Mental disorders have been often overlooked due to their “invisible nature of disability”. The importance of early detection and early intervention, however, has proven promising results in its treatment and recovery therefore, mental health screening can be the first step to detect any psychological concerns that warrant early interventions. In light of that, Trainee Clinical Psychologists, students from Taylor's Master of Clinical Psychology programme conducted free mental health screenings and shared basic techniques for psychological management for better psychological well-being among the general public, as part of their clinical practicum.
This initiative was conducted at Ideal Convention Center Shah Alam (IDCC) on 21st and 22nd May 2022 and Tropicana Gardens Property, Kota Damansara on 4th and 5th June 2022. The Trainee Clinical Psychologists were able to practice and share their skills and knowledge learned from their classroom teachings. Some of the skills that they practiced were emotional screening and assessments, diaphragmatic breathing, basic problem-solving skills, and time management skills were shared with approximately 80 public in both events.
The trainees also referred those who are interested to continue with psychotherapy sessions at the HEART Psychological Services, a centre for psychological services at Taylor’s University, which provides affordable psychotherapy, psychological assessments and consultation to public. The public surely benefitted from these mental health screening sessions as well as learning basic psychological techniques to manage their day-to-day stresses.
Taylor’s University would like to sincerely thank IDCC COVID-19 vaccination staff members and Tropicana Gardens Property event organizer for the invitation to this great opportunity for the trainees to implement their classroom learning in a real-world setting.