Taiwan has launched a nationwide initiative to provide free counseling to residents aged 15 to 45. The program offers three free counseling sessions per year, aiming to improve public mental health and prevent suicide. Free counseling is central to the government’s effort to address rising mental health concerns.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare has allocated NT$410 million (US$13 million) to support the program. Deputy Minister Chuang Jen-hsiang said at a Sunday press conference that suicide ranked among Taiwan’s top 10 causes of death last year, returning to this list for the first time in 14 years. He emphasized that the free counseling initiative could help reduce this tragic trend.
To improve accessibility, the program includes online counseling services for residents in remote areas. Cheng Shu-hsin from the ministry’s Department of Mental Health said more than 200 medical institutions nationwide offer online sessions. She noted that all participating providers are vetted to ensure client privacy and safety. The ministry plans to recruit more providers in the future to expand coverage.
Chuang also highlighted that 388 public health centers across Taiwan provide psychological counseling. In addition, the ministry partners with social welfare organizations to operate the 1925 hotline. This service runs year-round and receives nearly 30,000 calls annually.
The mental health sector in Taiwan has grown significantly in recent years. From 2018 to 2023, the number of psychological counseling institutions increased from 93 to 236, with the most concentrated in Greater Taipei and Taichung. During the same period, the number of licensed counseling psychologists rose from 499 to 1,220. Experts say this growth enhances access to professional care and supports broader public health initiatives.
However, Wang Yi-sheng, a counseling psychologist at Taipei City Hospital, noted that the rise of online counseling has also brought informal services, including some that mix counseling with fortune-telling. He urged the government to set clear rules to ensure safety and quality, while encouraging in-person counseling, which generally carries lower risks.
The expansion of free counseling represents a significant step in Taiwan’s mental health strategy. Authorities hope that combining in-person and online services, along with hotlines and public health centers, will make support widely available. As the program develops, the government plans to increase participation and maintain strict oversight to safeguard residents’ well-being.
