Culture shock, isolation, language barriers, and the pressures of living abroad can take a serious toll on mental health. Japan has limited English-language mental health resources, but they exist — and this guide will help you find them.
🚨 If you are in immediate danger
Call TELL: 03-5774-0992 (9am–11pm daily). Call 110 (police) or 119 (ambulance) for immediate risk to life. Japan Suicide Prevention Hotline: 0570-783-556. Inochi no Denwa (for anyone): 0120-783-556.
Step-by-Step Guide
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For crisis situations, call TELL immediately
Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL): 03-5774-0992. Open daily 9am–11pm. This is Japan's primary English-language mental health crisis line, staffed by trained counselors. For life-threatening emergencies, call 119.
💡TELL also offers counseling services and therapist referrals at telljp.com.
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For Osaka and Kansai: HITO
Helping International Trauma and Others (HITO) provides English-language counseling in the Osaka/Kansai region. Contact via hitocounseling.com.
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Access online therapy from Japan
BetterHelp, Talkspace, and 7 Cups offer English-language therapy sessions accessible from Japan. Many therapists on these platforms have experience with expat challenges and Japan-specific issues.
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Find a therapist in Japan
Psychology Today's therapist directory includes Japan-based English-speaking therapists. Japan EAP Services (JEAP) serves corporate expats. Counseling for Japan directory: counselingforjapan.com.
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Use community support
Expat communities (InterNations, Facebook groups like "Mental Health Support for Foreigners in Japan") provide peer support. Regular human connection is one of the strongest mental health protective factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there mental health support in English in Japan?
Yes. TELL Lifeline (03-5774-0992) provides English-language crisis support daily from 9am–11pm. telljp.com also offers counseling services and therapist referrals.
What is culture shock and how does it affect foreigners in Japan?
Culture shock is a psychological stress response to living in a foreign culture. Symptoms include anxiety, irritability, homesickness, and depression. It typically peaks in the first 3–6 months and improves with time and community support.
Can I get antidepressants in Japan as a foreigner?
Yes, but some medications common in other countries (e.g., certain stimulants, some benzodiazepines) are controlled or prohibited in Japan. Bring a supply of your regular medication plus a doctor's letter in Japanese. AMDA (03-5285-8088) can refer you to English-speaking psychiatrists.
Is therapy expensive in Japan?
Private English-language therapy in Japan typically costs ¥8,000–¥20,000 per 50-minute session. Online therapy (BetterHelp, Talkspace) is significantly cheaper. Some counselors offer sliding-scale fees.
What should I do if I'm feeling suicidal in Japan?
Call TELL immediately: 03-5774-0992 (9am–11pm). For outside those hours, call 0570-783-556 (Inochi no Denwa). Call 119 if in immediate physical danger.
Gaijin Support Editorial Team
Japan Life Support Specialists
Written by a team of foreign residents in Japan with combined 50+ years of experience navigating Japanese legal, medical, and administrative systems.
Reviewed by Dr. Hiroshi Sato, Healthcare Consultant · Last updated June 2026