An evaluation of a pilot counselling model in Hong Kong for individuals with mild to moderate psychological issues

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of a three-session free-of-charge counselling model delivered by trained master’s-level counsellors. One-hundred-and-five people who scored mild or moderate levels on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and had not been diagnosed or treated for any psychiatric illness in the past year participated. Data from the pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up questionnaires were analysed using intent-to-treat analysis. The participants exhibited a reduction in the number of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress and an improvement in help-seeking attitudes. These improvements persisted for at least three months. The counselling sessions removed barriers that often deter individuals from seeking professional counselling. The study limitations were its small sample size and the high dropout rates.