How do I see a psychiatrist or get mental health help through Bahrain's government health services?

Public mental health care starts at your health centre, not at the hospital.

Adults (18 and over)

• Book with your doctor at your local health centre.
• If needed, the doctor refers you to the mental health clinic that runs inside the health centres. These clinics see adults referred by health centre doctors.

Children under 18 and addiction cases

• These are not seen in the health centre clinics. They are referred to the specialised units at the Psychiatric Hospital (Salmaniya area).

Psychiatric Hospital numbers (Ministry of Health)

• Switchboard: +973-17288888
• Appointments and referrals: +973-17279311

Cost: the Ministry of Health pages do not list fees for these services; fees depend on your eligibility for government health care, so ask your health centre.

The catch: you generally need a referral from a health centre doctor. Calling the hospital directly to book a first visit without one usually will not work.

Steps

1. Book a visit with your doctor at your health centre.
2. Ask for a referral to the mental health clinic (adults) or the Psychiatric Hospital (under 18 or addiction).
3. Use the hospital's appointments and referrals line to follow up.

Recommended places

• Psychiatric Hospital