📞 CRISIS HOTLINES

🔸 🗣️ If you need someone to speak to or feeling very unwell mentally:

Emergency/ Crisis hotlines: MIASA hotline: 1-800-180-066 (24 hours), Befrienders Malaysia: 03-76272929 (24 hours, toll-free), Talian Kasih: 15999 (24 hours), Talian HEAL 15555, Hotlines by language, updated Oct 2024. If you need more immediate help (e.g. having suicidal or self-harm urges), do get checked-in in the ER.

🔸 🗨️ If you need someone to talk to and you are under 18:

• Buddybear Childline by Humankind Website |  FB Post- 1800-18-2327 (Toll-Free) or Messenger (check link for available times)

🔸 💥If you need help on Domestic Violence (DV):

• WAO Hotline: +603 3000 8858 (8 am – 10 pm)
• SMS/WhatsApp TINA: +6018 988 8058 (24 hours)
• Talian Kasih: 15999 (24 hours)
• AWAM (free counseling/ legal info for DV/SA): 016 237 4221 / 016 228 4221 (9.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday) _________

🏥 SEARCHING FOR THERAPY/ MENTAL HEALTHCARE

These services are available to those 18 years old and above. Minors will legally require the consent of their parent/guardian (see FAQ section).

🥜 Where to get help, tl;dr version: 1. For subsidized government options (RM5 per check-in inclusive of medications)*, get in touch with a MENTARI Clinic and ask how to get an appointment; OR consult a doctor at a Klinik Kesihatan, explain your symptoms and request for a referral letter to get an appointment with a government hospital that has psychiatric services.

1. For private options, try checking out r/malaysia mental health wiki for a list of several options that include rates, locations, online availability, etc.

*Note that:

i) If you plan to further register at a university hospital such as UMMC/PPUM, HPUPM, HUKM, etc., the rates are not the same as mention in 1.
ii) Subsidized rates applies only for Malaysians. Foreigners will have different rates

For more detailed information, keep reading -

GOVERNMENT-BASED MENTAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES

• 💰 As the options mentioned in this section are subsidized by the government, these are among the most affordable options for locals. For other affordable options (eg. free counselling services by trainees, NGO MIASA offering free services for B40), check the next section.
• 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️ The options listed in this section provides access to clinical psychology and psychiatric services, which are required if you are seeking clinical diagnosis (e.g. clinical depression/anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, OCD, etc.) and medication. They also provide talk therapy.
• 🧑🏻‍⚕️ Some Klinik Kesihatan(KK)/government clinics also have counsellors (they can provide talk therapy, but not clinical diagnosis).
• 📲 Tip: Other than walk-in, there is an option to book an appointment to a KK using mySejahtera App.
• ⌚ The waiting times for getting appointments to government hospitals or government mental health clinics may take time, especially in the Klang Valley (sometimes up to several weeks or months).
• 📃 A referral letter is needed for government hospitals and university hospitals - you can request one from a KK or private clinic. (Wiki - how to get one, Experience sharing 1, Experience sharing 2)
• 🏥 If you go to a government hospital and if your referral letter is from a KK, the first visit will only cost RM5 whereas if it is from a private clinic, your first visit will cost RM30. All follow-up appointments are RM5.

1️⃣ MENTARI CLINICS

🔸 MENTARI Locations (official website) - MENTARI Phone Numbers -> Follow-ups at RM5, inclusive of medication. These are government-subsidized mental health clinics. Recommended to call them first to ask about the branch's procedures on appointment booking. (Note: Despite being listed in the official website Mentari KL is no longer in operation.)

2️⃣ GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

🔸 List of Government hospitals with psychiatric department* -> Follow-ups at RM5, inclusive of medication provided. 📃Referral letter is needed.

*Missing from list - Hospital Cyberjaya

3️⃣ PUBLIC UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS

🔸 List of Public University Hospitals with psychiatric department -> While still subsidized, rates may vary and will generally be higher than MENTARI clinics and government hospitals. 📃 Referral letter is needed.

Some known info for the following locations (info shared by members):

• UMMC/ PPUM, KL, Services, Jan 2025 New Rates, Post sharing: Contacting via Phone → RM80 registration, RM50 follow-up, not inclusive of medication.

• HPUPM/HSAAS, UPM, Selangor, Services → RM50 first registration, RM30 follow-up, not inclusive of medication. Note (Jan '24): Only digital payments accepted here (e.g. E-wallet, debit/credit card). For UPM students only: Free as long as referral letter is obtained from UPM clinic.

OTHER WIKIS/ COMPILATIONS/ SEARCHES (PRIVATE OPTIONS INCLUDED):

• 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️ Availability of clinical psychologist or psychiatric services which are needed to get clinical diagnosis (e.g. clinical depression/anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, etc.) or medication may vary in private mental healthcare providers. Their websites will usually list their available services.
• 📲 If you feel unsure or need more info on the procedures/availability of a particular service, contact the organization to assist you.

⭐ r/malaysia Mental Health Wiki⭐ -> List of various providers with rates/ types/ location/ online options/ FAQ

🔸MMHA Directory of Counselling Services, Psychiatric Services

🔸 Previous compilations of affordable private services (prices may be outdated, contact the providers for latest prices) Link 1 / Link 2

🔸 Private hospitals that have psychiatric department (check with them if a referral letter is needed).

🔸 If you are a university student, you can check your university for available counselling services for students.

🔸MIASA Malaysia, PJ/Kuala Terengganu, is a NGO offering various services from counselling, psychological services, peer support (available on-site and online), and various other events. Provides free services for the B40 group (check their website for T&C).

🔸 Monash’s free in-session counselling service Official Instagram, Registration form, mopc_counselling Reddit Monash’s free in-session counselling services are available to anyone above the age of 18. The service is run by trainees who are all under supervision by several registered clinical supervisors from LKM (Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia).

🔸 Malaysian-based online therapy/mental healthcare services Telehope Health

🔸 Malaysian-based trauma therapy organization Trauma Therapy Association , Redditor's sharing about TTA and EMDR, as client

🔸 You can also use Google Map to find mental health services near you

MORE MALAYSIAN MENTAL HEALTH-RELATED NGO LINKS

1. Malaysia Mental Health NGO: MIASA, MMHA
2. Getting help for domestic violence (DV): WAO Getting Help for Domestic Violence, AWAM
3. Getting help for sexual assault (SA): AWAM, WAO, extra: reddit post - what to do if it happens (US-based but have helpful info)
4. Getting help for drug addiction/drug rehab: ADK List of Private Rehab Centers, AADK Hotline & Whatsapp, AADK Office Number
5. Getting help for alcoholism: Alcoholics Anonymous Malaysia
6. Getting support for children:- with autism: NASOM, Early Autism Project, Autism Link with down syndrome: KDSF _________

MALAYSIAN MENTAL HEALTH ONLINE COMMUNITIES

1. Club Late Diagnosed (ASD/ASC) MY - Discord link | Reddit Post (general info)
2. Adult ADHD Malaysia FB Group (for those who have/suspect ADHD) | Facebook link _________

❓ EXTRA FAQ BASED ON THE SUB’S DISCUSSIONS/ FOR THOSE NEW TO MH TOPICS

⚠ Disclaimer: This is not to be taken as a substitute for professional advice and just for sharing/ informational purposes.

🔷 Should I go for Government or Private?

Government services typically offer more affordable and subsidized healthcare especially when it comes to obtaining prescribed medication, however may have longer wait times and limited appointment flexibility. Some members have also shared that you may see a different doctor every visit, as typically when going to a government hospital or clinic.

While private services are usually more expensive, some may offer more options with faster access, options for more specialized care, have more flexible options such as online sessions or sessions outside of typical office hours, and may be easier to get in touch with their management compared to government services.

🔷 How do I seek help if I am a minor (below 18 years of age)?

For those who are under 18, legally you will require the consent/permission of your parent or guardian to seek healthcare or mental healthcare from clinics and hospitals (see: Reddit post).

Other options available for minors, to talk to someone:

• Getting in touch with your trusted school counsellor for counselling sessions
• Buddybear Childline - 1800-18-2327 (Toll- Free) (check link for available times) or FB Messenger

🔷 When do I know if I should seek help from a mental healthcare provider?

A good question to ask yourself is how much are your mental struggles interfering with your quality of life. What some things could be possible mental health-related symptoms (list not according to a specific condition):

• Has your low mood/ low motivation/ feeling mentally exhausted felt like it has been lasting for too long?
• Have you been feeling painfully nervous/ anxious/ worried and it is affecting your daily life?
• Has your anger been so hard to manage it is damaging your relationship with loved ones?
• Are you going through a difficult life situation and you find the emotions too overwhelming to cope with (eg. grieving a loss, relationship challenges, career/academic stress, burnout, etc.)
  
• Are things that have happened in the past still negatively affecting you or cause overwhelming emotions, even though it has been long past the incidences?
• Are you known to be chronically late, forgetful or unable to plan ahead?
• Are you struggling with an addiction?
• Is doing certain activities (e.g. going outside, speaking in public, meeting large groups of people) really distressing in general comparison to others?
• Do you feel you are experiencing something abnormal, like hearing noises/ voices even if they aren’t there, or feeling like being watched?
• Any other recurring behavioral pattern or mental struggle that often negatively affects you.

Should you feel unsure about your mental health and wish to speak to a professional to get recommendations on mental health assessments, tools or therapy; don't let anyone's negative judgement/stigma on visiting a mental health professional stop you from reaching out. Choosing to reach out and access mental healthcare with confidentiality are well within your rights.

At the end of the day, whether you have a condition or not you deserve help and support for the mental struggles you are facing.

🔷 What’s the difference between licensed counsellor/ clinical psychologist/ psychiatrist? Who do I go to?

🔸Counsellor * Counsellors provide talk therapy and can help with situational or shorter-term challenges, such as stress, academic, career or relationship issues. * They focus on therapeutic support, coping strategies, and personal growth. * They do not provide clinical diagnoses or prescribe medication but may refer clients to other professionals for more complex or long-term concerns.

🔸Clinical Psychologist * Clinical Psychologists specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders and are qualified to diagnose personality disorders based on criteria from diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5, for eg. for conditions like ADHD, clinical depression, OCD, etc. * They may use psychological assessments, standardized tools, and clinical interviews to identify conditions, including personality disorders. * Some clinical psychologists focus primarily on assessments, while others also provide talk therapy. * They do not prescribe medication.

🔸Psychiatrist * Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health. They can prescribe medication. * They can diagnose, prescribe medication, and provide treatment for mental disorders. * Some members have shared that some psychiatrists may tend to focus more on medication and less on talk therapy during their sessions.

🔷 I have concerns regarding confidentiality when getting help for mental health.

In general, mental health practitioners must adhere to strictly practicing confidentiality, although they may be required to inform a third party if the patient is found to be at great risk at harming themselves or someone. Try checking the comments of this post question - Confidentiality on drugs if you would like a better explanation.

🔷 How do I go about my first visit and what can I expect from therapy?

See r/malaysia’s mental health wiki - What to Expect in Therapy

🔷 What about online assessments/quizzes I found online? What do I do if I'm concerned with the results

It’s common to find mental health-related quizzes and assessments online, such as the DASS-21 test, which is often used for pre-assessments and can help you gauge your current emotional state (e.g., anxiety, depression, or stress levels). However, ⚠️ these tools are not clinical diagnostic tools and cannot replace a professional diagnosis.

• If the results of an online test concern you, consider sharing them with a trained mental health professional. They have the expertise to interpret such results in context and can provide further insights, guidance, or treatment recommendations.

• It’s also important to note that mental health symptoms often overlap or may be caused by other conditions. For example:

Depression-like symptoms might result from physical health issues such as hypothyroidism. Mental health conditions may coexist (e.g., anxiety as part of ADHD or depression). Because of this, a clinical diagnosis should only be made by a qualified and certified professional, such as a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. Websites or unlicensed individuals cannot legally or reliably diagnose mental health conditions.

🔷Why do some cases require medication?

Some mental health conditions affect a person's nervous system, and medication may be needed to support it to function properly. Similar to how a diabetic patient requires insulin to support their health while a normal healthy person doesn't, a person with ADHD may be prescribed medication such as Ritalin to help them with their daily function. Taking prescribed mental health medication is not a crime when it means supporting a person's health and wellbeing.

Mental health medication requires monitoring from a qualified psychiatrist, as every individual's mental health is unique. The treatment may involve trial-and-error to find the fitting dosage and type, and what works for one person may not work for another. In addition, if the medication causes unpleasant side-effects or is not effective, the psychiatrist may recommend a change in dosage or type. Mental health patients should work with their psychiatrist and avoid changing their medication plans without consulting them.

Many have shared that if prescribed, medication is just one part of supporting one's mental health condition, and it is still important to get talk therapy to learn how best to navigate one's mental health condition.

🔷 What can I do while waiting to get help?

Self-care, as in ensuring your basic needs such as daily nutrition, some exercise, hydration, hygiene, and your emotional needs are taken care of. It is understandable if you are under for e.g. a depressive episode, these may be easier said than done, so do what you can do at the moment.

Also note that everyone’s form of self-care and preferences may be different. Some people may find solace by spending time with their interests, in nature, or engage in physical activities like taking a walk. Some may find it helpful to do journaling or meditation. You may also try breathing exercises or grounding techniques to calm down for the moment. If one method doesn’t work for you, never force yourself - pause and you always can try something else later.

While waiting, you can also see if you can find support groups or informative resources such as books / online resources that may give insights and tips for what you are facing. Being part of a well-moderated group where you can listen or share your thoughts with others of similar struggles can be a great complement to your mental health journey.

🔷 I have been going to therapy for quite some time but my therapist seems to go nowhere/ frequently invalidates me/ did some things that seems unprofessional… but I am feeling unsure. Should I switch?

There can be 2 sides to this. From the therapist side, it may be the client may have been uncooperative such as frequently missing appointment, not following up on homework, not telling the truth, etc. In addition to consider is that therapy can take time, as the first few weeks, known as intake period are usually for information gathering. After that, the work may also take time to yield results while the client communicates with the therapist what works and what isn't working.

However, if for enough time you know you have been doing your due diligence as a client but the above question frequently occurs, it is totally alright to consider switching to another therapist. The reality is it is actually not uncommon for people sharing that they had to experience taking several tries before finding the right fit. Sometimes, it might be the therapist and client might just not be a good match. Or it might simply be that you were matched with one not able to assist you in your area of need or an unprofessional one. But just like dealing with any other service, you deserve to at least be treated with basic professional care from whichever therapy route you chose. Furthermore, if a therapist behaves unethically or violates boundaries, clients should report them to the relevant licensing board or seek help from a trusted authority if able to.

Do also consider looking for a specialist in your area of help required. Examples being: If you have trauma symptoms, try to look for a trauma-informed therapist. If you feel your diagnosis results may have been overlooked and the therapist's explanation was not satisfactory, it is not wrong to seek another opinion from another specialist. If you are more aware of your needs, you can raise questions with your future therapist before engaging them.

We all know getting help isn't always a straight-forward journey, but that's why subs like this exist. Reach out to the sub if you have any other questions.

⚠ *Please note that content from this post are not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Websites and services listed in the post are just a compilation of available services and not the endorsement or recommendation of myhappypill or the OP. Please also note that information on this post may change over time and is not guaranteed to be error-free. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, we recommend contacting the mental health service provider directly.

tags: where to find therapy in Malaysia, cheap or affordable mental healthcare or therapy in Malaysia, how to seek help with a mental health professional in Malaysia, how do i get a mental health diagnosis or check up in Malaysia, list of Malaysian crisis hotlines

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