The training program was jointly conducted by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Candidates were selected from examinations and interviews held across the country.

While some are medical workers, most are teachers, law officers and managers in enterprises.

Psychological disorders have become one of the top health problems in the country, according to an international index used for evaluating the general burden of diseases in society.

A recent survey conducted in Tianjin revealed that nearly half of its residents were worried about how to release their mental burdens.

People usually pay attention to physical problems, but often ignore psychosocial health, and profession-al consultants are urgently needed in China, said Hu Shunzhi, director of the Tianjin Psychological Health Hospital.

Psychological counseling is listed as a new occupation this year, clearing the way for establishment of clinics. Hu said the first group of trained professionals expressed their hope to work in such clinics.

(Xinhua News Agency November 11, 2002)