TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — More than 8,000 people have received free psychological counseling since the service was expanded at the beginning of August, Taiwan’s Ministry of Health said on Saturday (Aug. 31).

According to the health ministry, most people who have received counseling are between 15 and 30 years old, and more women than men have participated, per CNA. It said it had served 8,492 people overall, providing 13,750 counseling sessions since Aug. 1.

The health ministry said it would expand the free counseling service in July to include 30 to 45 year olds. The ministry said the number of people who received counseling in this age bracket was 3,524 in August.

The health ministry’s director of mental health Chen Liang-yu (陳亮妤) said the number of institutions providing free counseling services will increase to 500 in 2024. “This is a life-saving plan, not just a free consultation,” she said.

The health ministry also said it has established a website for those seeking free counseling, which includes a map showing institutions that provide the services. Anyone with a Taiwan National Health Insurance card can access the services.