The Korean Neuropsychiatric Association (KNPA) and Ybrain, a company specializing in mental health therapeutics, said they would partially support depression treatment expenses for 300 Koreans in their 20s and 30s. 

The treatment support program is part of the “Blue Band Campaign,” conducted by the two entities and the Korea Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness about depression in Korean society. 

According to a report by the Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), the number of Korean patients with depression was about 1 million in 2022, a 32.8 percent increase compared to 2018. Among them, those in their 20s and 30s accounted for 35.9 percent of the total. 

KNPA and Ybrain have organized a campaign to support the treatment of depression among young adults in their 20s and 30s for the second time this year, following last year's. 

The support program will provide up to 150,000 won ($113.6) per person to 300 young adults who are diagnosed with depression at mental health clinics and hospitals participating in the campaign. 

Applications for treatment support will be accepted until Sept. 30 on the Blue Band Campaign website at bluebandcampaign.co.kr. 

Treatment expenses include both depression counseling and medication, and can be paid for as many times as needed within a limit of 150,000 won. Treatment will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. 

“Last year's Blue Band depression treatment campaign received a great response, and it is very encouraging to see that the number of psychiatric visits and active treatment among young people has increased noticeably in recent years,” said Ahn Yong-min, chairman of the KNPA. ”Early treatment of depression is crucial, and we hope that the trend of active early treatment among young people will spread quickly to all age groups.” 

Lee Ki-won, CEO of Ybrain, said the Korean psychiatric departments led by the KNPA are increasingly diversifying not only medications but also alternative treatments such as MINDD STIM, which will allow for safer and more effective treatment of depression. MINDD STIM is an electroceutical for treating depression.