Japan has a highly developed healthcare system, although mental healthcare services remain some way below those for physical health. Things have begun to improve in recent years, but public mental health provision is still below levels in the US and many European countries. There is still a stigma around discussing mental health issues in Japan, as well as a tendency to rely more on medication over other therapeutic treatment.
Here is a brief overview of what to expect in terms of mental healthcare in Japan.
Public Mental Healthcare Services in Japan
Mental healthcare through the Japanese public healthcare system is limited. If you experience mental health issues, you can usually see a psychiatrist, although you will need a referral from your general doctor in most cases. Psychiatrists are widespread in Japan, with most belonging to the Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Psychiatrists in Japan can make diagnoses and prescribe medication. Some working in the public health system may be qualified in specialist areas, for example addictions or eating disorders. However, waiting lists in the public sector can be long and most practitioners will deliver their services in Japanese.
Services such as psychotherapy and counselling remain limited within Japanese public healthcare. Expats wanting access to these treatments usually opt for private providers.
Private Mental Healthcare in Japan
Many expats living in Japan choose to take out private health insurance to access a wider range of medical services. This includes access to psychologists and therapists, which are typically not covered under the universal public system.
Psychotherapists in Japan can offer various treatments that you can cover with private health insurance, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Counselling to help with a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, addictions, and eating disorders
The private sector in Japan includes a number of English-language practitioners, and you can access treatment without a referral. You can look for suitable specialists through International Mental Health Professionals Japan (IMHPJ). One of the main disadvantages with psychologists is that they cannot prescribe medication, so you will have to pay for this yourself or cover through private insurance.
Insurance for Mental Healthcare in Japan
The national public health insurance scheme in Japan only covers basic psychiatric care. This means that you will need to take out additional private coverage if you want to access psychotherapy or counselling services. You may also need private health insurance for certain specialist or preventative treatments.
Fortunately, there are plenty of private health insurance providers in Japan, including expat-friendly international insurers such as Allianz and Cigna Global.
Mental Healthcare for Children and Young People in Japan
Mental health service provision in Japan lags behind that in many advanced nations. Historically, schools have been slow to identify signs of anxiety, stress, or depression in children. However, the Health and Global Policy Institute is making moves to implement effective mental health programs in schools.
Pediatricians in Japan can refer children experiencing mental health problems for psychiatric treatment. There are also many child health therapists and professionals in the private sector.
