Walk-ins no longer accepted at UMMC psychiatry clinic. Here’s how you can still get help
In the past few months, mental health awareness has been on
the rise in Malaysia.
We’ve read news of children as young as 10 years old reaching out for help with depression and even attempting suicide which has spurred meaningful conversation on the topic.
For mental health sufferers in the Klang Valley, University
Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has been the No 1 recommended avenue for help as
one could just walk into the psychiatry clinic to see a doctor.
However, that may no longer be the case as walk-ins are no longer accepted at the UMMC psychiatry clinic.
In a recent update to their clinical services, the psychiatry
clinic now accepts limited new cases with a referral letter.
How to get a referral letter?
No need to worry too much on getting a referral letter. All
you need to do is to visit any community clinic (Klinik Kesihatan) or any general
practitioner.
Express your concerns and explain your mental health situation. At the Klinik Kesihatan they will pass you a DASS (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) form to assess your situation before giving you a referral letter.
PS: The Klinik Kesihatan can also prescribe medicine if they find it necessary. The cost is only RM1.
What kind of help is available at the psychiatry clinic?
According to the UMMC website, the psychological medicine department aids in treatment of multiple conditions such as:
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Functional pain disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Child and adolescent disorders
- Adjustment disorders
- Geriatric disorders
- Drug addictions.
For Malaysians, it’s only RM30 to see the doctor for the first visit and RM15 for follow ups.
Why get help for mental health issues?
Well, 2017 National Health and Morbidity Survey among Malaysian adolescents found an increase in suicidal behaviour while the Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has stated that around 4.2 million Malaysians suffering from mental health issues.
With mental health issues becoming an growing health concern in Malaysia, it is important to take the right steps to care for yourself.
If you’d like to seek help at locations other than UMMC, check out TRP’s complete guide to counselling and mental health therapy services in Klang Valley HERE.
Remember, if you are suffering from mental health problems, help is always available.
If you’re having problems or suicidal thoughts and need immediate assistance, you can also call Befrienders at:
Phone: 03-7956 8145
E-mail: sam@befrienders.org.my
Available 24 hours every day, 7 days a week.
Calls from 8 local telcos are FREE.
She puts the pun in Punjabi. With a background in healthcare, lifestyle writing and memes, this lady's articles walk a fine line between pun-dai and pun-ishing.