Women who seek medical help to overcome infertility issues are finding it difficult to access related mental health support due to a lack of such services in Japan, adding increased angst to a process that can already be emotionally trying.
While public insurance coverage for infertility treatment will be expanded in April to lessen the financial burden, experts say mental health support offered by trained professionals is what is sorely needed to help women cope with the stresses they face, especially while working.
More counselors are being trained as few hospitals employ clinical psychologists to address women's mental health concerns — or even medical workers who specialize in reproductive medicine.