Selangor allocates over RM200,000 for mental health treatment subsidy scheme

THE Selangor government is offering a Selangor Sehat Psychiatric Treatment Subsidy programme for residents of the state who need intervention treatment by psychiatric experts.

“The Selangor government is allocating RM222,600 for the programme, which offers 700 subsidised slots for those who need mental health treatment,” said public health, unity, women empowerment and family committee chairman Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud.

“The subsidy covers screening cost, consultation with a psychiatric expert, basic psychotherapy treatment and medication for the first two weeks.

“This programme is carried out through a collaboration with International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysian Psychiatric Association and SelCare Clinic.”

Besides the cost of consultation and treatment, which comes to RM200 per slot, Dr Siti Mariah said the allocation was also for the continuous education and training of SelCare doctors on psychiatric intervention matters.

“Selangor residents who want to apply for the incentive have to complete an initial screening through the Selangkah app (under the Mental Sehat option),” she said.

“Based on eligibility, an applicant can then choose to undergo a second screening at a preferred SelCare Clinic. Qualified applicants will be referred to psychiatric experts to undergo further intervention.

“A user will have to fulfil what is stated in the app in order to qualify for the subsidy. We expect the majority of applicants to come from the B40 and M40 groups.

“With this programme, we hope to reduce the waiting time for those seeking mental health treatment and reduce the burden on psychiatric clinics at government hospitals,” she added at the launch of the Selangor Sehat Psychiatric Treatment Subsidy programme at the foyer of Bangunan SSAAS in Shah Alam.

In her speech, she said that the state government, through the public health standing committee, launched the Selangor Mental Sihat Programme (Sehat) last year to offer a holistic mental health initiative that covers four components ‒ awareness, education, screening and intervention.

“Selangor is the first state to introduce a digital mental health function that was integrated with the Selangkah app.

“Since then, more than 60,000 Selangor residents have undergone initial mental health screenings while the Sehat psychosocial support helpline has assisted 312 callers from within and outside the state," she said.

She also said there are plans to expand the Selangkah app to offer Mandarin and Tamil translations, hopefully by next year.