Taipei's Mental Health Network Expands: 6 Centers Now Operational, All 12 Districts to Have One by 2031

(CNA reporter Yang Shu-min, Taipei, June 15) Taipei City Deputy Mayor Lee Tai-hsing and Deputy Minister Chuang Jen-hsiang of the Ministry of Health and Welfare today unveiled a plaque marking the upgrade of the Zhongzheng District Community Mental Health Center to include medical services. There are currently six such centers across the city. The city government aims to have one center in each of the 12 administrative districts by the end of 2031, with the Zhongshan District expected to be the next, possibly this year or next.

The Taipei City Department of Health held a re-opening ceremony today at the Zhongzheng District Community Mental Health Center, themed 'Upgraded Zhongzheng Mental Health Center – Double the Assurance,' celebrating its on-site enhancement.

Yang Ming-shu, Executive Secretary of the Zhongzheng Mental Health Center, said the center was established in 2000 (Minguo Year 89), making it Taiwan's first community mental health center. Originally focused on health promotion, it now offers professional counseling, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and recovery support as part of its upgraded psychological medical services. Since 2022, similar medical-function centers have also been established in Wanhua, Wenshan, Beitou, Xinyi, and Nangang districts, forming a six-center service network across Taipei.

Deputy Mayor Lee emphasized that the city government prioritizes citizens' mental health and safety, aiming to have one center in each of the 12 administrative districts by the end of 2031. Health Commissioner Huang Chien-hua stated that Zhongshan District is expected to get its center this year or next, followed by Neihu, ensuring resources are deeply embedded in communities and promptly connected to those in need.

The Department of Health outlined several resources available to citizens. The upgraded centers, such as the one in Zhongzheng, now employ professional staff including occupational therapists, psychologists, and nurses, offering in-person services on weekdays until 9 p.m. Online appointment-based counseling is available, with each 30-minute session costing NT$250 (registration plus consultation fee).

Second, citizens can call the Taipei Community Mental Health Counseling Hotline at (02) 3393-7885 ('Please help me'), available on weekdays until 10 p.m.

Third, in collaboration with Taipei City United Hospital, 13 community mental health outpatient clinics have been established across the 12 districts. Four of these also offer psychological counseling services for individuals aged 24 and under. Statistics show that in 2025, these clinics served 7,925 people.

Additionally, the Department of Health noted that resources from the Ministry of Health and Welfare's mental health support program for individuals aged 15 to 45 are also available. This program offers three free 50-minute sessions, delivered through 166 partner institutions, including Taipei City United Hospital and private counseling agencies. In 2025, this program served 31,244 people, with 5,987 (19.16%) being under age 24, indicating a clear trend toward younger individuals seeking mental health support. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150615