4 Trusted Mental Health Services Available in Japan
In today’s society, more and more people are struggling with stress related to work, family, and personal relationships. As a result, the demand for mental health care has risen sharply. Since the pandemic began in 2020, remote work, social isolation, and overall life instability have taken a toll on people’s mental well-being. This has highlighted the importance of accessible mental health services that people from all walks of life can use with ease.
In this article, we introduce four verified and reputable mental health support services available in Japan. We provide detailed information on each service’s background, offerings, unique features, pricing, and user feedback to help you find the support that best fits your needs.
Ranking of Top Mental Health Services
- Coconala Counseling
- BetterHelp
- TELL (Tokyo English Lifeline)
- Uraraka Counseling Room
1. Coconala Counseling
Source: Coconala Homepage
Overview
Founded in 2012, Coconala started as an online marketplace for knowledge and skills. In the counseling field, the platform hosts a wide range of professionals, including licensed clinical psychologists and career coaches, catering to a broad spectrum of mental health needs. It is especially popular among younger users and busy professionals due to its appeal of anonymous consultations and flexible communication without time constraints.
Key Features
- High-quality counseling sessions provided by nationally certified professionals.
- Flexible consultation formats such as Zoom or phone.
- Easy counselor switching if needed.
- Strong track record of partnerships with companies and organizations, making it well-suited for corporate use.
Pricing
Initial session: From ¥5,500 (tax included).
Ongoing support: Monthly plans and corporate contracts are available (details upon request).
User Feedback
Users praise the platform for offering personalized support until they find the right counselor, the sense of reassurance in online sessions, and note that corporate plans help increase employee usage, giving companies peace of mind. Coconala is trusted by both individual and corporate clients alike.
2. BetterHelp
Source: BetterHelp Homepage
Overview
BetterHelp is one of the world’s largest online counseling platforms, founded in the United States in 2013. It offers professional psychological counseling through its app and website, with some counselors available who speak Japanese. The service is especially popular among Japanese people living abroad and is used in over 160 countries worldwide.
Key Features
- Supports chat, voice, and video sessions.
- Work directly with a matched, dedicated counselor.
- Send messages anytime, 24/7.
Pricing
Monthly Plan: Approximately ¥28,000 and up (includes one session per week plus unlimited messaging)
User Feedback
Users abroad especially appreciate the service, noting the “peace of mind that comes from being able to speak in Japanese even while living overseas” and the “ability to build trust by speaking with the same counselor consistently.”
3. TELL (Tokyo English Lifeline)
Source: TELL Homepage
Overview
TELL is a pioneering nonprofit organization founded in 1973 that provides mental health support for English speakers living in Japan. As one of the first services of its kind, TELL offers an English-language free hotline and professional counseling by licensed clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, addressing mental health challenges in Japan’s multicultural society.
Key Features
- Specializes in English-language counseling.
- Offers sessions via phone, email, and video.
- Provides a 24-hour crisis hotline for immediate support.
Pricing
Hotline: Free
Counseling: From approximately ¥5,000 per session
User Feedback
Many users say things like “TELL supported me when I felt alone in Japan” and “I felt safe opening up because they understand my cultural background.” The service has become a vital source of emotional support, especially for foreign residents and international students.
4. Uraraka Counseling Room
Source: Uraraka Homepage
Overview
Uraraka Counseling Room is an online counseling service launched in 2018, featuring a large number of professionals with national certifications, such as licensed clinical psychologists and certified public psychologists. The platform uses a matching system that connects clients with the most suitable counselor based on their concerns, offering a level of trust comparable to in-person sessions.
In addition to individual counseling, Uraraka also provides EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services for companies and organizations, meeting a wide range of needs. The service is highly regarded for its commitment to psychological safety and continued support, with operations focused on creating a safe and reassuring environment for every client.
Key Features
- Many nationally certified counselors are available who offer services in Japanese.
- One-on-one sessions via Zoom or phone.
- Support is available if you need help choosing your first counselor.
Pricing
Per session: From ¥5,500 (tax included)
Ongoing plans: Monthly subscriptions and corporate contracts are available
User Feedback
Users say things like “The booking process was smooth, and I was able to find a counselor I could trust” and “Being able to talk face-to-face gave me a real sense of comfort.” The service is well-regarded for offering a level of reassurance that feels close to in-person counseling, even online.
Conclusion
Mental health was once seen as a niche concern affecting only a select few. However, in today’s world, no one is immune to stress or anxiety, and mental well-being has become just as important as physical health. Especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased feelings of isolation and major lifestyle changes, the importance of having access to professional mental health support has become more critical than ever.
Each of the five services introduced in this article offers distinct features:
1. Coconala Counseling: Known for its anonymity and flexible consultation styles, Coconala connects users with a wide range of professionals, offering many options to match individual needs and lifestyles.
2. BetterHelp: A global platform that supports overseas residents and English speakers. It allows users to receive ongoing professional mental health support from the comfort of their homes.
3. TELL: A vital resource for English speakers living in Japan. Its crisis hotline and culturally sensitive support provide reassurance to many foreign residents.
4. Uraraka Counseling Room: Offers sessions with nationally certified counselors and is highly versatile, accommodating both individuals and organizations with flexible support.
Because mental health issues are often invisible, early awareness and proper support are especially important. The services introduced here are designed to help you take that crucial first step. Listening to your inner voice and choosing not to push yourself too hard are habits that can protect your future well-being.
Consider making mental health care a part of your daily life. It is no longer something meant only for a select few; it is becoming an essential part of our social infrastructure. Thanks to advances in online services, it is now possible to receive professional support anytime and anywhere.
By understanding the unique strengths of each service, you can find the approach that fits you best and use it as a valuable tool to protect your mental wellness.
