How to Find Mental Health Support and Counseling Services in Japan?

Relocating to JapanMental HealthClient ConsultationLife in JapanSupport Services
Created At: 8/11/2025Updated At: 8/17/2025
Answer (1)

Hey friend,

First off, sending you a big hug. It's completely normal to feel down sometimes while living alone in Japan and to want someone to talk to or seek professional help. The fact that you're actively reaching out is incredibly brave and a huge step in itself.

Having lived in Japan for several years, I've known friends who've been through similar situations. It does take some effort to navigate the system, but don't worry. I've compiled everything I know here to help you figure things out.

First, Figure Out What Kind of Help You Need

Mental health support in Japan falls into a few main categories. Understanding the differences will help you find the right place faster:

  1. Counseling (カウンセリング - Counseling):

    • What is it? This is what we commonly call "counseling" or "talk therapy." A counselor listens to your concerns, helps you analyze problems, and teaches coping strategies for stress and emotions. They do not prescribe medication.
    • Who is it for? People feeling stressed, anxious, lost, or troubled by issues like relationships, work/study, culture shock, who want to talk to a professional.

  2. Psychosomatic Medicine Department (心療内科 - Shinryo-naika):

    • What is it? Literally meaning "Psychosomatic Internal Medicine." This is very common in Japan and can be seen as a "lighter" version of psychiatry. Doctors primarily address physical symptoms caused by psychological stress, like insomnia, headaches, stomachaches, heart palpitations, or loss of appetite. They can prescribe medication.
    • Who is it for? If your psychological stress is significantly affecting your physical health, this is a good starting point. Doctors will listen and may prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms.

  3. Psychiatry Department (精神科 - Seishin-ka):

    • What is it? This is the "psychiatry" department as commonly understood. It deals with more defined mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, etc. Doctors diagnose and primarily use medication, supplemented by basic talk therapy.
    • Who is it for? If you feel your situation is more severe, potentially requiring medication, or if you've already been diagnosed with a related condition.

Quick Summary: If you mainly want someone to talk to, Counseling is the first choice. If you're experiencing physical symptoms, start with Psychosomatic Medicine (Shinryo-naika). If you feel the problem is serious and might need medication, go to Psychiatry (Seishin-ka).

So, Where Do You Actually Go?

This is key. I've categorized options by "language" and "channel":

If You Need English or Other Foreign Language Services

This is often the top choice for foreigners, as expressing your feelings clearly requires your native language.

  • Highly Recommended: IMHPJ (International Mental Health Professionals Japan)

    • An organization of mental health professionals practicing in Japan. Their website has a directory where you can filter counselors and doctors by location, language, and specialty. Professionals listed here usually have international backgrounds and understand the foreigner experience well.
    • Simply Google "IMHPJ" to find their official website.

  • Lifeline & Counseling Services: TELL (Tokyo English Life Line)

    • A well-known NPO. They offer two main paths:
      1. Free, Anonymous Phone/Chat Lifeline: If you just need someone to talk to right now, call their lifeline. It's completely free, and they will listen patiently.
      2. Professional Counseling: They also offer fee-based, professional counseling services, either face-to-face or online, with experienced counselors.

  • Company or School Resources

    • Company EAP (Employee Assistance Program): If you work for a larger foreign or Japanese company, ask HR if they offer an EAP. This is often company-paid, free counseling, making it very convenient.
    • University Health Center / Student Counseling Office: If you're an international student, your school's counseling office should be your first stop! It's usually free, and counselors are very experienced with student issues (like academic pressure, loneliness).

If Your Japanese is OK, or You Want to Try Local Services

  • Your Local Government Services (Ward/City Office - 区役所/市役所)

    • Go to the ward office (区役所) or city office (市役所) where you live. Look for windows like "Welfare and Health Section" (福祉保健課) or "Mental Health Consultation" (こころの健康相談 - Kokoro no Kenko Sodan) and ask.
    • Many local governments offer free or very low-cost counseling services for residents, typically once or twice a month. While sessions might be short, it's a good starting point.

  • Online Counseling Platforms

    • There are many online counseling platforms in Japan now, like Cocoromi (ココロミ) or Cotree (コートリー).
    • The advantages are convenience (from home) and often lower cost compared to in-person sessions. You can choose your counselor, which is great if you're a bit socially anxious or prefer not to go out.

  • Search Directly for Clinics

    • Search Google Maps near your home for 心療内科 (Shinryo-naika) or 精神科 (Seishin-ka).
    • Tip: Add 口コミ (kuchikomi - reviews) to see user ratings, or 女性医師 (josei ishi - female doctor) if you prefer a female doctor.

About Costs (This is Very Important!)

  • Is it Covered by Health Insurance (National Health Insurance / Social Insurance)?

    • Covered: Visits to a Psychosomatic Medicine (Shinryo-naika) or Psychiatry (Seishin-ka) doctor for consultation, diagnosis, and medication. This is considered medical treatment; insurance covers 70%, you pay 30%.
    • Usually NOT Covered: Counseling (Counseling). In Japan, pure talk therapy is mostly out-of-pocket; insurance typically doesn't cover it.

  • Rough Costs:

    • Doctor Visit (with insurance): Initial visit roughly 3,000 - 5,000 yen, follow-up 1,500 - 3,000 yen (your 30% co-pay). Medication cost is separate.
    • Counseling (out-of-pocket): Prices vary widely. A typical session (50-60 minutes) ranges from 8,000 yen to 20,000 yen. Well-known counselors cost more. Online counseling might be cheaper.

So, always ask before starting: “カウンセリングは保険適用されますか?” (Counseling wa hoken tekiyo saremasu ka? - Is counseling covered by insurance?)

Finally, Some Tips for You

  • Don't be nervous about your first visit. Think of it as a "mental health check-up." Doctors and counselors see all kinds of people every day; your worries are normal to them.
  • If it doesn't feel right, try someone else. Finding a counselor is a bit like finding the right friend – it depends on the "fit" (相性 - aisho). If you don't click with the first doctor or counselor, don't get discouraged; it's okay to try another one.
  • Prepare a little beforehand. Before going, briefly think about what's been troubling you, when it started, and any specific examples. This helps you communicate more effectively with the professional.
  • Taking care of yourself comes first. Living abroad, we're all doing our best while moving forward. It's okay to feel vulnerable sometimes. Remember, seeking help is an act of self-love.

I hope this information helps you. Take things one step at a time; there's no rush. You're not alone in facing this.

Take good care of yourself!

Created At: 08-11 14:34:30Updated At: 08-12 03:20:04