Ministry offers free counseling after Taipei mass stabbing attack

Taipei, Dec. 20 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) on Saturday launched a mental health support program offering three free counseling sessions for those affected by a deadly mass stabbing spree in Taipei.

The program, which will run through the end of next year, is open to people of all ages and is not limited to those who were physically injured or directly witnessed the incident, the ministry said.

On Friday, 27-year-old Chang Wen (張文) carried out a series of indiscriminate knife attacks near MRT Taipei Main Station and outside Eslite Spectrum Nanxi near MRT Zhongshan Station.

The MOHW said the incident resulted in four deaths, including Chang. Of the 11 people injured, six remain hospitalized.

Chen Po-hsi (陳柏熹), director-general of the MOHW's Department of Mental Health, said the incident has left many people feeling anxious and fearful, despite strengthened public safety measures.

Under the new program, people affected by the incident can receive up to three free counseling sessions by stating that their distress is related to the case, Chen said, adding that no age restrictions apply.

The MOHW said the service involves four steps: checking participating institutions, making an appointment on the website, preparing identification documents, and attending counseling sessions.

Chen noted that violent public incidents can trigger common stress reactions, including anxiety, panic and flashbacks.

Those experiencing persistent emotional distress can also seek professional help by calling the 24-hour mental health hotline at 1925 or contacting local community mental health centers, the ministry said.