Navigating mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. In Lisbon, a vibrant city known for its rich culture and history, a network of resources stands ready to provide support and guidance. Whether you're seeking therapeutic counselling, support groups, or immediate crisis intervention, help is available.
SNS 24 (Serviço Nacional de Saúde 24) is a vital resource for health-related inquiries, including mental health. By calling 808 24 24 24, you can access a team of healthcare professionals who can provide guidance, information, and referrals to appropriate mental health services.
This service operates 24/7 and it connects callers with mental health professionals who provide immediate support, guidance, and referrals to appropriate services, clinics or hospitals.
The SNS 24 psychological support line can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing:
For life-threatening situations, always call 112. INEM provides emergency medical services, including support for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises.
Many community centers in Lisbon organise support groups and workshops on various mental health topics. Contact your local Junta de Freguesia (parish council) for information.
For those seeking more personalised or immediate care, Lisbon offers a thriving network of private counsellors and therapists. These professionals offer a wide range of specialties and approaches, catering to diverse needs and preferences.
Private practitioners often provide greater flexibility in scheduling and can offer specialised therapies that may not be readily available in public settings e.g. Brainspotting or EMDR therapy. Many are multilingual, which is particularly beneficial for Lisbon's international community. While the session fee may be on the higher end of mental health services, for mild to moderate issues sometimes just a few sessions can bring noticeable relief.
If you would like to talk to Alicja Ligeza from Lisbon Counselling to see if private conselling is the right option for you, please feel free to schedule a free initial chat here.
*The information provided in this blog post was accurate at the time of research and publishing. It is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or mental health professional advice. If you are struggling with any of the issues described in this post, please seek appropriate personalised help from a qualified mental health professional.
Please feel free to call me, email me or fill out this form to get in touch.
I will aim to respond within 24hrs Monday - Friday. For mental health emergencies please contact your local health centre.
In-person sessions are available by prior arrangement in central Lisbon:
Rua Alexandre Herculano 19, 1250-008 Lisboa
Nearest Metro stations: Avenida and Marquês de Pombal.
