But such attitudes are gradually changing. I set up the center, because I feel it is good for society. Yet the fast growth of the psychiatric advice sector raises concern in some quarters over the quality and ethics of the newcomers, and the ease with which such companies can be established. Zhang is a former soldier who studied business management, worked for the Jiangsu provincial government, and most recently managed a holiday village on the outskirts of Beijing. With registered capital of 10,000 yuan, he quickly obtained a business license in March from the local bureau of industry and commerce.
Business people see the opportunity in the big China market.
Many psychiatrists are poorly trained which is potentially damaging. Also, for the moment, there are no rules to regulate the market. Despite such reservations, Xu says she is encouraged by the higher profile psychological problems are assuming in China. Even the People's Liberation Army has established a mental illness prevention and control centre, also in Nanjing. While more city-dwellers and their employers can afford professional advice, China's villagers lack both the access and the habit of seeking help for problems like the rocketing suicide rate, especially among women.