PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Health Office is encouraging the public to be more aware of their mental health by utilizing the clinical psychology services now available at 12 community health centers (Puskesmas). This service is expected to be a preventative measure so that people can receive psychological assistance early, before mental health problems develop into more serious ones.

The Head of the Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Prevention and Control Team (P2PTKJ) of the Bandung City Health Office, Girindra Warhana, said that clinical psychology services at community health centers are part of the government's efforts to improve the quality of life and happiness of the people of Bandung City.

"Hopefully, this service will benefit the community. Previously, many residents were unaware of the existence of psychological services at community health centers, but now this information can be shared with family, friends, and neighbors. We want people to take advantage of this service early, rather than waiting until they experience serious mental health issues," he said during the Sonata Talkshow, broadcast in collaboration with PR FM, Tuesday (June 9, 2026).

Girindra explained that currently, of the 80 community health centers (Puskesmas) in Bandung City, 12 have clinical psychology services. These 12 centers have been mapped to represent specific areas so they can serve as referral centers for the surrounding community.

There are 12 community health centers that have provided clinical psychology services, namely Babakan Sari, Garuda, Ibrahim Adjie, Cibuntu, Cipamokolan, Kopo, Puter, Padasuka, Sukarasa, Pasirkaliki, Salam, and Cipadung Community Health Centers.

According to him, Bandung residents can access services at the community health center even if they live in other areas that don't yet have clinical psychologists. Going forward, the Health Office will continue to evaluate and strive to increase the number of community health centers providing similar services.

"We hope for support from various parties, including the local government, the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), and the public. If the evaluation results show positive benefits and growing community needs, we certainly want to expand this service in the coming years," he said.

Girindra added that the presence of clinical psychologists in community health centers also has a clear legal basis, as stipulated in Minister of Health Regulation Number 19 of 2024 concerning the Implementation of Community Health Centers. This regulation stipulates the presence of clinical psychologists as part of the health services provided at primary health facilities.

In addition, this program is also part of the three priority programs of the Bandung City Government in the field of mental health, namely the mental health program in schools, the regional-based mental health program, and the provision of clinical psychology services in community health centers.

Meanwhile, Endang Pregiwatiningsih, the Young Expert Health Administrator of the Bandung City Health Office, stated that mental health plays an equally important role as physical health.

"Maintaining physical health is important, but mental health is just as important. Just as we regularly get dental checkups or other physical health checkups, mental health also needs to be maintained. Seeking psychological help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of courage to improve," he said.

Endang encourages the public to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health services and to become more open to the importance of counseling and psychological support.

According to him, mental health services are actually available at all community health centers in Bandung City, while clinical psychology services are currently only available at 12 community health centers.

He revealed that the increase in mental health services was driven by the increasing trend in cases of mental disorders in recent years.

Based on data collected from 80 community health centers in Bandung City, the number of cases of people with severe mental disorders continues to increase from 4,261 cases in 2022 to 5,272 cases in 2025.

In addition to serious mental disorders, various other mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and bipolar disorder also showed an increasing trend during the same period.

"Data shows that mental health issues continue to increase year after year. Therefore, more comprehensive treatment is needed so that people can get help more quickly and easily. The presence of clinical psychologists in community health centers is one way to address this need," he explained.

By strengthening mental health services at the community health center level, the Bandung City Health Office hopes that the public will have easier access to psychological assistance, while also encouraging the creation of a physically and mentally healthy society.

"Physical and mental health are integral. We hope that all Bandung residents can live healthier, happier lives, and feel free to seek help when they need mental health support," Endang concluded. (Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)