Palu Government Strengthens Mental Health Services Through Psychologist Placement At Health Centers

Illustration of the condition of the puskesmas with psychologists in Palu, Central Sulawesi. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Public awareness of the importance of mental health is now increasing. Life pressure, economic burden, and trauma due to disasters make many residents need psychological support in order to live a more balanced life.

Realizing this, the Palu City Government, Central Sulawesi, is taking strategic steps to expand access to mental health services for its citizens.

Head of the Palu City Health Office, Rochmat Jasin Moenawar, explained that mental health has become an integral part of the public health development system.

"The psychological aspect is as important as physical health. Therefore, we are trying to provide professional counseling services that are easily accessible and free of charge for all residents," he said in Palu, as quoted by ANTARA.

These efforts are realized through the placement of four clinical psychologists at the puskesmas as basic health service facilities. These psychologists work at the Singgani, Tawaeli, Lere, and Bureaubuli Health Centers. With their presence, people are expected to be more comfortable in seeking psychological assistance without having to feel afraid or embarrassed.

This program is the result of a collaboration between the Palu City Health Office and the Bincang Psychology private psychological service platform, which officially started on October 1, 2025. Consultation services are provided free every Monday to Saturday according to the operating hours of the puskesmas. In addition, free online counseling is also available through the Sangu Palu application every 16.00 p.m. local time.

Palu City is now one of the first areas in Central Sulawesi to successfully provide mental health services at the primary level. The government hopes that this step can change people's perception of mental health and remove the negative stigma that has been attached to the issue of mental disorders.