{"id":26951,"date":"2022-09-14T15:00:11","date_gmt":"2022-09-14T15:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=26951"},"modified":"2026-03-10T16:49:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T07:49:20","slug":"mental-health-support-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/mental-health-support-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"How to find help: mental health support in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Updated March 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living and studying in Japan can be an overwhelming experience. On top of an intense study schedule, you\u2019re also adapting to a new way of life, a different culture, and an unfamiliar language. This can be stressful, which is why it\u2019s important to have mental health support when you\u2019re in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve put together some resources in case you\u2019re looking for mental health support while you\u2019re living in Japan. We recognize that mental health needs are extremely personal and complex, and we hope the information in this article will be useful in some way to those looking for support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction to mental health services in Japan<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Professional mental health care in Japan is available through psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists (<\/span>shinrigakusha<\/span><\/i>, \u5fc3\u7406\u5b66\u8005) offer counseling services, but cannot prescribe medication. Psychiatrists (<\/span>seishinkai<\/span><\/i>, \u7cbe\u795e\u79d1\u533b) specialize in treating various mental health issues and can prescribe medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that psychiatric services are generally covered under Japan\u2019s National Health Insurance<\/a> Scheme, but counseling is not covered. You should always double check with your chosen healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also another area of mental health treatment called psychosomatic medicine (<\/span>shinshinigaku<\/span><\/i>, \u5fc3\u8eab\u533b\u5b66). Doctors specializing in this field treat physical issues brought on by psychological stress. Their care is usually covered by National Health Insurance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Accessing mental health support in Japan <\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist can be intimidating and costly, especially for international students. Few clinics offer their services in languages other than Japanese and if you\u2019re living in a small town or rural area, it\u2019ll be difficult to find a doctor who can help you in your own language.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where a service like <\/span>Tokyo English Life Line<\/b> (TELL) can help. TELL is dedicated to supporting the mental health of Japan\u2019s international community through their Lifeline and counseling services. You can access TELL\u2019s services anywhere in Japan through their remote teletherapy option. All TELL staff speak English, with some speaking other languages too.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will get anonymity and the space to talk about anything on your mind, no matter where you are in the country. Learn more about TELL on their <\/span>website<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A similar hotline that has a broader focus is the <\/span>Yorisoi Helpline for Foreigners<\/b>. In addition to its counseling service, it offers help for visa issues, family and work issues, domestic violence, and more. Find out more <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for psychology or psychiatry services and have the money to pay for it, try <\/span>Tokyo Mental Health<\/b><\/a>. They offer counseling, therapy, psychological evaluation, and psychiatry services in English. You can book an online consultation, or an in-person appointment if you\u2019re located in Tokyo and Okinawa. Be aware that they do not accept National Health Insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also visit the <\/span>International Mental Health Professionals Japan Directory<\/b><\/a> for a list of professionals working in Japan who offer services in languages other than Japanese.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mental health apps and online counseling<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can access online counseling platforms like <\/span>BetterHelp<\/b><\/a> and <\/span>Talkspace<\/b><\/a> from Japan. These are leading online therapy companies that pair you with licensed therapists. It can be a more affordable and convenient alternative to visiting a clinic in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another flexible and affordable online therapy platform you can use is Online-Therapy.com<\/a>. This platform is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has a directory of qualified therapists to provide you with the highest level of personalized support. We have partnered with them and are providing a 20% discount code THERAPY20<\/strong> to help you find the support you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you prefer to self-manage your mental health needs, apps are a great option. There are a variety of both free and paid apps available to address many mental health needs. For example, <\/span>Moodfit<\/b><\/a> is a free app (with paid premium features) that helps you track your moods so you can understand your feelings better. <\/span>Headspace<\/b><\/a> is a paid app that builds mindfulness and meditation to help with stress, sleep, and overall mental wellbeing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other popular mental health support apps include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n