Authorities to launch mental health project

PESHAWAR: The Department of Health has taken the initiative of providing psychosocial and mental health support in collaboration with the Psychiatry Department of the Lady Reading Hospital.
A decision to this effect was taken following a ?study by World Health Organisation, which says one in 10 children and young people aged 5 to 16 suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder, indicating drastic incline in the number of psychosocially compromised young people.
Under the initiative, multiple ‘Psychosocial Family Counseling Centers’ would be set up at community level within the selected existing health facilities of Peshawar, with availability of qualified psychologists.
Furthermore, the province will also see the completion of the first ever dedicated “Psychotrauma Center” at the Psychiatry Department of Lady Reading Hospital. For the convenience of the community to get further information about these services, a toll free helpline 080077666 has been installed at the Lady Reading Hospital where expert psychologists are available to respond to calls from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.