Clinics that Provide Free Psychiatric Consultation in the Philippines

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I recently watched the Hollywood film, "Joker" starring Joaquin Phoenix. And although Phoenix gave justice to the lead role, I can’t help but I felt sort of devastated after seeing the said film. I felt "heavy" and I wish mental health would be given more attention here in the Philippines. Although the first mental health act legislation in the history of the Philippines has been officially signed into law and was enacted as the Republic Act no. 11036 last June 2018, still it needs more help. 

The said controversial bill provides a rights-based mental health bill and a comprehensive framework for the implementation of optimal mental healthcare in the Philippines. As a mental health advocate, I'd like to share with you a list of clinics that provides free psychiatric consultation  in the Philippines. 

Let us make it clear that setting an appointment for a consultation with a psychiatrist isn't synonymous to mental illness. Stigma is when someone sees you in a negative way because of your mental illness. Discrimination is when someone treats you in a negative way because of your mental illness. Social stigma and discrimination can make mental health problems worse and stop a person from getting the help they need. This also prevents someone from making that first step on getting that first consultation. 

Now the question is, where can we seek solace when we feel the blues? It is common knowledge that psychiatric consultation may cost us a leg and an arm. Luckily, due to the initiative of certain individuals and organizations, there are clinics that offers free psychiatric consultations in the country today. The key is to book an appointment and to come early during your given slot. 

Check out these clinics that care for our minds as well:

Philippine General Hospital (PGH)

Address: Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

Contact Number: (02) 8554.8400

Individuals seeking free psychiatric help need to get a referral from the Out-Patient Department (OPD) which is open from Mondays-Fridays from 9AM-4PM.

National Center for Mental Health

Address: Nueve de Pebrero St. Mauway, Mandaluyong City

Contact Number: (02) 85319001

Consultation Hours: 8AM-4PM (Mondays to Sundays)

Individuals who are seeking free psychiatric help have to undergo an interview with a group of social workers. 

Ateneo Center for Family Ministries (CEFAM)

Address: Seminary Road, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila

Çontact Number: (02) 84264289

Consulation Hours: 8AM-5PM (Mondays-Fridays)

Provides free consultation, family and individual counseling via a psycho-spiritual approach.

*Donation basis, no set fees charged.

Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center

Address: Sumulong Highway Sto. Nino, Marikina

Contact Number: (02) 89415854

Consultation Hours:8AM-5PM (Mondays to Fridays)

University of Sto. Tomas Graduate School Psychotrauma Clinic (UST)

Address: Espana Blvd., Sampaloc, Manila

Room 104, Ground Floor, Thomas Aquinas Research Complex

University of Sto. Tomas

Contact Number: (02) 4061611 (loc 4012)

Email: ustgspc@yahoo.com

Consultation Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays 10AM-5PM (except during holidays, class suspensions and school breaks.)

Provides free psychological services (e.g. assessment and evaluation, counseling, and individual and group psychotherapy)

Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC)

Address: Corner Enage St., Magsaysay Blvd. Tacloban City, Leyte

Contact Number: (053) 3237110

Email: evrmcmcoffice@gmail.com

Provides free consultation and medication assistance.

Batangas Medical Center 

Address: Bihi Road, Kumintang Ibaba, Batangas City

Contact Number: (043) 7408307

Consultation Hours: Mondays-Wednesdays and Thursdays 8AM-5PM

Cainta Municipal Hospital

Address: Bonifacio Avenue, Rose Pack Compound, Cainta, Rizal

Contact Number: (02) 6962604

Clinic Hours: 24 Hours

Provides free consultation for residents, and free medication (if available from the hospital)