Child mental health services reviewed in Prachuap
Prachuap Khiri Khan officials have reviewed child mental health services across the province as part of plans to improve coordination, identify service gaps and develop clearer working procedures.
Deputy Governor Prateep Boriboonrat opened the workshop on 23 July at the Prachuap Grand Hotel in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan district.
Dr Chadapim Phaosawat, director of the Rajanagarindra Institute of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, presented the opening report. Participants included public health and mental health specialists, education officials, local authorities, social development agencies and community organisations.
Improving child mental health services
The workshop examined lessons from existing child and adolescent mental health programmes, including problems, obstacles and factors that had contributed to successful outcomes.
Participants also discussed how agencies could improve prevention, early identification, treatment, support and referrals for children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties.
The findings will be used to develop a standard operating procedure for provincial child mental health services. Officials said the guidelines should be clear, practical and suitable for local conditions.
Mr Prateep said the province had continued to prioritise mental health through the Provincial Mental Health Committee, established under Thailand’s Mental Health Act and its 2019 amendment.
He said effective support depended on cooperation between health agencies, schools, government departments, local authorities, civil society groups, non-governmental organisations and community networks.
The aim is to help children and adolescents receive appropriate, timely and continuous support while improving access to services and protecting the rights of people experiencing mental health problems.
Mr Prateep said the workshop could provide a foundation for standardised procedures that may be adapted for use in other areas.
