Promoting Mental Health Strategies through Public-Private Collaboration in Nara

Mental Health Strategies in Nara: A Joint Effort

On February 6, 2024, Dr. Ryohei Matsumoto, the CEO of MySherpa and an expert in psychiatry, will take part in the Nara training for the Kansai Young Legislators' Association. This event, themed "Advancing Local Mental Health Policies through Public-Private Partnerships," aims to address critical issues in mental health support across various sectors. Having extensive clinical experience, Dr. Matsumoto will share insights on integrating mental health into local government practices, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that transcends departmental boundaries.

Mental health challenges—such as suicide prevention, support for children and families, as well as addressing issues like school absenteeism and elder care—often span multiple departments within local governments. However, the traditional organizational structure can lead to fragmented policies and services that fail to address these interrelated issues holistically. During the training session, Dr. Matsumoto will provide a detailed analysis of how local initiatives can effectively support mental health by leveraging resources from different areas while adhering to existing administrative frameworks.

The training will also explore innovative strategies utilizing online and ICT tools, allowing municipalities with limited resources to formulate viable mental health programs. Continuing from the context of vertical budget allocations and administrative processes, Dr. Matsumoto will outline strategies for creating cohesive support systems that serve residents effectively, ensuring that mental health services reach those in need.

About the Kansai Young Legislators' Association

The Kansai Young Legislators' Association is a network of young politicians from seven prefectures in the Kansai region, dedicated to solving community issues. They regularly hold training sessions to enhance their legislative skills and knowledge. More information can be found on their official website: Kansai Young Legislators Association.

Ryohei Matsumoto Profile

Dr. Ryohei Matsumoto is the CEO of MySherpa at a psychiatric specialist. He earned his medical doctorate from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, where he conducted research on brain imaging. He has published over 40 papers in reputable international medical journals, including The American Journal of Psychiatry. After serving as the director of a psychiatric hospital in Nara, he founded MySherpa in 2016. Recently, he was appointed as a visiting professor at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, where he continues to treat patients, overseeing the management of nearly 4,000 consultations each month.

MySherpa Mental Health Support Services

MySherpa offers a mental health support service, where counseling is provided online by highly qualified clinical psychologists and certified counselors, guided by a psychiatric expert. Clients can choose their counselors or receive recommendations, ensuring the continuity of support. More information is available on their service site: MySherpa.

Company Overview

MySherpa is focused on advancing mental health care through online counseling services for both individuals and organizations. Under the guidance of psychiatric specialists, their evidence-based platform has been successfully integrated into over 400 companies and organizations. MySherpa was recently featured in Forbes JAPAN's March 2025 issue, highlighting the 30 next-generation impactful startups.

- Company Name: MySherpa, Inc.
- CEO: Dr. Ryohei Matsumoto
- Headquarters: 1-2-15 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Toranomon YS Building 10th floor
- Founded: July 2016
- Website: MySherpa