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Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical well-being. It’s a good thing that the Philippines has several mental health services available. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or simply overwhelmed, mental health hotlines offer free and confidential support from trained professionals. So, if you’re looking for someone to assist you, we’ll explore the mental health hotlines in the country below.

Does the Philippines have mental health services?

Yes, the Philippines has numerous public and private mental health services available. The country’s mental health infrastructure has grown, especially with the passage of the Republic Act (RA) 11036 or the Mental Health Act in 2018. It has established the legal framework for developing accessible, affordable, and quality mental health services in the country.

Who to call about mental health in the Philippines?

You can call several mental health hotlines in the Philippines if you need assistance. But if you need immediate help, the Department of Health has helplines available for specific areas in the country:

Luzon

Visayas

Mindanao

Also Read: Suicide Prevention Month 2024: CDO Mental Health Resources

Free Mental Health Services in the Philippines

Talking to someone about your mental health doesn’t need to be a struggle. Whether you need to vent or wish to seek advice, you can turn to a mental health hotline in the Philippines for free assistance:

National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline (NCMH-USAP)

The NCMH Crisis Hotline provides free and confidential 24/7 phone call services with the help of trained psychological and suicide first-aid responders. They can also refer you to the appropriate mental health services and resources to help you address your concerns promptly. The service is available nationwide, and you can contact them through the following:

• Luzon-wide Toll-Free Landline: 1553
• Mobile numbers: 0917-899-8727 (Globe/TM) / 0966-351-4518 (Globe/TM) / 0908-639-2672 (Smart/Sun/TNT)
• Email: crisismailbox@ncmh.gov.ph

Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Online Support

Founded in January 1950, the PMHA is a private non-profit organization that provides mental health services through multimedia platforms and volunteers. If you need their assistance, you can contact them through the following channels:

• Facebook (Chat is available Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM): PMHAofficial
• Phone numbers (Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 4 PM):  (02) 8921-4958 / (02) 8921-4959
• Mobile number for text messaging:  0917-565-2036
• Email:  pmhacds@gmail.com

Natasha Goulbourn Foundation

Founded in 2007, the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to inform and educate the public and mental health professionals about depression. Hopeline is their dedicated mental health hotline, where anyone in the Philippines can receive one-on-one assistance crisis assistance. Here’s how you can reach out to them:

• Phone numbers: (02) 8804-4673
• Mobile number: 0917-558-4673 / 0918-873-4673

In Touch Community Services Crisis Hotline

This volunteer-driven organization is one of the leading providers of mental health services in the Philippines. Started in 1980, In Touch Community Services is dedicated to promoting mental health and offering treatment to Filipinos. Their crisis line is open 24/7 and free to respond to emotional and stress-related issues. You can access their helpline through these numbers:

• Telephone numbers: (02) 8893 7603
• Mobile numbers: (+63) 917 800 1123 / (+63) 919 056 0709 / (+63) 922 893 8944

Also Read: LIST: Mental Health Professionals, Psychiatrists in Cagayan de Oro City

Tawag Paglaum – Centro Bisaya

This Cebu-based government program is run by the Department of Health and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. Its goal is to provide interventions to people suffering from emotional distress, especially those with suicidal risks. Their hotline is open 24/7 through the help of their responders, who are mental health professionals. You can call their hotline through these numbers:

• Mobile numbers: 0939-937-5433 / 0927-654-1629

Important Reminders for Calling a Mental Health Hotline in the Philippines

Here are important reminders to remember to help make your experience go smoothly: 

• Your conversations with mental health hotlines are confidential, so feel free to speak openly without fear of judgment.
• Some hotlines may experience high call volumes, so there might be a wait. Stay patient and try again if you can’t connect immediately.
• While you’re not required to share personal details, providing clear information about what you’re experiencing can help the counselor give you better guidance.
• Hotlines are for immediate emotional support, if you or someone else is in physical danger or have a medical emergency, contact local emergency services or visit the nearest hospital immediately.

Mental Health Services in the Philippines: FAQs

Here is additional information on the mental health services in the Philippines:  

What is the Philippine policy on mental health?

The Philippine Mental Health Act promotes the implementation of optimal mental healthcare in the philippines. It also protects the rights of people utilizing these institutions and services.

Does PhilHealth cover mental health?

Yes, PhilHealth covers mental health but only for conditions such as dementia, bipolar disorders, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

What is the mental health package in the Philippines?

PhilHealth offers two mental health benefits packages that their members can use. The General Mental Health Package includes screening, assessment, medicines, and psychoeducation and psychosocial support. While the Specialty Mental Health Package includes the aforementioned servicse but offers psychotherapy instead of psychoeducation and psychosocial support.

Is there free consultation for mental health in the Philippines?

Several organizations offer free mental health consultations in the Philipipnes, including the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), Philippine General Hospital (PGH), and Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center.

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