PHDOH-NCNP Community-Based Mental Health (CBMH)  Workshop　2-5 December 2025 Tokyo, Japan

Summary

The PHDOH–NCNP Community-Based Mental Health (CBMH) Workshop was held in Japan from December 2 to 5, 2025, as a collaborative initiative between the Philippine Department of Health (PHDOH) and the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Japan.

The delegation from the Philippines included officials from the Department of Health (DOH) and representatives from the Provincial Government of Aklan, a recognized model region for promoting community-based mental health in the country. Notably, the Mayor of Ibajay participated in the program alongside a multidisciplinary team of physicians, a nurse, and a social worker. This diverse group of participants enabled active, practical exchanges throughout the workshop.

Through lectures, site visits, courtesy meetings, and group discussions, participants from the Philippines and Japan engaged in practical learning and in-depth exchanges on effective community mental health approaches.

Key Program Components

– Community Outreach Practices in Tokorozawa City

A site visit to Tokorozawa City provided participants with first-hand insight into outreach services. Case presentations and lectures highlighted practical approaches to supporting individuals living in the community.
Participants also met with the Mayor and municipal officials responsible for mental health services to discuss local policies and interdepartmental collaboration.

Tokorozawa Outreach Support Team

Tokorozawa City Hall, Saitama

– Comprehensive mental health initiatives in Hachioji City

At Komagino Hospital, participants learned about comprehensive mental health initiatives and the crucial role of social workers in bridging hospital care and community life, followed by a hospital tour. Practical examples demonstrated how collaboration with community resources reduces isolation and supports recovery beyond hospitalization. This approach highlighted the importance of integrating medical care with community-based mental health systems.

Komagino Hospital, Hachioji, Tokyo

– Youth Support (NPO Light Ring.)

Light Ring’s presentation showed how young people can act as effective “teenage gatekeepers,” often noticing early signs of distress among peers. It outlined a model combining gatekeeper training, peer communities, and a 24/7 anonymous Open Chat platform to support those who support others. Practical case studies illustrated communication strategies, boundary-setting, and pathways to professional support. This framework demonstrated how youth-led peer support can function as a sustainable element of community-based mental health systems.

Session with NPO Light Ring.

-Community-Based Youth Support Practice (SODA Office, Kawaguchi City)

The delegation visited the Kawaguchi Public Health Center and the “SODA: Support with One-stop care on Demand for Adolescents and young adults” youth support facility.
This visit highlighted how community resources, rather than medical institutions alone, can serve as critical entry points for youth experiencing mental health challenges. The discussion emphasized flexibility, trust-building, and the importance of non-clinical environments in early intervention and ongoing support.

Kawaguchi Public Health Center, Saitama

SODA Office

-Courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

The workshop culminated at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), where delegates exchanged views with the Mental Health and Disability Health Division. This session deepened understanding of Japan’s national mental health policies and their relationship with community-based practices.

Courtesy visit at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Tokyo

Throughout the workshop, participants demonstrated high enthusiasm, asking numerous questions and engaging in active, constructive discussions.

Overall, the workshop contributed to the development of concrete plans for future implementation and practice of CBMH in the Philippines. It was also reaffirmed that collaboration with the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP) will continue, with a shared commitment to further advancing community-based mental health initiatives.