Providing a holistic approach for the treatment of COVID-19 patients and in a bid to help local frontliners to destress from heavy workload, the local government of Muntinlupa offers free psychosocial support and mental health services via online and limited face-to-face consultations.
The Muntinlupa Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) provides psychological first aid and psychiatric check-up, including psychotherapy, through the Mental Health and Wellness “Alay Malasakit" Program for city residents who tested positive for COVID-19, suspect cases, frontliners, and the general public experiencing anxiety and stress during the pandemic.
In a Facebook post, MHPSS invites city residents who are experiencing fatigue, depression, fear of COVID-19, difficulty in sleeping due to anxiety brought about by stressful situations, or having suicidal thoughts to send them a message and avail of their free online mental health consultation.
Mental Health Psychosocial First Aids and online counselling are administered via Muntinlupa Mental Health Psychosocial Support Services Facebook page.
Psychiatric and Mental Health Crisis e-prescription for self-injurious/suicidal and acute amphetamine psychosis, among other related concerns are also available via MHPSS FB page or through Dr. Nicanor Echavez’ Messenger, Viber (0977 277 4402), or email echaveznicanor@gmail.comfrom Mondays to Fridays 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Limited face-to-face check-up for psychiatric consultation are offered at Poblacion Health Center every Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The MHPSS Team is composed of a psychiatrist, registered psychometrician, nurses, social workers, a SPED teacher, barangay health workers, and other staff members from the City Government of Muntinlupa.
As of August 5, MHPSS Team has free provided free mental health service and referrals to 900 clients. The project is facilitated by the City Health Office, Social Service Department, Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office, Schools Division Office – Muntinlupa, Office of Senior Citizens Affairs, and Muntinlupa City Technical Institute.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said the City Government recognizes the need to support the people's mental health as fear and anxiety grow from various factors including the virus’ threat to public health, the implementation of strict quarantine, and a wave of social media misinformation, among others.
“We are taking a holistic approach in the COVID-19 health emergency by also providing psychological support for our constituents. We made it accessible online so Muntinlupeños can consult with our medical personnel in the comfort of their homes during the quarantine period,” Fresnedi added.
The Muntinlupa Mental Health and Psychosocial Support program was established last 2016 to cater to persons in crisis such as fire victims and displaced families during calamities. Social workers has provided counselling in evacuation centers and self-care seminars for calamity victims.