Navigating any medical system in the world can be a fete of acrobatic prowess. Add to that the possible language limitations and wildly different processes and functions for different medical practitioners, and it can all conspire to make seeking medical attention a nightmare in and of itself! Then there is China that has two distinct branches of medicine; Western and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that both work independently of each other and collaboratively on occasion. Did I mention that this is all before you even figure out what your private health insurance covers, and where you should go to get treatment – an international hospital, a regular public or private Chinese hospital?
Trying to seek mental help as a foreigner in China can feel almost impossible. Sure, there are a few groups that offer mental health support, and a few private counselors and therapists of sorts who work independently of hospitals, but what happens if, at any time, you might need a psychiatric assessment or accredited psychological support in a hospital setting? We spoke to Dr. Teiser at Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) on how you can access mental health support from an international hospital.
Dr. Teiser
What are the services that BJU offers in terms of mental health?
BJU offers a variety of mental health services. First of all, patients of all ages are welcome to receive our services. We can support parents who seek help with their infants or toddlers and also offer services for adolescents and adults. Couples therapy and family therapy are also available. Our multidisciplinary team from the department of psychology and psychiatry work together in treating all kinds of different symptoms to ensure that you get the best care available.
BJU main hospital
What’s the difference between a psychiatric assessment and a psychological assessment?
A psychiatrist is trained to evaluate both the mental and biological aspects of a patient. The psychiatric assessment is based on the illness model and focuses on the clinical diagnosis. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and may also use psychotherapy. Psychiatric medication is especially a choice for those patients that have a significant dysfunction and psycho-physiological disturbance. Psychologists focus on mental evaluation and specialize in psychological testing. Both assessments combined cover an individual’s functioning across a large variety of domains. Results from psychological tests, behavioral observations, clinical interviews, and clinical records will help to provide a clear picture of which kind of support is needed.
For those who would like to get an assessment, what is the process of getting an appointment with a mental health professional? How long does this process generally last?
After an initial session with one of our physicians, further psychological interviews or tests will be conducted. Especially for younger patients, these tests happen in a playful way and in a relaxed atmosphere. Most likely this process will take multiple sessions. While conducting an assessment, it is an important priority that the patient feels understood and at ease. In a first step, it needs to be verified whether treatment is really needed, if yes then the treatment goals will be defined. A systematic follow-up assessment will be part of the treatment process in order to ensure an optimal outcome.
Is there an age limit or restriction when it comes to seeing a mental health professional?
There is no age limit. Rather, seeing a mental health practitioner can be beneficial at any point in life. For example, someone feeling lonely or scared in their 80s, as well as a parent of a toddler with sleep difficulties, can benefit from seeking mental health support. We are here to alleviate suffering, however, or whenever that is experienced.
Does the process vary for those with health insurance vs. those without health insurance?
In order to ensure the best outcome possible, a comprehensive assessment process will always be necessary. Depending on the insurance, different types or lengths of treatment sessions will be covered. Also, some insurances might exclude specific disorders. Thus, it is always advisable to speak to your provider and ask for details on health coverage. Parents should make sure that long-term health care treatments and therapy are part of their child’s health care plan when they choose an insurance provider.
KEEP READING: Mental Connections: The Effects of Multiculturalism on the Mental Health of Children
Photos: Courtesy Of BJU
