Understanding
Mental Health Care
in Japan
Finding the right mental health care provider in Japan can be confusing, but you have options! Here's a breakdown of the three main types:
- Psychiatry: Specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses like depression or insomnia. They work in hospitals or clinics and can prescribe medication. Consultations are typically short (around 20 minutes) and covered by Japanese Health Insurance.
- Psychotherapists/Councelors: Provide counseling services for a wide range of mental health issues. They work in clinics, hospitals, or private practice and may offer phone counseling. They cannot prescribe medication, and their services are typically not covered by insurance, costing 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen or more per 50-minute session. The quality of care can vary depending on the psychologist's experience. Many Japanese universities also have Counseling Centers, aimed to provide training for the future psychotherapists (now students). If you are capable in Japanese and don't need a high emergency follow-up, this option will allow you to do counselling for a reduced bill of 3000~4000 yen. Psychological assessment tests are also available. However, for those who have deeper struggles, it might be better to consider more experienced psychologists' service.
- Psychosomatic Medicine Doctors: Focus on physical problems caused by stress, such as irritable bowel syndrome. They typically work in specialized clinics and cannot treat mental disorders like depression. The JapanHealthInfo.com website might be useful for you.
University Counseling Centers (Japanese Only)
Many Japanese universities have counseling centers that offer affordable mental health services. These centers primarily serve as training grounds for future psychotherapists, so sessions are supervised by experienced professionals.
Reduced Cost:
Sessions typically range from 3,000 yen to 4,000 yen, which is significantly lower than private practice fees.
Counseling and Assessments:
You can receive individual counseling sessions and potentially take psychological assessment tests to gain deeper insights into your well-being.
Focus on Learning:
Keep in mind that counselors are still in training, so this might be a good fit for general concerns or if you're comfortable with a more learning-oriented approach.
Finding a Mental Health Care Provider
Licensing Matters
When choosing a provider, prioritize licensed professionals for better quality care.
Considering Language:
If English is your primary language, consider these resources to find English-speaking providers.
- International Mental Health Professionals Japan (IMHPJ): A network of English-speaking therapists in Japan.
- Japan Healthcare Info: Helps find English-speaking medical providers in Japan.
- AMDA International Medical Information Center: Provides assistance in finding medical providers in Japan.
- The Japan Society of Certified Clinical Psychologists (JSCCP): A directory of approved therapists in Japan.
When to Seek Immediate Help
You are not alone. If you are struggling with any of the following, reaching out for help is a sign of strength:
Thoughts of hurting yourself or others:
If you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or feeling violent towards others, help is available.
Substance abuse or addiction:
Struggling with addiction is a common issue, and there are resources available to help you on the path to recovery.
Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope
Are you struggling to take care of yourself or your loved ones? Seeking professional support can make a difference.
Feeling unsafe:
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call emergency services or go to a safe place.
Mental health concerns
Whether you have a diagnosed mental health condition or suspect you might, seeking help can improve your well-being.
Needing an intervention
Sometimes, loved ones need support to approach someone who might be struggling.
Emergency Japanese Phrases
In case of emergencies, here are some essential Japanese phrases to communicate with authorities or ask for help.
Please send an ambulance!
Kyukyusha o yonde kudasai! (救急車を呼んでください!)
Pronounced: kyuu-kyuu-sha oh yohn-deh koo-dah-sai
Please send a policeman!
Keisatsu o yonde kudasai! (警察を呼んでください!)
Pronounced: kay-sah-tsu oh yohn-deh koo-dah-sai
My name is Bart Simpson.
Watashi no namae wa Bart Simpson des. (私の名前はバート・シンプソンです。)
Pronounced: wah-tah-shee noh nah-mah-eh wah Bart Simpson des
My address is Minato Ward.
Watashi no jusho wa Minato-ku des. (私の住所は港区です。)
Pronounced: wah-tah-shee noh joo-sho wah Mee-nah-toh-koo des
My telephone number is 007.
Watashi no denwa bango wa 007 des. (私の電話番号は007です。)
Pronounced: wah-tah-shee noh den-wah bahn-go wah zero-zero-seven des
I am injured.
Kega o shimashita. (怪我をしました。)
Pronounced: keh-gah oh shee-mah-shee-tah