Dr. Candice Powell: On Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Care

Clinical psychologist, Dr. Candice Powell opens up about pioneering new therapies and addressing the cultural barriers that keep young people from getting help. She is the CEO of Mind HK., a non-profit organization which works with government and business entities to improve mental health awareness and support in Hong Kong. Previously, Dr. Powell spent 13 years at New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, Hong Kong’s largest community mental health NGO. She is an honorary lecturer at The University of Hong Kong and a fellow of The Hong Kong Psychological Society, vice-chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology of HKPS, and a training officer of the Association of Contextual and Behavioural Science (Hong Kong Chapter).

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What inspired you to dedicate your career to mental health education and advocacy, especially for underserved communities?

I trained as a clinical psychologist in Hong Kong, where the professional benchmark remains a master’s degree rather than a doctorate. With only about 700 clinical psychologists in the city—many of whom work in the public sector—I chose to devote my career to nonprofit organizations. This path allows me to do more than clinical work; it also involves program development, structural reform, and research, all of which address broader societal needs.

My motivation is also deeply personal. I experienced depression during university and sought therapy at a time when mental health support was limited and rarely discussed. That early access to care left a lasting impression on me. Later, while teaching at a special-education school, I worked with children who had severe autism and intellectual disabilities. Many displayed challenging behaviors because they lacked the ability to express themselves, while overextended teachers struggled with burnout. Witnessing this systemic strain convinced me to pursue psychology not only as a way to treat individuals but as a means to improve the systems meant to support them.

You’ve been a pioneer in implementing low-intensity psychological interventions and internet therapy in Hong Kong. What are the advantages and limitations of these approaches?

I began piloting low-intensity interventions in 2014, inspired by the UK’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies program. The model shifts some therapeutic responsibilities from highly specialized clinicians to well-trained paraprofessionals, thereby expanding capacity. At New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, we trained roughly 180 practitioners across four cohorts in approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. The outcomes were very promising, particularly in adult populations, where recovery rates met or exceeded benchmarks.

Adolescents, however, present additional challenges. They are often referred by parents or teachers rather than seeking help on their own, which means practitioners must spend more time building trust and tailoring approaches to different stages of cognitive development. This requires considerable skill and flexibility.

I also collaborated with Professor David Clark at Oxford on internet-delivered therapy. This model is far more than moving sessions online; it distills core therapeutic elements into structured digital modules supported by ongoing therapist coaching. Clients often feel more engaged than in traditional once-weekly sessions, and the outcomes are comparable to in-person therapy. For my doctoral research, I adapted this model in Hong Kong using the Unified Protocol, and the results have been encouraging.

What mental health challenges are most pressing in Hong Kong today? How are digital life and technology shaping them?

Since the pandemic, social anxiety has become increasingly prevalent, exacerbated by prolonged mask-wearing, distancing measures, and reduced peer interaction. Social media also exerts a profound influence, often lowering self-esteem through relentless comparison to curated images. At the same time, it has value as an outreach tool, enabling organizations to connect with younger populations and raise awareness.

Artificial intelligence is another emerging factor. We already see individuals turning to chatbots for advice, self-diagnosis, and even companionship. While the long-term implications are not yet clear, the impact will undoubtedly be significant. More broadly, I have observed technology contributing to shortened attention spans and reduced patience, which may also shape mental health outcomes in the years to come.

Are there cultural or systemic barriers in Hong Kong and Asia more generally that prevent people from accessing the care they need?

Parents are often the most significant gatekeepers. Many young people are aware of their mental health needs, but because they rely on their parents for financial and emotional support, their ability to access care depends largely on parental attitudes. Stigma, fear, or simple dismissal can close off pathways to treatment. Parents’ own mental health, and their willingness to recognize it, also profoundly affects their children.

Education systems in the region present another obstacle. Hong Kong’s academic culture is highly competitive, beginning as early as kindergarten, where children are expected to present portfolios for admission. This relentless pressure deprives students of rest, play, and exercise—all essential for well-being. Without addressing these cultural and structural factors, improvements in clinical services alone will not be enough.

What do you envision the future of health care in Hong Kong and elsewhere will look like?

I believe Hong Kong is at a turning point. Mental health has become part of public conversation in ways that were unimaginable when I first entered the field. We are seeing innovation in service delivery, greater awareness among younger generations, and promising collaborations across sectors. At the same time, structural and cultural barriers remain deeply entrenched.

My hope is that we continue to expand access not only by training more professionals, but also by reshaping systems—schools, families, workplaces—to prioritize well-being as much as achievement. Mental health cannot be treated as an afterthought; it must be built into the foundation of how we live, learn, and connect with one another. If we can achieve that, then care will no longer be a privilege for the few but a right for all.