A citywide survey uncovered that 13% of Hong Kong’s population is affected by common mental health disorders and about 7% suffer from anxiety and depression. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified these issues, leading to a significant increase in mental health concerns across the city. Research indicates that rates of depression, anxiety and psychological distress have escalated dramatically, nearly doubling for depression, increasing by 50% for anxiety, and rising by 30% for distress, compared to pre-pandemic levels. These figures highlight the severe impact of the global crisis on the mental well-being of Hong Kong’s residents.
In a proactive effort to enhance the mental well-being of its citizens, the Hong Kong government has launched several public service initiatives aimed at addressing mental health needs comprehensively and opening doors to affordable mental health services in Hong Kong.
Resource, The Counselling Centre
Resource Counseling Centre has launched a subsidized counselling service program for healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, teachers and medical students) and educators to support their mental wellbeing. Through timely, professional and affordable counselling services, they aim to help healthcare professionals and teachers deal with job burnout and any mental health issues, and to regain their inner strength. They further extend their current services to online and to odd-hours, in order to increase service accessibility and flexibility. Their scope of services include: individual counselling, trauma, grief & bereavement, expressive arts therapy, play therapy, marital counseling and employee assistance programs. The duration for each session is around 50-60 minutes and they are conducted either online or face-to-face. An appointment can be booked through phone call, email or whatsapp. They will give you a call to follow up on your case. Teachers, nurses, medical students and doctors of public hospitals need to provide staff cards for verification. Doctors of private hospitals have to provide family income proof documents to determine the counselling fee based on our sliding scale. After verification, they match you with the most suitable counsellor. Thereafter, the appointment is confirmed by phone or email and the payments for online sessions need to be settled before the appointment.
+852 2523 8979 (Mon-Fri 9:30am – 6:30pm),
WhatsApp: +852 6489 4824,
resource@counselling.org.hk, resourcecounselling.org
St. John’s Cathedral Counselling Service
Established in 1970, St. John’s Cathedral Counselling Service is a self-sufficient outreach ministry of St. John’s Cathedral. It is a non-profit organisation that has over 40 years of experience in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. It provides affordable mental health services to all community members of Hong Kong regardless of age, race, gender, nationality, residence status, religion, faith or income. Their mission is to empower the human spirit towards greater awareness for growth and happiness. And for this purpose, they have over 40 qualified counsellors, therapists, clinical social workers and psychologists offering services in 14 languages and dialects. Their services include marital and relationship issues, substance abuse and addiction, mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD and mental health problems, grief, mediation and co-parenting for divorced couples, eating disorders, anger management, special education needs, sexuality, academic and psychological testing and assessment, work stress, life coaching and other life challenges. They work from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm. In order to book an appointment with them, individuals are required to fill an online form on their website or call during office hours.
The Samaritans
For individuals experiencing emotional distress, loneliness, overwhelming anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, The Samaritans Hong Kong offers free, confidential, and non-judgmental emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Established in 1974, the non-profit organisation provides a safe space where people can talk openly about whatever they are going through without fear of criticism or pressure. Its services are available to everyone in Hong Kong, regardless of age, gender, nationality, religion, or background, making it one of the most affordable mental health services in Hong Kong. The organisation’s trained volunteers focus on compassionate listening rather than giving advice, helping callers feel heard, understood, and less alone during difficult moments. In addition to its 24-hour emotional support hotline, The Samaritans offers the Befriending Email Service, allowing individuals who may find it easier to express themselves in writing to reach out confidentially. Most emails receive a thoughtful response within approximately 24 hours. For those experiencing prolonged isolation, depression, or ongoing emotional challenges, the organisation also provides a Befriender Programme, which connects people with trained volunteers for regular, long-term emotional support. These meaningful relationships help reduce loneliness, build resilience, and restore hope over time. Beyond direct support, The Samaritans actively promotes suicide prevention in Hong Kong, emotional well-being, volunteer training, and public education to create a more compassionate and mentally healthy community.
+852 2896 0000,
jo@samaritans.org.hk,
samaritans.org.hk
OCD & Anxiety Support HK
OCD & Anxiety Support HK is a registered charity in Hong Kong dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with mental health problems. Their vision is to give individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Anxiety Disorders (AD) the opportunity to lead the best life possible, to build a sense of community where they have a voice to express how they feel and to reduce the stigma associated with such disorders in Asia. They also raise awareness about these disorders through campaigns and public education in Hong Kong. They have monthly support group meetings for adults with OCD and AD where they can voice and share their fears, worries and anxiety in a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment. The group is structured to include discussions, reflections and opportunities to learn and practice different proven methods to reduce anxiety as a group. It is not compulsory for one to share at meetings if they do not feel comfortable. There is no fee to attend, however suggested donations are appreciated to cover the cost of running the group. The suggested donation is $50-100HKD and you can donate in cash at the meeting itself. The support group is open to English speaking adults who struggle with high levels of stress, intrusive thoughts, constant worries and who feel stuck in negative patterns of thinking. It is also open to parents who would like help to support their teenagers or children who have OCD or AD.
ocdcommunityhk@gmail.com,
ocdanxietyhk.org
iACT by Mind HK
iACT (Improving Access to Community Therapies) is Mind HK’s flagship program that aims to make psychological support more accessible for Hong Kong residents aged between 18-65 years. It is particularly beneficial for those who may not require intensive therapy (mild to moderate anxiety, depression, stress, or low mood) but are looking for early support to improve their mental well-being before their concerns become more severe. They also provide psychological services for students aged 12 and above in schools. iACT utilises an internationally recognised stepped care model that draws inspiration from the long-established Talking Therapies initiative in the UK and New Access in Australia. In order to ensure that their services remain sustainable and accessible to all, iACT implements a sliding scale fee model based on monthly household income. They strive to ensure that psychological support is readily accessible to everyone and available in the community. They uphold the belief that everyone has the right to manage their mental health with the assistance of trained professionals in a secure and supportive environment. In order to avail their services, individuals are required to complete an assessment form on their website. They will then review the assessment results to check if our services meet your needs and respond within 10 working days. Thereafter, you will be matched with a wellbeing practitioner who will provide 6-8 confidential one-on-one support sessions based on your concerns.
+852 9045 5407,
service@iact.hk,
mind.org.hk
Accessing affordable mental health services in Hong Kong is becoming increasingly possible through subsidised counselling centres, charitable organisations, support groups, and low-cost online therapy programs. Seeking help early can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve overall quality of life. Whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges, these affordable mental health resources can provide the professional support needed to begin your journey toward recovery and well-being.
Citations
Ancheta, T., & Moran, S. (2021). Where to find affordable mental health care services in Hong Kong. Time Out Hong Kong.
https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/affordable-mental-health-care-hk
Chen, J., Yuan, L., Kang, S., Li, B., & Chow, D. (2024). Unveiling Hong Kong’s mental health preferences: insights from survey experiment towards precision care. China Journal of Social Work, 17(2), 74-94.
Sakshi
About the author
Sakshi is a clinical psychologist with a deep passion for understanding human behavior, a strong drive for research, and a keen eye for psychological intricacies. Committed to continuous learning, she seeks to explore every facet of psychology, from theory to practice, to better support and empower individuals. With a curiosity that fuels her pursuit of knowledge, she strives to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications, making psychology more accessible and impactful.
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