ICN Unveils Platform to Combat Depression, Drug Abuse

In a bid to reduce the increasing rate of suicide, depression, divorce, drug abuse, and other mental health-related issues; the Institute of Counseling in Nigeria (ICN) has launched a dedicated online platform, Your Wellness Clinic.

The platform, ICN said will give people the opportunity irrespective of their income, background, belief, or status to access 24/7 topnotch therapy and counseling services at their convenient time from anywhere in the world from the institute’s certified experts. 

The institute unveiled the portal at a press conference held at its office in Lagos. 

According to ICN, it is leveraging technology to democratise counseling and therapy by ensuring that everyone has access to the support and guidance they need whether they are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other mental health concern, regardless of their financial situation.

The Executive Director of ICN, Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire, said people were going through a lot, many don’t have the right people around to share their challenges with who can offer them quality counseling, which has led to the increasing rate of suicide,  divorce, drug abuse, and others. 

She added that depression affects people’s performance at work including their relationships and life in general which is why people need to seek counseling. She explained further that experts revealed that about 85% of psychiatric cases are a result of relationship issues. “This should explain to you the level of ignorance around the role of professional counselors and therapists in making sure people move towards optimal functionality rather than mental illness in the mental health spectrum.”