Sharing Foundation. This initiative was conceived in response to a call from the Children and Youth Council to the prime minister in May, urging for a stronger mental health support system.
The prime minister emphasized the urgency of prioritizing mental health promotion. Inaction was not an option; hence, he mandated relevant agencies to elevate mental health care to the forefront of their agendas. This directive included enhancing the skills of personnel to ensure swift, first-rate assistance to the youth.
The app is readily accessible for download on both the App Store and Google Play, bringing mental health support to the fingertips of those who need it most.
I think this is a fantastic initiative! Mental health support for young people is so important.
True, but won’t this app just encourage kids to stay glued to their phones even more? There’s a point where tech can do more harm than good.
I get your point, but if used correctly, this app can save lives. It’s about balancing technology use.
JohnDoe88, kids are already on their phones a lot. If this app can turn screen time into something beneficial, isn’t that a win?
Four free consultations don’t seem like enough support for someone with serious mental health issues.
I agree, Mai. It’s a good start, but continued access might be necessary for long-term issues.
But think about the state budget. Free consultations can’t be endless. Better to have something than nothing.
Four sessions can help identify major issues and guide users to other existing resources.
Can we trust these ‘specially trained volunteers’? It’s not the same as talking to certified professionals.
Valid concern, but having volunteers might make mental health care more relatable for some young people.
I hope so, Jessie. But proper training and oversight are crucial.
These volunteers are likely well-vetted. Plus, they aren’t the primary diagnosis or treatment providers.
Just downloaded the app! I hope they have a good user interface. Sometimes these government apps can be so clunky.
Would be great to hear your review once you’ve tried it out!
Most users won’t care about UI if the app delivers on its purpose. Functionality over appearance.
Is this app secure? The last thing we need is sensitive mental health information being leaked.
Great point! Data privacy should be a top priority. Hope they’ve implemented strong security measures.
Absolutely, Bob. Transparency about data handling policies would go a long way in building trust.
They better have top-notch encryption. Young people might hesitate to use it if they fear privacy compromises.
It’s about time the government stepped up for mental health. Kudos to the team behind OOCA!
Will this app be available in other languages? Thailand has many non-native speakers who deserve equal access.
Good thought! Inclusivity is key, especially in diverse societies.
Exactly, Binh. I hope the developers consider this as they update the app.
Seeing mental health becoming prioritized is refreshing. Well done, Prime Minister Thavisin!
Definitely. Hope other nations take note and follow suit.
What’s the catch? Governments rarely do anything for free without some ulterior motive.
Not everything has to have a sinister agenda. Sometimes good initiatives are just that—good.
I remain skeptical, Maria. Governments work in mysterious ways.
Maybe it’s simply about addressing a vital need. Youth mental health shouldn’t be ignored.
Does anyone know if they plan to expand the age range? Mental health support is necessary at all ages.
I hope they involve school counselors. They can be a great bridge to additional resources.