The Gangnam Youth Psychological Support Center Sai'Swim' received an institutional citation and its project manager an individual citation Thursday, sweeping both awards at the 2026 Seoul Mental Health Practitioners Merit Commendation.
The center was recognized for its tailored psychological treatment for at-risk youth and contributions to suicide prevention.
Gangnam-gu swept both the institutional and individual categories at the 2026 Seoul Mental Health Practitioners Merit Commendation, with the Gangnam Youth Psychological Support Center Sai'Swim' and a mental health project manager at the Gangnam-gu Public Health Center each receiving the Seoul Metropolitan Government Mayor's Award.
The ceremony was held Thursday at Excollar in Jung-gu, Seoul, ahead of World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10. It was organized to recognize outstanding institutions and individuals who have led suicide prevention and mental health promotion efforts and contributed to strengthening the community mental health safety net.
The Gangnam Youth Psychological Support Center Sai'Swim' is a youth-specialized psychological support facility located in the heart of the Daechi-dong hagwon district. Since opening in April 2021, it has provided a wide range of tailored psychological services, including individual counseling and play therapy for young people, early detection and case management for at-risk youth, and parenting consultations.
The center was also recognized for building a cooperative framework with local schools and related organizations to provide proactive support for at-risk youth, earning its selection as an outstanding institution contributing to youth mental health promotion and suicide prevention.
A project manager at the Gangnam-gu Public Health Center received an individual citation in recognition of dedicated on-the-ground work and active efforts to advance a range of mental health promotion initiatives.
"This award is a precious achievement made possible by the dedication of staff who have quietly worked in the field for the mental well-being of young people and residents, and by the cooperation of the community," Gangnam-gu District Mayor Kim Hyun-ki said. "Going forward, Gangnam-gu will continue to build a robust psychological safety net so that any young person feeling worn out can come and seek help at any time without hesitation."
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