5 free counseling and psychiatric consultation services that are just a call away

Suicide rates in the Philippines increased by 25.7% according to the latest figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for 2020.

PSA also recorded 3,529 deaths due to “intentional self-harm,” making it the 27th leading cause of death in the previous year.

To help everyone who are struggling in these trying times, here are five organizations that offer free counseling and psychiatric consultations.

1. National Center for Mental Health

With the help of #MentalHealthPH, the National Center for Mental Health offers free psychiatric consultation open to everyone.

Their services are accessible 24/7 to also accommodate those who need immediate guidance.

They also give free basic counseling, psychological first aid, suicide prevention and referral to psychiatrists and psychologists.

You may reach them through (02)79898727 or 09178998727.

2. Philippine General Hospital

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) offers free psychiatric consultation and counseling services done through personal checkups.

Set an appointment and wait for a representative to confirm your schedule. To set an appointment, go to their website. 

The PGH is located at Taft Ave., Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila.

3. Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services

The Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services offer free psychiatric consultation and a brief psychological service for their patients.

The brief psychological service is one to two sessions of short-term counseling offered by their responders. This is open to adults.

To set an appointment, simply fill-out their online form.

The Ateneo Bulatao Center also has a psychotherapy service offered by licensed psychologists and therapists to help address personal mental health concerns, socio-emotional, or psychological functioning.

The initial fee costs P2,500 then succeeding sessions are P2,000 each. To schedule an online appointment you may fill out the online form. 

Both services are done online.

4. Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center

The Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center offers free basic psychiatric consultation and counseling services for adult residents of Marikina and Rizal areas.

The services are done through a video call. To book an appointment, message them through their Facebook page.

5. University of the Philippines Diliman Psychosocial Services

The University of the Philippines Diliman Psychosocial Services (UPD PsycServ) is offering free counseling or psychotherapy services.

This is available for currently enrolled UP Diliman students, faculty and staff.

To avail of this, just send a text or Viber message to 09063743466 or 09167573157 with your name and concern.

You can also accomplish a form to receive a call from a PsycServ volunteer from Monday to Friday,  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Not ready to make that call just yet? Here are 8 ways to cope, according to the Psychological Association of the Philippines. — LA, GMA News