Mental Health Teams Deploy to School After Weapon Incident
Mental health professionals deployed to Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi on August 11 to provide counseling and support to students and staff following a fatal armed incident at the school.
On August 11, the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection deployed a Mental Health Care Team of eight psychologists, together with the Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (MCATT) from the Department of Mental Health, to Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi. The teams conducted mental health risk assessments, provided psychological first aid, initial counseling, and coordinated referrals to relevant agencies for ongoing treatment and support for children, youth, and staff affected by the armed incident that caused fatalities and injuries. Senior officials convened meetings with the Department of Mental Health director and education ministry advisors to integrate care for students, parents, and teachers. The Mental Health Care Team represents the department's commitment to protecting, supporting, and rehabilitating mental health for those affected by violent incidents and crises, working with both internal and external networks. The department also operates a warm family child and family counseling clinic that assesses behavioral and emotional issues in children and youth to prevent and identify warning signs of potential violence. Support services are available through the department's main office in Bangkok, 77 provincial observation centers, and 20 training centers nationwide.
