Filipino parents can now access high-quality, integrated, and affordable mental health support, as Beacon, a pioneering mental health platform dedicated to parents, launches its services in the Philippines.
Each year, more than 500,000 Filipino mothers are affected by a mental health condition – the number one complication of pregnancy and childbirth.* Maternal mental health conditions include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychosis, which are caused by a mix of changes in an individual’s body, mind, and environment. Multiple factors such as poverty, domestic violence, and teenage pregnancy increase a person’s risk of suffering from these conditions.
“An alarming number of families are suffering and most have no access to support. It’s time to change that,” Beacon founder and CEO Kate Z. Delos Reyes said.
In addition to lack of access, social expectations that parents will prioritize their children’s needs over their own tend to prevent them from seeking mental health support. However, research suggests that when parents care for their mental well-being, they enhance their parenting skills. This positively influences their children’s cognitive, behavioral, and social development.
“At Beacon, we believe that parents who are well parent well. That is why we are committed to helping parents find and get the support they need and deserve,” Delos Reyes said.
Choose Your Own Therapist
Beacon distinguishes itself as the first online platform in the Philippines that empowers parents to choose their own therapist based on their needs and budget. Through their website (www.beacon.ph), parents can browse the profiles of therapists, counselors, and doctors and immediately book an online appointment.
Help Yourself, Help Others
For every booked therapy session, a portion of the proceeds goes to the Ilaw ng Tahanan fund, dedicated to providing free mental health support for underprivileged mothers. This initiative aligns with Beacon’s mission to make mental health services accessible to all, ensuring that even those facing financial constraints can receive the support they deserve.
Free Postpartum Depression Test
To promote early screening and intervention, Beacon offers a free Postpartum Depression Test on its website (www.beacon.ph). This test is recommended for mothers who are pregnant or who gave birth within 12 months. Early detection and appropriate treatment significantly enhance the overall well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Delos Reyes expressed her excitement about Beacon’s potential impact: “We are delighted to introduce Beacon to the Philippines and to provide a new approach to mental health support. By offering choice, giving back to the community, and prioritizing maternal mental health, we hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of parents and their families.”
Growing Community of Support
Alongside its innovative mental health services, Beacon has fostered a strong community of support for parents. Through the Beacon Moms chat group on Telegram, parents can connect, share experiences, and offer mutual encouragement. This community-driven space complements the professional support provided by Beacon, emphasizing the importance of shared wisdom and collective strength in the parenting journey.
Embracing the strength found in connecting through shared experiences, Beacon emerges as more than a mental health platform—it is a welcoming space where parents come together. Beacon invites all parents and families to explore its platform, break down barriers to mental health support, and join the movement toward a healthier, purposeful parenting journey.
Sources:
* Data extrapolated from World Health Organization and Maternal Mental Health