Psychological counseling insured in Jiangsu

People seeking psychological therapy in Jiangsu province may find their medical expenses covered by health insurance.

The new insurance policy, which took effect on Tuesday, allows people in need to have therapy by professional psychiatrists or other qualified medical workers in psychological treatment for no less than 60 minutes per visit.

About 16.5 percent of the country's population has psychological disorders, Yuan Yonggui, a doctor at Zhongda Hospital in Nanjing, was quoted as saying by jstv.com.

The province currently has 103 psychiatric institutions and 253 psychiatric clinics on the list of comprehensive hospitals covered by health insurance. Its 13 cities have provided 194 hotlines for people seeking psychological assistance.