Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s Your Free Mental Health Toolkit
Life can be a rollercoaster, and sometimes it feels like you’re on the fast descent with no brakes. But before you throw in the towel, take a deep breath and remember: you don’t have to weather the storm alone.
In the Philippines, access to mental health services can be a bit of a maze, especially if you’re facing financial constraints. But fear not, brave adventurer! This list is your treasure map to free mental health resources that can help you navigate the rough patches.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to free mental health support in the Philippines:
- National Center for Mental Health (NCMH): Think of this as your mental health headquarters. The NCMH is a government-run hospital that offers a wide range of free mental health services, including psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. They offer a comprehensive range of services, from diagnosis and medication to therapy and even a 24/7 crisis hotline. They even have online options for your convenience.
- Services: Psychiatric evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy, 24/7 crisis hotline (1553 for landlines, 0908-639-2672 for Smart/Sun/TNT, and 0966-351-4518 for Globe/TM) where you can receive immediate support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention assistance, free online psychiatric sessions and psychosocial support through their E-Konsultasyon program.
- Website: https://ncmh.gov.ph/
- E-Konsultasyon program: the NCMH offers free online psychiatric sessions and psychosocial support through their E-Konsultasyon program. You can book an appointment on their website (ncmh.gov.ph) or through the link bit.ly/ncmhkonsulta.
- Philippine General Hospital (PGH): This top-notch public hospital also has a dedicated mental health department offering free consultations and counseling. Just remember to book your appointment beforehand.
- Services: Free psychiatric consultations and counseling services.
- Website: https://pghopd.up.edu.ph/
- Contact: (02) 8554-8400 loc 2436 or 2440, (02) 8554-8847, (02) 8526-0150, and (02) 8554-8469
- Looking for something quick and convenient? Check out Ateneo Bulatao Center’s free brief psychological services. Slots are limited, so be ready to act fast when they open up on Thursdays.
- Services: Free brief psychological services (limited slots available).
- Website: bit.ly/BPSBulatao
- Email: [email protected]
- Need someone to talk to after hours? UGAT SandaLine offers free emotional support and peer support through online channels. Just hop on Messenger, Skype, or Facebook and let them know what’s going on.
- Services: Free emotional support and peer support through Messenger (m.me/ugat.sandaline.35), Skype ([email protected]), and Facebook (facebook.com/UGATSandaLinePage [invalid URL removed]).
- Available: Daily from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Feeling like you’re in a crisis? Mental Health First Responder has your back with 24/7 free emotional support and peer support via video calls.
- Services: 24/7 free emotional support and peer support via video calls.
- Website: https://mhfirstresponse.org/
- Email: [email protected]
- The Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) is your go-to for non-profit support. They offer free counseling, support groups, and even community outreach programs.
- Services: Free counseling, support groups, and community outreach programs.
- Website: https://pmha.org.ph/
- Contact: (02) 8925-0858
- Struggling financially? The Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) provides free counseling and therapy to those who can’t afford it. They also have a 24/7 crisis hotline, so you’re never alone.
- Services: Free counseling and therapy, 24/7 crisis hotline (HOPELINE).
- Website: https://ngf-hope.org/
- Contact: (02) 8804-HOPE (4673)
- Need online guidance and support? Silakbo PH and MentalHealthPH offer online counseling, support groups, and mental health education. It’s like having a mental health coach in your pocket.
- Silakbo PH:
- Services: Free mental health guidance and support, online counseling, support groups, and mental health education.
- Website: https://silakbo.ph/
- Facebook: facebook.com/silakboph [invalid URL removed]
- MentalHealthPH:
- Services: Mental health assistance and support, online counseling, support groups, and mental health education.
- Website: https://mentalhealthph.org/
- Facebook: facebook.com/mentalhealthph
- Silakbo PH:
- MindNation offers affordable counseling and therapy. While not entirely free, they have various packages to fit different budgets, making mental health care more accessible.
- Services: Affordable counseling and therapy.
- Website: https://mindnation.com/
Remember, seeking help for your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. And with these resources at your fingertips, you have everything you need to take charge of your well-being.
Bonus Tip: Sign up for our newsletter at https://relaxlangmom.com/ to stay updated on mental health resources and tips. Let’s break the stigma and prioritize our mental health together!
