Mental Health Care in South Korea

Mental healthcare in South Korea is covered under the NHIS with standard copayment rates. Outpatient psychiatric consultations at general hospitals require a 30% copayment, typically costing patients ₩15,000-40,000 per visit. Psychiatric medications are covered with the same drug copayment structure. Despite coverage, mental health treatment utilization remains low due to significant social stigma, with only about 7.2% of those experiencing mental health issues seeking professional help.

South Korea has faced serious mental health challenges, including one of the highest suicide rates among OECD countries at approximately 25.2 per 100,000 population. The government has responded with the Mental Health Welfare Act and establishment of community mental health centres (jeongshin geongang bokji senteo) in every district providing free or low-cost counseling, early screening, and case management services. School-based mental health screening programmes have been implemented for students.

Access to psychotherapy and counseling remains challenging. The NHIS primarily covers psychiatric medication management rather than talk therapy, meaning psychotherapy sessions are largely out-of-pocket expenses at ₩100,000-200,000 per session. Waiting times for psychiatric appointments at major hospitals can be 2-4 weeks. The government has been working to expand coverage and reduce stigma through public awareness campaigns and integration of mental health services into primary care settings.