Mental Health Support in Japan for Foreigners [2026]
- Foreign residents in Japan are often exposed to unique stress from language barriers, cultural differences, and isolation.
- When things feel hard, you don't have to face it alone — you can call the free, multilingual Yorisoi Hotline (0120-279-338), among other resources.
- If life is at risk, call 119 immediately.
- This guide covers available consultation options and how to get care, from free public consultation services to insurance-covered psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine clinics.
Language barriers, cultural differences, isolation, and overwork put foreign residents at particular risk of mental health challenges. Don't dismiss the signs — seeking help early makes a real difference. This page covers free hotlines, how to see a psychiatrist, insurance, and other available resources.
① Free public helplines
| Service | Phone | Languages | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yorisoi Hotline (multilingual) | 0120-279-338 | EN, ZH, KO, ES, PT, TL, etc. | 24/7 |
| Mental Health Consultation Dial | 0570-064-556 | Japanese | Varies by prefecture |
| Inochi no Denwa | 0570-783-556 | Japanese | Daily 16:00–21:00 |
② Seeing a psychiatrist or psychosomatic doctor
In Japan, "精神科 (seishin-ka, psychiatry)" and "心療内科 (shinryō-naika, psychosomatic medicine)" are the main options. Both are covered by health insurance — you pay 30%. Most clinics require appointments, so book in advance by phone or online.
To find a multilingual clinic, contact the AMDA International Medical Information Center (0120-56-2256).
③ Counseling vs. psychiatry
| Factor | Psychiatry / Psychosomatic | Counseling |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Insurance-covered (30%) | Mostly out-of-pocket (¥5,000–15,000/session) |
| Prescriptions | Yes | No |
| Provider | Medical doctor | Certified psychologist |
| Best for | Persistent symptoms, need medication | Stress, life problems, talking it through |
④ Workplace and community support
- Company EAP: Ask HR if your employer offers free employee assistance counseling.
- Local international exchange associations: Many offer multilingual life consultation, including mental health concerns.
- Industrial physician (産業医): Workplaces with 50+ employees have a physician available for free consultation.
⑤ In a crisis (self-harm or suicidal thoughts)
FAQ
Can I use health insurance at a psychiatrist in Japan?Yes. Psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine are covered by public health insurance — you pay 30%. Bring your insurance card.
Can I see a doctor if I don't speak Japanese?Contact AMDA (0120-56-2256) to find multilingual clinics. The Yorisoi Hotline also provides interpreter-assisted consultations.
Is the Yorisoi Hotline available in English?Yes. Call 0120-279-338 and ask for multilingual support. Interpreters for English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese and Tagalog are available 24/7. The call is free.
What should I do if I can't sleep due to work stress?Try calling the Mental Health Consultation Dial (0570-064-556) or seeing a general internal medicine doctor. Sleep disorders are also treated at psychosomatic medicine clinics.
When should I choose counseling over a psychiatrist?If you have persistent symptoms or may need medication, see a psychiatrist (insurance-covered). For life stress or just needing to talk, counseling may be more appropriate.
For a guide on how to find and visit clinics in Japan, including multilingual support options, see how to use hospitals and clinics. For a compiled list of emergency numbers including 119 and 110, see Japan Emergency Contacts: How to Call 119, 110 & Ambulance (Multilingual).
Sources
* Rules may change. Please check official sites for the latest information.
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