Students, teachers to get mental health services

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) will provide mental health and psychosocial support services for students, teachers and other personnel ahead of the opening of classes on Aug. 24.

Last week, the DepEd held an orientation for local education officials regarding the mental health services for students and DepEd personnel amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The orientation aimed to establish the importance of mental health and psychosocial support services intervention, identify the appropriate activities and provide guidance to regional and school division offices in implementing the program.

In its guidelines on required health standards in basic education, the DepEd said it places priority on the protection and promotion of the mental health and general welfare of all learners and personnel.

Interventions include discussion and facilitation of modules related to mental health, operationalization of a guidance office in every school to provide basic mental health services to learners and personnel, and the establishment of counseling services through a hotline in school division offices.

A hotline or platform for counseling services will also be established at the central office for its personnel as well as those in the regional offices.