Mental Health Help in Japan: English-Speaking Support

As a new resident in a foreign country, it is hardly surprising if you feel the need to talk to someone about your daily concerns and uncertainties from a professional and objective view. While seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist is a common occurrence in the West, it may seem difficult to find a therapist in Japan. That should not stop you from getting the help you need, so here’s a quick guide on where to go to find a mental health professional.

If you want to find English-speaking mental health professionals in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, please check our dedicated list here.

For other English-Speaking doctors in Japan, please check our list of English-Speaking Doctors and Hospitals.

Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference?

If you are seeking mental help or looking to have a check on your mental health, it would be good to know the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. The main difference to keep in mind is that psychiatrists are trained medical doctors, so they can prescribe medication and other necessary treatment.

The focus of psychologists, on the other hand, is on treating emotional and mental health via behavioral intervention. They can conduct psychological tests to assess what treatment is suitable.

One other major difference is that psychiatrists work in psychiatric facilities in general, with patients who suffer from various forms of mental illness, from depression to eating disorders. Psychologists must obtain a doctoral degree and complete an internship that gives them exposure to various methods of behavioral therapy and analytical testing.

Both specialists work together often to give treatment from both a behavioral and clinical perspective. It is not uncommon for one to refer patients to the other.

How Can a Therapist Help?

Knowing when to seek help is the first step to recovery. A psychologist or psychiatrist can be very helpful and effective in dealing with a variety of issues. Types of mental health conditions treated by a therapist include:

• Anxiety
• Occupational Stress
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Relationship problems
• Addiction
• Behavior disorders
• Trauma
• Personality Disorders

Once you have gone through the initial consultation process, your psychologist and/or psychiatrist will provide you will the appropriate treatment regimen to help you deal with any issues in the safest, healthiest way possible.

How to Choose the Right Therapist

When you’ve made up your mind to seek professional help, it’s worth taking some time to choose the right therapist. This is especially important as there is no national accreditation organization for psychologists in Japan.

The easiest way to research is to check out the therapist’s website. Their field of mental health specialty will usually be stated there, such as substance abuse, depression or couples counselling.

The site should also state their approach to therapy, from cognitive-based to mindfulness-based stress reduction, acceptance and commitment therapy, etc. Check out some online reviews for reference, and one possible way is to do a consultation call by phone. Some therapists offer free sessions, with consultation by email as a first point of contact.

After you have decided on the right therapist and have received a few weeks of therapy, you should feel more at peace with yourself with a greater sense of control and change in outlook.

Your therapist should not pressure you to stay on or make you feel guilty for quitting. As a baseline, he or she should also not pressure you to buy their books or materials or keep checking the clock rather than listening to you.

If you would like to explore a network of English-speaking mental health professionals in Japan, the International Mental Health Professionals Japan (IMHPJ) can be a helpful resource to find qualified therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. Additionally, for a broader overview of English-speaking mental health services available in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, you may find this guide useful: English Mental Health Support in Tokyo, Osaka & Nagoya.

Looking for a Supportive Online Community?

For those who may feel more comfortable starting with gentle online support, @mentalhealthjapan is a thoughtful Instagram page that offers mental health reminders, encouragement, and shared stories in English. It's a safe space where people can connect through relatable experiences and find comfort in understanding messages.

Get the Help You Need Today

As there are lots of up-to-date mental health services available in Tokyo, there’s no need to keep your problems and anxiety to yourself. Identify that you have an issue that needs professional help, and search for one that suits you. Do not hesitate to change therapists if you feel it is necessary. A few weeks of counseling should set you on the right path again towards a fulfilling life in a foreign land.