Yamsuan Advocates for Free School Tele-Counseling Program to Enhance Student Mental Health
Parañaque 2nd District Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan is championing the establishment of a free online-based tele-counseling program for public school students, aiming to strengthen mental health support and combat bullying in educational institutions. This initiative, known as the School Tele-counseling Act or House Bill 5240, was recently filed in Congress to address critical gaps in student well-being.
Addressing Shortages Through Digital Innovation
According to Yamsuan, the primary goal of this proposal is to tackle the severe shortage of guidance counselors and mental health professionals in schools across the Philippines. By leveraging a safe and private digital platform, the program seeks to provide accessible support without the limitations of traditional in-person counseling. The congressman emphasized that this approach could revolutionize how students receive mental health care, making it more convenient and less intimidating.
Comprehensive Services for Students
Under the proposed program, students would have access to a range of services designed to meet their diverse needs. These include:
- Individual teleconsultation sessions for personalized support.
- Group counseling to foster peer connections and shared experiences.
- Psychological first aid for immediate crisis intervention.
- Referrals to specialized facilities when necessary for more intensive care.
Yamsuan believes that many students will feel more comfortable sharing their experiences with bullying and mental health issues through online consultations, potentially increasing engagement and early intervention rates.
Enhancing Monitoring and Reporting Systems
The tele-counseling program is also expected to improve the reporting and monitoring of bullying incidents and mental health concerns in public schools. By digitizing these processes, authorities can track cases more efficiently and implement timely interventions. This aligns with broader educational goals, as Yamsuan noted that the proposal would complement the Kaagapay Program of the Department of Education (DepEd), which aims to strengthen student mental health and prevent bullying with the help of parents and guardians as co-educators.
Addressing a Persistent National Issue
Data from EDCOM 2 and PISA highlights that bullying remains a significant problem in the Philippines, with a large percentage of Filipino students reporting experiences of bullying in school. Yamsuan stressed that HB 5240 represents a crucial step toward mitigating this issue, providing a proactive solution that leverages technology to support vulnerable youth.
Support for Mental Health Professionals
To ensure the program's success, the bill includes provisions for mental health professionals participating in the initiative. They will receive:
- Continuing professional development (CPD) credits to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- A monthly honorarium as compensation for their services, incentivizing quality care.
The Department of Health, in collaboration with DepEd, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), will lead the implementation of this comprehensive program.
