Interested in seeking an ADHD diagnosis in South Korea? Wondering about the types of ADHD treatments in Korea? According to our research, we’ve found medication, behavioral therapy, and digital therapies used in Korea. About Our ADHD Information South of Seoul public health information is not medical advice. We research information and share what we find so that you can seek medical advice as needed. About ADHD Treatments in South Korea Although South Korea may not offer the same ADHD treatments as those available in your home country, South Korea increasingly embraces diverse ADHD treatments. This means that each year treatment options may expand and change so you need to continue to stay connected with your care provider. Such treatments may range from traditional medication to newer, innovative therapies. Here’s a look at the main options for ADHD treatments in Korea: Medication The most common medications prescribed in Korea for ADHD are stimulants such as methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) and non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera). These are widely available but require a prescription from a psychiatrist. Here is a more complete list: Here’s a list of ADHD medications available in South Korea, along with their Korean names: Methylphenidate (Commonly Prescribed) Lisdexamfetamine (Uncommon) Dexmethylphenidate Atomoxetine (Commonly Prescribed) Guanfacine Each of these medications is typically available through prescription by a psychiatrist in South Korea, and some may require special documentation due to their controlled status. Also, remember that Korea continues to offer new medications and treatments each year. Check with your doctor to see if new medications exist for you to try. Behavioral Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is becoming more popular as a supplementary treatment for both children and adults. Many clinics offer sessions designed to improve executive functioning, emotional regulation, and coping skills. For this type of therapy, we recommend seeking out English-speaking mental health clinics. These can often be found near US military installations in cities like Pyeongtaek-si. You can find a list of Pyeongtaek-si mental health clinics here. Digital Therapies New to Korea are digital therapies, such as apps and video games designed to help children improve focus and self-control. For instance, recent studies are looking into game-based ADHD interventions that can complement traditional therapies. Korea is also at the forefront of integrating AI-based learning tools that personalize therapy for ADHD patients. Learn More About ADHD in Korea Wondering how to get assessed for ADHD in South Korea and how much it may cost? Please read the following South of Seoul articles and ask your community! South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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The following blog post is for both adults and children who need ADHD assessments while living in South Korea. We will discuss the terms you need to find an assessment location near you, paths to ADHD assessment, how the assessment works, cost for different types of assessments, and social issues around being assessed. This blog post includes both online research and the lived experiences of international residents seeking treatment in South Korea. About ADHD Assessments in South Korea Despite what you may see represented in many English language posts, Korea has become increasingly interested in ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) diagnosis and treatments. In fact, South Korea’s cultural awareness of mental health issues continues to grow each year. While ADHD assessments were once primarily for children, there is now recognition of ADHD in adults, prompting a rise in demand for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Recent Research in ADHD in Korea Over the last decade, research on ADHD in Korea by Korean researchers has advanced dramatically. That’s because South Korea becomes increasingly focused on mental health every year. In fact, studies published by universities like Yonsei University and Seoul National University have explored ADHD in both children and adults, examining not only diagnosis and treatment but also cultural factors that may affect the recognition of ADHD in Korea. One notable study highlighted that ADHD diagnosis rates in Korea have risen in recent years, but there is still underdiagnosis, particularly in adults. Much like in the United States, the stigma associated with mental health has led to late diagnoses in many individuals. Researchers are also investigating how ADHD symptoms manifest differently in Korea compared to Western countries. For instance, one study found that Korean children with ADHD are less likely to display hyperactivity and more likely to experience difficulty with attention and academic performance. This means you can feel comfortable seeking and ADHD assessment while living in South Korea. Assessment and treatment are available and supported by insurance. Remember, just like all countries around the world, care varies around the country so take time to find the right assessment clinic for your needs. Here is a guide to help you get started. About this ADHD Assessment Guide In this guide, South of Seoul will walk you through the process of getting assessed for ADHD in Korea. The guide works for both adults and children. The South of Seoul guide does not represent medical advice regarding ADHD. It’s simply a documentation of experiences by English-speaking international residents in South Korea seeking ADHD diagnosis. Recognizing ADHD Symptoms Whether you’re an expat or a Korean national, the first step is understanding the symptoms of ADHD, which include difficulty focusing, impulsivity, restlessness, and difficulty completing tasks. ADHD can present differently in children versus adults, and this is crucial when seeking help. In adults, for instance, ADHD may manifest more as difficulty managing time, forgetfulness, or constant procrastination. Possible Locations Offering ADHD Assessment If you recognize ADHD, now it’s time to find a place to get a diagnosis. In South Korea, ADHD is generally diagnosed by psychiatrists (정신과 의사). However, some larger hospitals may have specialized departments focused on neurodevelopmental or behavioral conditions. Here’s how to navigate the system: Large General Hospitals (대형 병원) If you prefer an institutional setting, major university hospitals like Seoul National University Hospital or Asan Medical Center have psychiatry departments where ADHD assessments are conducted. You may need to get a referral from a general physician (내과) first in order for it to cost less or get an appointment faster. We do not like this choice because large hospitals exist too far from home, tend to cost more, and have longer wait times. Local Psychiatric Clinics (정신건강의학과 의원) Don’t have time to go to Seoul and want your doctor near your home? There are many smaller psychiatric clinics across Korea where patients can get ADHD assessments. Search for “ADHD 진단” (ADHD diagnosis) or “성인 ADHD” (adult ADHD) to find local providers, particularly if you’re looking for an English-speaking doctor. We highly recommend starting here. In fact, searching 성인 ADHD on Naver blogs helped us find clinics for our South of Seoul community volunteer to try. Pediatric Clinics for Children For children, developmental pediatricians (소아청소년과) and child psychologists (아동심리상담사) may provide the initial assessments. They often conduct psychological tests and observations to confirm ADHD in younger patients. More Specific Search Terms If you need even more specific search terms, you can try some of the following. Search Terms for ADHD Assessment for Adults Search Terms for ADHD Assessment for Children Researching Clinics Choosing a clinic might exist as the most stressful part of the ADHD assessment process. Of course, the clinics websites are not in English. Our volunteers used the Google Translate extension in Chrome to translate the websites into English and find the best option for our needs. We found clinics that mentioned English consultations possible. Keep in mind, this was written in Korean on the site. We will not gaslight you that finding an ADHD assessment location feels easy or fun. You will feel a lot of stress so consider finding a friend to go with you. It could be that you need to try a few clinics until you find a good fit. Just keep going. You can do it. Our volunteer was very lucky and liked the first clinic she went to. The ADHD Diagnosis Process Our South of Seoul community volunteer used the information in this guide to get an ADHD diagnosis using Korean National Insurance. The following steps represent their lived experience seeking ADHD treatment. You may experience slightly different steps depending on the clinic or hospital you visit. Keep in mind that your experiences may differ. Possible Steps in Your ADHD Assessment Process Based on our research on Naver blogs, reading various clinic information on ADHD, and listening to lived experiences we created a list of possible elements you might experience during an ADHD test at a Korean Psyciatric Clinic in South Korea. The following elements could occur in any order and generally occur across 1 or 2 visits. Lived Experience of Adult Female Seeking ADHD Assessment For our South of Seoul’s community volunteer, they visited a Korean Psychiatric Clinic in Pyeongtaek-si. They documented their experience and shared it with SOS Public Health. Their ADHD assessment included the following elements: The entire process of their adult ADHD assessment, diagnosis, and medication took 1 visit that lasted about 2 hours. It cost 150,000 KRW with NHIS. Alternative US Style Assessment Route If you have foreign insurance, specifically insurance from the United States, you can find US style ADHD assessments at locations near US Military bases. Specifically near Camp Humphreys. Such assessments cost around 3,500,000 or 5,000,000 KRW. However, medication can’t be prescribed at such locations. Depending on your insurance, some of the cost may be covered by your insurance. More About ADHD in South Korea We’ve also completed a number of other articles about ADHD in South Korea. Read them here: South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Psychiatry, therapy counseling, and life coaching are distinct yet often confused approaches to personal development and mental well-being. Navigating such distinctions among these terms and services can feel confusing if not frustrating, but you are not alone in that. To better understand these differences, we must grasp the fundamental definitions of each term. This blog post will provide a breakdown of each type of service (psychiatry, therapy, counseling, and life coaching) to enable you to understand and make informed decisions on your mental health options in Korea. Foreign Language Mental Health Services International residents in South Korea may have access to a variety of the following mental health support services in a variety of languages such as English, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese. Access varies based on region and language. Psychiatry (정신 의학) First, let’s take a look at psychiatry. Psychiatry Definition As defined by the American Psychiatric Association, psychiatry is the medical specialty dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.  Credentials A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who holds an M.D. or D.O. degree with a focus on psychiatry. Purpose and Approaches A psychiatrist’s primary purpose is to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. The approach in psychiatry is mainly medical, utilizing medications to address mental health issues.  NOTE: Psychiatrists are the only mental health specialists among the four we will discuss in this blog post who are allowed to prescribe medications. Treatment Duration Treatment duration varies based on the nature and severity of the condition, with long-term options for chronic cases. Initial sessions last 30-60 minutes, followed by shorter 15-30 minute follow-up sessions. Insurance Coverage Psychiatry services are partially covered by NHIS in Korea. Medication prescriptions are a common aspect of treatment. For more information on NHIS coverage for psychiatry services, call the NHIS English hotline. To learn more about overall Psychiatry, read here. Psychotherapy Therapy (심리 치료) Next, let’s learn about psychotherapy.  Psychotherapy Definition According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychotherapy is any psychological service provided by a trained professional primarily utilizing communication and interaction to assess, diagnose, and address dysfunctional emotional reactions, thought patterns, and behavior. Many individuals refer to psychotherapy, generally, as therapy or talk therapy. Credentials Psychotherapy is typically conducted by professionals with MA or PhD credentials in psychotherapy. Trained and licensed psychotherapists may include clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, social workers, or psychiatric nurses. Purpose and Approaches The purpose of psychotherapy is to address and alleviate psychological distress, dysfunctional patterns, thoughts, and behaviors and to provide a safe space for individuals, couples, or groups to explore and understand their mental health Psychotherapists employ various therapeutic techniques and forms of communication. Psychotherapy can be offered to individuals, couples, families, or groups.  Psychotherapy is divided into main categories:  Mental health conditions (e.g. Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, etc.) can be diagnosed by psychotherapists, if the psychotherapy clinic has the required questionnaires and resources. However, neurological or cognitive conditions (e.g. Dementia) are diagnosed by psychiatrists and neurologists. NOTE: Psychiatrists can work as trained psychotherapists, but psychotherapists cannot work as psychiatrists unless they have medical certification in psychiatry. For further information read this article by the APA. Treatment Duration Psychotherapy sessions can range from short-term to long-term, depending on the goals and severity of the mental health challenge. Session durations average around 50 minutes. Insurance Coverage In Korea, the NHIS does not cover psychotherapy sessions. However, some international insurance may cover psychotherapy services. To learn more about your international insurance coverage of psychotherapy sessions, contact your insurance provider and the clinic from which you would like to receive services.  Counseling (상담) On to learning about counseling.  Counseling Definition As per the American Counseling Association, counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to achieve goals related to mental health, wellness, educational, and career. Additionally, according to the APA, counseling provides professional assistance in coping with personal problems, including emotional, behavioral, vocational, marital, educational, rehabilitation, and life-stage issues (e.g., cultural adjustment or retirement).  Credentials Professional counselors typically have a Bachelor’s (BA) or Master’s (MA) credentials in psychology. Purpose and Approaches The purpose of counseling is to empower individuals, families, and groups to achieve mental health, wellness, educational, and career goals. Counselors offer professional assistance in coping with personal challenges, such as emotional, behavioral, vocational, and life-stage challenges. Counselors employ techniques such as active listening, guidance, advice, discussion, clarification, and test administration (diagnostics). Treatment Duration The duration of counseling can be brief or short-term, depending on specific concerns, with sessions typically scheduled weekly or bi-weekly and lasting around 50 minutes per session on average.  Insurance Coverage In Korea, the NHIS does not cover counseling sessions. However, international insurance may cover counseling services.  NOTE: Individuals may conflate their understanding of psychotherapy and mental health counseling due to the similarities between the two practices. Such confusion can lead to difficulty in choosing between psychotherapy services or mental health counseling when seeking mental health support. For a side-by-side comparison of psychotherapy and mental health counseling aspects not discussed in this blog post, read here. Life-Coaching Coaching (정신 건강 코칭) Finally, let’s delve into what life-coaching is. Life-Coaching Definition According to the APA dictionary, life coaching is a form of teaching and encouragement, conducted one-to-one or in a group, designed to assist individuals in identifying and achieving goals of importance to them in both personal and work aspects of their lives. Credentials Life-coaching practices do not have universally mandated credentials or licenses. However, a life-coach may complete a certification program to practice mentoring. Purpose and Approaches The purpose of life-coaching is to assist individuals in identifying and achieving personal and professional goals, with a focus on personal development, motivation, and goal setting.  Approaches for life-coaching often involve one-to-one or group sessions to provide guidance and encouragement, employing techniques such as goal-setting, action planning, positive psychology, and strengths-based coaching.  Treatment Duration Life-coaching is typically short-term, with a focus on specific goals. Sessions may be less frequent and more goal-oriented.  Insurance Coverage Life-coaching services are generally not covered by insurance (either NHIS or international insurance options). Snapshot Comparison of Mental Health Counseling Options Below, you will find a table that gives a side-by-side comparison of the 4 types of counseling options defined within this blog post. Psychiatry Psychotherapy Counseling Life-Coaching Credentials M.D. or D.O. MA or PhD BA or MA None required Purpose Diagnose and treat mental disorders Alleviate psychological distress Empower and address mental health Goal-setting and personal growth Approach Medical treatments and medications (1) Psychodynamic therapy (2) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (3) Humanistic therapy (4) Integrative approaches tailored to individual needs Supportive guidance Motivation and strengths-based coaching Duration Varies; typically 15-60 min sessions Varies; Short or long-term*; ~50 min Brief; weekly/bi-weekly; ~50 min Flexible; ~30-60 min sessions InsuranceCoverage NHIS** International insurance*** International insurance*** Not covered Medication Prescription Yes No No No *Short-term is typically 10-20 sessions spanning 3-5 months; long-term can range from several months to years**NHIS covers evaluations and medication management but not therapy.***Check with your provider for coverage details Conclusion By understanding the features of each approach, we hope you feel more confident in navigating the choices that align with your needs. Remember, the journey toward well-being begins with taking that first step. Don’t hesitate to make choices that resonate with you. Your mental health is a priority. The initial step might seem challenging, but as with any essential aspect of self-care, getting started is often the hardest part. Embrace this knowledge, trust in your ability to make informed decisions, and take that first step. Special Thanks to Our Mental Health Collaborators This post was enriched by the knowledge and cooperation of several local mental health organizations in the Pyeongtaek area, whose insights have been pivotal in detailing the counseling services available. We express our sincere appreciation for their support and commitment to mental wellness. Their efforts in making mental health care accessible to our international community, play a crucial role in fostering understanding and support across cultures. Thank you to the following organizations: Hope & Wellness Services: UX/UI Supervisor/Editor Research Supervisor/Editor

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Songdo, labeled the International Business District of Incheon, houses a decent sized international population. Several members of the Songdo international community have expressed a need for English-speaking mental health services. While known as an international district, mental health counseling services prove to be limited in the Songdo area.

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English-speaking mental health counseling services exist throughout South Korea. However, finding such English-speaking mental health counseling services, particularly outside of the Seoul area, may feel like an overwhelming or difficult task. Read more to learn about some mental health counseling services in the Pyeongtaek area.

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South of Seoul Public Health (SOS Public Health) thanks everyone who participated in the SOS Public Health Mental Health Access Survey on Incheon Global Campus (IGC). Information collected has helped identify potential resources that students, faculty, and staff would like to access on or near campus. .

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Want to support improvements in access to mental health resources for students, faculty, and staff on Incheon Global Campus (IGC)? Take the South of Seoul Public Health (SOS Public Health) Mental Health Access Survey. This blog will tell you how.

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About Mental Health on International Campuses Studying or working on an international university campus may be rewarding and also stressful. For example, many challenges may exist when adjusting to campus life: a new culture, and language differences while discovering how to access campus resources. Experiences such as these may stir positive and negative emotions such as excitement, joy, nervousness, and fear. Such conflicting emotional experiences may impact the mental health of some students, faculty, and staff at international universities. When such experiences impact mental health in a negative direction, some students, faculty, and staff may find it unsustainable to study or work on international campuses over time. In short, the mental health of students, faculty, and staff needs to be well supported in order to foster a healthy learning environment. Listen to the BlogCast Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations. What is Mental Health? Mental health includes a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health challenges affect how we think, act, and feel. For example, mental health stress can affect sleep habits, affecting how one does in school, social life, and physical health. Why is Mental Health Access Important on Campus? Access to mental health resources may significantly affect academic performance. Additionally, among university populations, delayed access to mental health resources has an association with substance use, academic achievement, employment, and other social factors. Why is Access to Mental Health Resources Important? Mental health resources are tools that individuals and communities can use to manage mental health challenges. Resources for mental health may have great significance in improving lives in individuals and communities. Why Research How Mental Health Resources are Accessed? It is vital to understand what may prevent individuals from accessing mental health resources. For instance, a Social Solutions blog on Mental Healthcare Access shares the following reasons: Understanding what prevents access to mental health resources can open doors to improving access to those resources. Similarly, as access to mental healthcare increases, communities and individuals can learn about the importance of those resources and how to access them. The Mental Healthcare Access Social Solutions blog discusses that access to mental health resources can reduce: SOS Public Health’s Research on Mental Health Access at Incheon Global Campus Understanding the difficulty of navigating mental health in an international setting, South of Seoul Public Health (SOS Public Health) created an initiative through their practicum program to research access to mental health resources at Incheon Global Campus (IGC). University of Utah Public Health Practicum student, Colton Johnson will lead this initiative. SOS Public Health Mental Health Access Survey for Incheon Global Campus Mr. Johnson has developed a survey to assess access to mental health resources both on and off-campus among students, staff, and faculty at IGC. Students, faculty, and staff at all IGC universities will be asked to participate in this survey which will be implemented via email, social media, and group chats. The survey will be open from Monday, April 11, 2022, to Friday, April 15, 2022. How will Mental Health Access Research Help the Incheon Global Campus Community? Data from this research will provide information on: Understanding gaps in knowledge among the IGC community on mental health resources will allow SOS Public Health to compile a list of possible resources available on and off campus to university students, faculty, and staff. These resources will be shared on the South of Seoul Blog, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. Additionally, the research may inform how South of Seoul compiles information for international students across South Korea. Where Can the Community go to Stay Updated on the Research? Follow the research by checking out SOS Public Health on Facebook and Instagram. The SOS Public Health team posts information regarding research initiatives and other important public health topics on our blog and social media accounts. Follow SOS Public Health for More Resources Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay updated on SOS Public Health Initiatives. If you have questions about healthcare in Korea, visit the Health and Wellness in Korea Facebook Group, or feel free to message SOS Public Health with any questions or concerns. Apply for an SOS Public Health Practicum Opportunity Are you a graduate student looking for practical experience in public health? Apply for a an SOS Public Health Practicum! Click below to learn more about the SOS Public Health Practicum Program. Research Design & Implementation Team UX/UI Supervisor & Editor Research Compliance Supervisor & Editor Primary Researcher & Author Colton Johnson Colton Johnson is a current student at the University of Utah, completing his Master’s in Public Health. He holds a Bachelor’s in Public Health as well, from Brigham Young University – Idaho. Earlier in his graduate program, Mr. Johnson participated in a semester study abroad at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) located in Incheon, South Korea. While studying in South Korea, he became interested in research focused on the mental health of international university communities. Because Mr. Johnson developed a passion for supporting his fellow international university community, in January 2022, he applied for a Public Health Practicum with South of Seoul Public Health (SOS Public Health). Through his practicum with SOS Public Health, he has begun developing an initiative to increase access to mental health resources on Incheon Global Campus (IGC), a campus that houses five separate universities, including UAC. Mr. Johnson hopes to apply what he has learned from his practicum to his future career in Public Health.

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South of Seoul Public Health is starting a new initiative: Maternal and Child Health. This initiative aims to research and improve access to maternal healthcare information for the multinational community living in South

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Many of our multinational community members living in South Korea have been wondering about how to register their overseas COVID vaccines in Korea. This blog provides some information on how to register an overseas vaccination in Korea and who is eligible to.

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