Advertorial Where to find mental health help in Thailand

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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of individuals around the world, and Thailand is no exception. In fact, the director-general at Thailand’s Department of Mental Health told the Bangkok Post that the country’s suicide rate is 5.9 times higher than pre-COVID-19 days. The department’s data also revealed that people are more likely to develop depression (4.8 times) and stress (2.1 times) than prior to the pandemic.

 

The Omicron variant’s slow spread is yet another factor that is currently impacting the mental health of the nation. On top of that, excessive news consumption and living in Bangkok (particularly as a woman) can make matters worse. This article from our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand discusses where you can find mental health help in Thailand.

Seeking help for mental health as an expat

As an expat, taking care of your mental health isn’t always easy. Language barriers, being away from your support group, and cultural differences can cause you to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and isolated. Loneliness, long-term stress, or substance abuse/misuse are just some of the most common factors that influence mental health.

 

It’s important to seek help when you need it. While your friends and family may be able to offer some comfort, talking to a professional is advisable. Psychiatric health checkups are just as vital as physical health checkups. Fortunately, there are plenty of

mental health services available in Thailand for expats.

Samaritans Thailand

If you experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, or have suicidal thoughts, contact The Samaritans of Thailand’s English hotline at 02 113 6789 and press 2. While the free service puts you in touch with staff who are trained in suicide prevention, callers don’t have to be suicidal to get help through the hotline. It often helps to simply talk to someone when you’re feeling low, especially to a person who is trained to listen as you share your issues and concerns.

 

Once you leave a message at the call center, a staff member will contact you back within 24 hours. The service is also anonymous, so you don’t have to provide your real name if you don’t want to.

Private hospitals

Those dealing with a life-threatening mental health crisis should head straight to the ER of an international hospital. Ask to see the psychiatrist on duty upon arrival. In Bangkok, two of the leading hospitals for mental health services are Bangkok Hospital and Manarom Hospital.

Bangkok Hospital Mental Health Rehabilitation and Recovery Center

Bangkok Hospital offers mental health services and facilities, including counseling, inpatient care, outpatient services, and day programs. The hospital’s Chitrak Center focuses on mental health treatment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation.

Manarom Hospital

As one of Thailand’s leading private hospitals specializing in mental and behavioral healthcare, Manarom Hospital offers a range of mental health services like day programs and adult psychiatry. The staff are trained in a wide variety of mental health conditions, from substance abuse and behavioral problems to PTSD and family issues.

Counseling and mental health services

As one of the most popular expat destinations in Thailand, Bangkok is home to some of the leading mental health providers and counseling centers in the country. While the following are Bangkok-based services, there are also online options for expats living in other areas of Thailand. What’s more, facilities closer to home are available for expats throughout the country, so be sure to research your options.

Psychological Services International (PSI)

Since 2001, PSI has been providing therapy, counseling, and assessment services to expats in Bangkok. PSI’s counselors are trained as psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers, so they can also be helpful if you’re in need of medication. The staff speak English, Thai, and French and also serve clients outside of Bangkok through online services.

New Counseling Service (NCS)

The only fully licensed counseling center in the nation’s capital city, NCS offers counseling, mental health services, and training to both expats and locals. In operation for more than 20 years, NCS provides support for mental health issues from anxiety and depression to grief counseling and crisis intervention. Along with Thai and English, staff also speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and Dutch.

What to do if you have a mental health emergency

The first thing you should do when you want help with a mental health issue is to contact the Samaritans. Note that this is a callback service, so you might have to wait up to 24 hours to hear back from them. In the meantime, you can contact a counselor by emailing a provider of your choice (such as PSI or NCS) and letting them know that you’re seeking help.

 

If you’re in a life-threatening situation, it’s best to head straight to the psychiatrist on duty at an international hospital. Bangkok and Manarom Hospitals have psychiatrist units that you can visit directly, but any psychiatrist will be able to help you in the event of an emergency. Hospitals will ask for insurance details or payment, but don’t let that deter you from putting your mental health first.

 

Looking for individual health insurance plans or other types of health insurance? Pacific Prime’s highly-trained advisors can help you find the best health insurance plan for Thailand expats for your needs and budget. Contact Pacific Prime Thailand for impartial insurance advice and a tailored plan comparison today!