New Mental Health Center for Children with Autism Opens at Severance Hospital

Landmark Launch of the Min Yoongi Center

A groundbreaking new facility dedicated to the mental health of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder has opened at Severance Hospital in Seoul. Named the Min Yoongi Center, the institution aims to transform therapeutic care for young patients through specialized programs focusing on emotional growth, social integration, and lifelong mental well-being.

The center’s opening marks a milestone in the advancement of pediatric mental health care in South Korea. Featuring the newly developed Center for the MIND Program, the facility officially began its operations in 2025, following a significant philanthropic contribution that enabled its construction and initial funding. The name of the center has been permanently engraved into a marble wall at the hospital’s main lobby, symbolizing its enduring mission of hope and progress.

Focus on Autism Spectrum Mental Health

The Min Yoongi Center is specifically designed to support children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental condition that affects communication, social skills, and behavior. While South Korea has made notable progress in improving autism awareness over the past two decades, experts say access to comprehensive and integrated care has often been fragmented.

What distinguishes this center is its emphasis on psychological and behavioral therapies alongside language development and emotional health. Programs include:

• Individual and group psychotherapy tailored to young patients.
• Speech and language therapy aimed at facilitating stronger communication.
• Behavioral intervention strategies to improve daily functioning.
• Family counseling services to support caregivers and parents.

By combining medical expertise with compassionate care, the Min Yoongi Center seeks to fill a longstanding gap in autism support within the region.

Historical Context of Autism Care in South Korea

South Korea’s history of autism diagnosis and treatment reflects a broader global evolution. For decades, families faced social stigma associated with developmental disorders, which often led to underreporting and delayed diagnoses. A landmark study published in 2011 revealed that the prevalence of autism among school-aged children in South Korea was considerably higher than previously believed, sparking national discussion about the need for improved support systems.

Since then, public and private institutions have gradually expanded services, but challenges, including cost barriers and uneven geographic access, remained. The establishment of the Min Yoongi Center represents a turning point by consolidating multidisciplinary resources under one roof and making them more accessible to families in Seoul and surrounding provinces.

Regional Comparisons in Autism Support

While South Korea has made strides in expanding therapy services, its infrastructure has at times lagged behind countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. In the U.S., large integrated systems for autism care and specialized centers have long been available, supported by legislation such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Similarly, Japan has emphasized early intervention and therapy integration within schools and hospitals.

By comparison, South Korea historically leaned on fragmented networks of specialists and community programs, resulting in uneven care. The Min Yoongi Center now brings South Korea closer to international standards by replicating the integrated approach that has proven effective abroad.

The Role of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

The creation of the Min Yoongi Center was made possible through a significant donation, underscoring the critical role of philanthropy in advancing healthcare innovation. Donations of this scale are uncommon in South Korea’s public health sector, making the center a notable case of how community support and private contributions can transform children’s well-being.

The philanthropic drive also reflects a growing recognition of mental health as a societal priority. In the past, physical health infrastructure, particularly in cardiology and oncology, often received the bulk of institutional donations. The widespread awareness of autism spectrum disorder over the last decade has shifted attitudes, encouraging patrons to direct resources toward mental and developmental health.

Economic Impact of Specialized Autism Care

The economic dimension of autism care cannot be overlooked. Families raising children with ASD often face a significantly higher financial burden than other households. Costs typically include therapy sessions, specialized schooling, and medical treatments. In South Korea, studies estimate that caring for a child with autism can cost several times more than raising a neurotypical child, straining household budgets.

Institutions like the Min Yoongi Center have the potential to ease these pressures by centralizing resources and offering subsidized services. Beyond direct relief for families, such facilities also contribute to long-term economic stability by empowering autistic individuals to achieve greater independence and potential workforce participation.

Countries that have heavily invested in autism care demonstrate measurable economic benefits, as successful therapy and early interventions have been shown to reduce long-term dependency costs. By offering tailored programs for young patients, Severance Hospital and the Min Yoongi Center may help shift the narrative from healthcare costs to long-term societal value.

Public Reaction and Symbolic Importance

The inauguration of the Min Yoongi Center has sparked wide public interest, not only for its ambitious medical mission but also because of the broader cultural resonance tied to its name. Upon the unveiling ceremony, the marble engraving of the center’s title drew attention as a lasting emblem of compassion and progress, bringing both reassurance to parents and motivation to healthcare professionals.

Families who attended the opening expressed optimism, with many voicing hopes that the facility will provide both clinical care and emotional refuge. The promise of expert-led intervention programs and structured support networks has already generated significant demand for enrollment.

Integration of the Center for the MIND Program

At the heart of the facility lies the Center for the MIND Program, a multidisciplinary initiative rooted in evidence-based therapeutic methods. The program seeks to nurture mental resilience while addressing the core challenges of autism spectrum disorder. Instead of focusing exclusively on deficits, the approach emphasizes fostering strengths, self-expression, and social engagement.

Through innovative workshops, interactive therapies, and inclusive activities, the program aims to build skills that extend beyond medical treatment and into everyday life. Specialists involved in the launch have highlighted the goal of equipping children and adolescents not just with coping mechanisms, but with opportunities to thrive.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Future Centers

The long-term ambition of the Min Yoongi Center extends beyond its immediate patient base. By documenting successes, refining approaches, and conducting clinical research, the facility intends to shape best practices that could be adopted across South Korea and potentially beyond its borders.

Plans have already been discussed to establish partnerships with universities, research institutes, and international autism organizations. This collaboration could foster knowledge exchange and cement Seoul’s growing role as a hub for advanced developmental therapy.

Meanwhile, families and advocacy groups are hopeful that the model of the Min Yoongi Center will inspire the creation of similar institutions nationwide, ensuring broader access to specialized autism mental health care across urban and rural regions alike.

A Turning Point in Pediatric Mental Health

The establishment of the Min Yoongi Center represents more than the opening of a new medical wing. It signals a cultural and institutional shift toward prioritizing mental health for children and adolescents, particularly those with developmental conditions that require sustained, compassionate intervention.

As the engraved marble wall at Severance Hospital stands as a physical reminder of this commitment, the center embodies hope for thousands of families navigating the challenges of autism. By uniting medical science, philanthropy, and community support, the Min Yoongi Center is positioned to become a benchmark for pediatric mental health care not only in South Korea but also as part of a broader international narrative of inclusivity and support.