#Japan #mental health #MySherpa #Pregnancy Care #Ageo

MySherpa's Mental Health Support Service for Mothers

In a significant move to enhance maternal mental health care, MySherpa, a company specializing in online counseling, has unveiled a new service tailored for municipal governments across Japan. This initiative aligns with the national effort to offer comprehensive consultation and support for expecting and new mothers, effectively aiding local governments in their childbirth and childcare support endeavors.

Addressing a Critical Need

The emotional burdens associated with infidelity, unmet pregnancy aspirations, and the challenges of parenting often extend beyond the individual, impacting families. MySherpa's renewed commitment to addressing these issues comes at a crucial time when municipalities are looking for effective solutions to provide psychological support to those facing difficulties due to infertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing concerns. Their service promises to enhance both the quality and accessibility of comprehensive support for mothers in these situations.

MySherpa’s approach recognizes the vulnerability of expectant mothers and new parents, providing continuous emotional and psychological care that begins long before childbirth and extends into the critical first year after delivery. This includes offering specialized support for those experiencing infertility and related emotional challenges.

Strengthening Consultation Systems

To bolster the existing consultation framework at local Child and Family Centers, MySherpa aims to reduce the administrative burden on staff by integrating external psychological support. Together, they can create a robust system that ensures high-quality counseling and help for maternal mental health.

With their online counseling model, MySherpa is paving the way for increased accessibility, allowing mothers to seek help regardless of their location or time constraints. This initiative is particularly beneficial in addressing the uneven distribution of counseling services and ensuring that those facing the greatest challenges are reached.

Tailored Online Counseling

All counseling sessions provided by MySherpa are conducted by professionals who possess both clinical psychologist qualifications and specialized training in mental health. The service is managed by a team of experienced doctors and psychiatrists, ensuring that users receive a high standard of care and expertise.

One of the notable success stories comes from Ageo City in Saitama Prefecture, where the local government has implemented online counseling services tailored for expectant and new mothers since September 2023. Quantitative data has shown marked improvements in users’ depression levels after just three sessions, showcasing the effectiveness of this approach.

Measuring Improvement: The PHQ-9 Scale

MySherpa utilizes the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to gauge the severity of users' depression. This standardized tool gives both counselors and users a clear understanding of progress, especially in identifying and addressing moderate or severe depressive symptoms at the outset of treatment.

For instance, initial clinical assessments have indicated that users experienced moderate depressive symptoms, but within three sessions of online counseling, many reported feeling significantly better. This not only highlights the effectiveness of MySherpa’s model but also sheds light on the various emotional struggles that new mothers face.

Expert Guidance and Support

MySherpa places immense importance on continuous support from qualified professionals. Regular feedback sessions with the municipal support staff help to tackle challenges effectively, ensuring that no issue is left unaddressed. Furthermore, the company assists municipalities in utilizing subsidies and grants aimed at improving maternal health care.

The Importance of Specialized Care

The emotional aftermath of pregnancy, be it the anxiety of returning to work, navigating relationships with family, or the fear of parenting alone, requires tailored psychological support. MySherpa extends its services beyond individual counseling to include educational sessions for local legislators, aiming to raise awareness and promote mental health resources effectively.

As seen in Ageo City, the introduction of online counseling has made a notable change in the way mental health issues are perceived and treated in the context of maternal health. With a commitment to building a healthier supportive environment, MySherpa is setting a precedent for how municipalities can leverage professional care to improve the quality of life for mothers.

About MySherpa and Future Developments

Founded in 2016, MySherpa has rapidly become a leader in online mental health support, offering services based on evidence and expertise from psychiatric specialists. Having achieved recognition for its innovative approaches, including being listed among the “Next Generation Impact Startups” by Forbes Japan, the organization has already partnered with over 400 companies and is poised for further growth.

For more information about their services or to reach out for support, visit MySherpa’s official website.