PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Residents of Bandung City now have easier access to mental health services. Residents no longer need a referral letter to consult with a clinical psychologist at the 12 community health centers that offer these services. Simply visit the provider or contact the hotline available at several community health centers.

This was conveyed by the Clinical Psychologist of PKM Bandung City, Adelia Octavia Siswoyo, S.Psi, M.Psi, in the Sonata Talkshow entitled Not Just Physical Health: The Importance of Maintaining Mental Health with Clinical Psychologists at the Community Health Center, Wednesday (1/7/2026).

According to Adelia, psychological services are currently available at 12 community health centers, namely Salam, Puter, Ibrahim Adjie, Garuda, Kopo, Pasirkaliki, Babakan Sari, Cipamokolan, Sukarasa, Cibuntu, Padasuka, and Cipadung Community Health Centers.

"Everyone can register directly at the community health center. Some community health centers do provide online hotlines due to their large patient population, but in general, people can come directly to receive services," he said.

He explained that all Bandung City residents using BPJS Kesehatan can access the service without having to be registered at the same community health center. Meanwhile, the general public can still use the service by paying a fee of Rp 15,000.

For this fee, people get a 30 to 40 minute consultation session, much longer than a general medical consultation.

"The general public only pays a fee of Rp 15,000. With that, people can receive a 30 to 40-minute consultation with a psychologist," said Adelia.

If the examination results reveal a condition that requires further treatment, the psychologist at the community health center will also assist with the referral process to a hospital that has mental health services or a psychiatrist.

According to Adelia, this service is a good opportunity for the public to start checking their mental health before problems develop into more serious ones.

Additionally, psychological services at the community health center are available Monday through Saturday. Services are open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. WIB, and Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. WIB.

Meanwhile, Member of Commission IV of the Bandung City DPRD and internist, Dr. dr. Agung Firmansyah Sumantri, Sp. PD., KHOM., MMRS., FINASIM, reminded that mental health disorders often give rise to physical or psychosomatic complaints.

He gave the example of a patient who repeatedly complained of stomach pain and underwent an endoscopy, but no abnormalities were found in his digestive organs.

"It turns out the complaints are more psychosomatic. Many cases of dyspepsia, or stomach disorders, are not caused by organ abnormalities but by psychological factors," he explained.

According to Agung, around 60 percent of dyspepsia cases are functional dyspepsia, namely disorders related to psychological conditions, not anatomical damage to the stomach.

Not only stomach disorders, stress can also trigger the recurrence of various other diseases such as GERD, headaches (cephalgia), rhinitis, and even skin disorders, because stress affects the body's immune system.

"When someone experiences stress, the immune system is weakened. As a result, diseases that tend to recur can resurface," he said.

Adelia added that, based on her experience treating patients at the community health center, the most common problem that causes mental health problems is conflict in relationships with other people.

These problems can originate from family, partners, the workplace, and even friendships. Unresolved conflicts often trigger anxiety, insomnia, eating disorders, and other physical complaints.

"If you ask about the most common ones, most of them are related to relationships. Conflicts with family, partners, friends, or the workplace are very often triggers for psychological disorders," he said.

He also explained that anxiety is a normal response, but attention needs to be paid if it starts to interfere with daily activities.

Through psychological services at community health centers, it is hoped that the community will not hesitate to seek help early because mental health is an important part of overall health.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)