Lawmaker says counseling and psychology services in schools swamped by great demand

Lawmaker Ella Lei has urged authorities to take immediate steps to address the overwhelming demand for psychology and student counseling services at local schools, which she claims are struggling to cope with excessive workloads.

In a written inquiry to the government submitted in March, she warned about the situation and the potential consequences of many mental health-related cries for help going unanswered due to a lack of resources.

In response, the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) stated that for this academic year, more than 390 student counselors have been deployed, noting, “In the future, the team’s configuration will continue to be optimized based on actual circumstances and student needs.”

DSEDJ Director Kong Chi Meng also added, “In recent years, the bureau has also introduced senior itinerant psychological student counselors with a background in psychology and a certain level of experience. Through collaboration among team members with different roles, the effectiveness of counseling services is enhanced. At the same time, the career development pathways for counselors are clarified, further promoting the professionalization of counseling services.”

Remarking that the DSEDJ, through case meetings and collaboration with various units, is providing more appropriate and timely assistance to students and parents in need, Kong downplayed Lei’s warnings, reaffirming that all systems are in place to provide support for more critical cases through other institutions or groups.

He also stated that the DSEDJ would, from this year onwards, roll out “mental health teaching modules” every month to encourage schools to conduct mental health education classes on a monthly basis.

In the initial inquiry, Lei had noted that “in the face of changes in the social environment, the mental and physical health of adolescents deserves greater attention,” a fact that has been putting higher demands on educators and student counselors, who are increasingly burdened with the workload of following up on student cases, preventing crises, and addressing emergencies.

She also remarked that, according to feedback from frontline student counselors, the level of severity of the cases handled varies but shows a notably higher incidence in cases involving middle school students.

She noted that due to the complexity of some cases and the diverse needs and perspectives of adolescents, more time is often required to engage with students and follow up on cases.

Lei also said that “the volume of cases is significant, and the issues involved are more complex than in the past.”