Aung Mental Health Initiative (Aung MHI) began as Aung Clinic, which was featured in the short self-bio-documentary film Clinic (2015) by Dr. Aung Min and The Clinic (2024) by Midi-Z.

In 2014, Aung Min transformed his clinic into an art therapy space for people with severe mental health disorders and became the co-founder of Aung MHI alongside Dr. San San Oo. Combining his interest and expertise in art with Dr. San San Oo’s mental health work, Dr. Aung Min helped shape a creative, community-focused approach to psychosocial care. Now Aung MHI (Mental Health Initiative) operates as a space for painting, community kitchen, art therapy and other activities. Aung MHI has been recognized as a best practice in a WHO report (further details available). 

Over the years, the initiative has conducted mental health training, advocacy workshops, held art exhibitions, and recently incorporated psychodrama into its programs, enriching both therapeutic practice and community engagement.

Aung Mental Health Initiative opens Mandalay Safe Space as a new community-based support hub. The space offers mental health and psychosocial support activities, including training for caregivers, psychodrama sessions, and drawing and creative expression workshops. It aims to provide a low-threshold, relationship-centered environment where people can gather, share, and heal together.

Aung Mental Health Initiative (Aung MHI) has been collaborating closely with Tokyo Soteria since 2023 through ongoing exchanges of knowledge and experience in community-based mental health care. Tokyo Soteria members regularly visit Mandalay to observe programs and share their expertise, while Aung MHI staff take part in symposiums, workshops, and international events.