With its population of 7+ million inhabitants, mental health problems are not uncommon among Hong Kong’s (HK) local and expat communities. Although HK is a vibrant and exciting place to live in, the densely packed population and the high expectations of adults and children have resulted in mental health challenges that are multi-faceted and problematic. These challenges are exacerbated by the lack of trained therapists, the cost of individual therapy and a general lack of awareness about the benefits that therapy, including counselling and psychotherapy, can offer.

In particular, the stress facing HK teachers and students is a collective issue of concern. And the levels of stress in the workforce have been identified as particularly problematic with millennials. However, all levels of HK society are affected by depression, work stress and general anxiety disorders.

The recent protests and disturbances, along with the dramatic worldwide effects of the coronavirus pandemic, have only increased the mental health problems in the HK population and heightened the need for affordable counselling/therapy services.

Despite the pain and confusion associated with mental health issues, HK people suffer in silence because of a lack of awareness and/or social taboos.

Liz McCaughey, herself a graduate of Monash University’s Master of Counselling course, saw the opportunity to help the students gain the necessary practice hours while, at the same time, helping the local population with affordable therapy. All members of the AMINDSET team are personally monitored by Liz with professional Clinical Supervision both to help the students grow and to ensure the continuing high standard of the service.