Mental health is at the core of our daily lives, shaping how we handle stress, connect with others, and navigate life’s ups and downs.
As awareness of mental health issues grows, so does the need for accessible, specialized care.
In the Philippines, a wide range of facilities provides this vital care, focusing on both adolescents and adults who require long-term treatment and inpatient services.
This article will highlight some of the top mental health hospitals in the Philippines, emphasizing their commitment to long-term care and recovery.
Philippines Mental Health Statistics
Mental health services in the Philippines face significant challenges, as reflected in recent nationwide surveys.
The Department of Health conducted a nationwide mental health survey, which revealed that approximately 3.6 million Filipinos are living with at least one type of mental health disorder.
According to the most recent data from the Mental Health Atlas Philippines, there are only 0.88 licensed psychologists for every 100,000 people in the country.
Only a small portion of the country’s health budget, about 3–5%, is allocated to mental health care.
Most of this funding is directed toward maintaining psychiatric wards and hospitals rather than developing community-based services.
Around 70% of the mental health budget is spent on hospital care, leaving community mental health services underdeveloped.
Hospital-based care continues to dominate the sector, with the National Center for Mental Health alone accounting for 67% of the country’s psychiatric beds.
Types of Mental Health Facilities: Understanding Your Options
In the Philippines, mental health care is primarily provided through two major psychiatric hospitals.
The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) in Mandaluyong City, which has 4,200 beds, whereas the Mariveles Mental Hospital in Bataan offers 500 beds.
These facilities are vital for treating individuals with more severe mental health conditions.
Apart from these hospitals, there are 46 outpatient mental health centers across the country, offering flexible care for individuals with less severe issues.
These centers allow patients to receive treatment without the need for hospitalization, making it easier for those with less critical needs to get help.
Despite these facilities, the mental health care system in the Philippines faces significant challenges.
Overcrowding, underfunded units, and ongoing staff shortages are persistent problems, particularly in hospitals located outside of major urban areas.
The National Center for Mental Health alone accounts for a large proportion of the country’s psychiatric beds, highlighting the limited number of facilities available for mental health care.
The availability of mental health resources remains insufficient, with only 1.08 mental health beds in general hospitals and 4.95 beds in psychiatric hospitals for every 100,000 people.
This reflects a critical shortage in mental health services, depicting the need for greater investment and expansion of mental health care facilities across the country.
Best Mental Health Hospitals in The Philippines
Following are the Mental health hospitals in the Philippines.
1. The Mariveles Mental Wellness
The Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital (MMWGH) is a mental health hospital in the Philippines that serves the psychiatric needs of individuals in Northern and Central Luzon.
Operating under a Level 1 license ,the hospital has 18 beds dedicated to mental health care.
In addition to its psychiatric services, MMWGH offers a range of essential facilities, including a 500-bed custodial psychiatric care unit, type-1 ambulance service.
It also offers a secondary clinical laboratory, an HIV-testing laboratory, and a pharmacy.
The hospital’s vision is to become the leading client-focused DOH facility, providing safe, efficient, and high-quality services.
It is committed to providing affordable, high-quality health care while maintaining fairness, accountability, and continuous improvement.
The institute ensures compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements and strives to exceed client expectations by continually improving its quality management system.
2. The National Center for Mental Health
The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) is committed to providing a full range of mental health care services, including preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care.
Established as a special research training center and hospital under the Department of Health in 1987, it is recognized for its role in mental health care across the country.
The center has an authorized bed capacity of 4,200 for inpatients and serves an average of 56,000 outpatients annually.
As a specialized training and research hospital, NCMH is tasked with offering comprehensive mental health services, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care.
The center plays a significant role in advancing mental health care nationwide by providing high-quality services and conducting essential research and training in the field.
3. Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center
Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), situated in Baguio, Philippines, is the largest government-funded tertiary hospital in the Northern Luzon region.
Renowned for its excellent mental health services, its psychiatry complex, established in 2021, offers a range of outpatient, psychological, and emergency care services.
The facility provides hybrid options, including counseling, therapy, psychological assessments, emergency services, inpatient care, and medication.
BGHMC is also dedicated to community education and professional training in mental health.
Classified as a Level 4 Specialized Mental Health Care provider, the hospital offers these services free of charge to ensure accessible and quality mental health support for all.
4. Western Visayas Medical Center Annex Pototan Mental Health Unit
The Western Visayas Medical Center Annex Pototan Mental Health Unit, located in the Philippines, is a government-operated facility offering specialized mental health care.
This hospital provides face-to-face consultations, therapy, psychological assessments, emergency services, inpatient admissions, and medication management.
Designed as a Level 4 Specialized Mental Health Care center, it caters to individuals with diverse mental health needs.
Unlike some government facilities, its services operate on an out-of-pocket payment system, ensuring a sustainable approach while addressing the mental health challenges of the local population.
5. Philippine General Hospital
The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is a state-owned tertiary care facility managed by the University of the Philippines Manila.
As the National University Hospital, PGH serves as a key government referral center, offering a wide range of medical services to the Filipino population.
The hospital’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine plays a pivotal role in addressing mental health needs of the community.
It provides free psychiatric consultations and counseling to individuals of all age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults.
The facility is equipped with 22 specialized beds dedicated to acute psychiatric care, enabling effective treatment for patients experiencing severe mental health challenges.
With its commitment to high-quality care, Philippine General Hospital mental health services stand as a vital resource for those in need of compassionate support and expert treatment.
6. iPsych Inc
iPsych Inc. offers a variety of mental health services, including telepsychiatry and in-clinic psychiatry, as well as telepsychology and in-clinic psychology services.
These services cater to individuals seeking professional psychiatric and psychological support, with specialized options available for persons with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens.
Clients can choose from telepsychiatry services for remote consultations, as well as in-clinic psychiatry for those preferring in-person visits.
Additionally, online consultations with nutritionists and dietitians are offered to support overall well-being.
7. Better Steps Psychology, Inc.
Better Steps Psychology, Inc. was established by a group of mental health professionals, clinicians, physicians, and educators dedicated to improving the quality of mental health.
Their commitment to excellence is evident in their ongoing involvement in research and their application of best practices in individual, family, and group counseling.
The team at Better Steps is skilled in providing counseling and psychotherapy for clients dealing with a broad spectrum of challenges.
They utilize a range of psychological approaches grounded in the latest scientific research to ensure that services are both effective and respectful of client privacy and confidentiality.
Better Steps also specializes in clinical psychological assessments, using modern, scientifically supported tools to help identify psychological, neuropsychological, and educational issues.
These assessments play a key role in treatment planning and help clients address barriers to personal growth.
They work closely with clients to help them take positive steps toward personal and organizational development.
If you’re looking for more counseling services, you can check BetterHelp, which offers not only regular therapy but also couples counseling, LGBTQ counseling and faith-based counseling.
Children’s Mental Health Hospitals in The Philippines
In the Philippines, children facing mental health challenges have access to a variety of specialized services offered by institutions dedicated to addressing their needs.
Among the prominent institutions providing mental health care to children are:
1. St. Luke’s Medical Center
Widely regarded as the premier healthcare institution in the Philippines, St. Luke’s Medical Center operates two state-of-the-art facilities located in Quezon City and Global City, Taguig.
Both facilities are internationally accredited and affiliated with renowned global organizations, reflecting their commitment to world-class healthcare standards.
The hospital’s Department of Psychiatry provides specialized care, including child and adolescent psychiatry, which addresses various emotional and behavioral concerns in younger patients.
Additionally, their mood and anxiety disorder clinic offers targeted treatment for adults and children experiencing anxiety and mood-related issues.
St. Luke’s combines compassionate care with advanced medical practices, making it a leading choice for mental health support for children in the Philippines.
2. CAD Children’s Developmental Therapy Center
Located in Lipa City, CAD Children’s Developmental Therapy Center is a specialized institution dedicated to promoting behavioral and developmental growth in children.
The center emphasizes applied behavior analysis (ABA) integrated with play therapy, creating an engaging and effective approach for children with developmental challenges.
Their services include speech and language intervention, behavior modification, sensory physiotherapy, and personalized therapy programs designed to meet the needs of each child.
Operating as a private, face-to-face facility, CAD provides services on an out-of-pocket basis, ensuring a focused and individualized approach to therapy.
The center is a trusted resource for parents seeking high-quality developmental and behavioral support for their children.
3. The Medical City (TMC)
The Medical City is the largest healthcare network in the Philippines, consisting of a flagship medical complex, four provincial hospitals, and over 50 clinics throughout Metro Manila and select provinces.
Its Institute of Pediatrics leads the field of pediatric medicine, with over 100 skilled pediatricians offering 18 subspecialties to support children’s growth and well-being.
The Medical City collaborates closely with the Department of Psychiatry and the Center for Behavioral Health, providing a multidisciplinary approach to children’s mental health care.
These services are delivered by a team of well-trained neurologists, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists who specialize in addressing behavioral, emotional, and developmental challenges.
The institution’s commitment to integrating pediatrics and mental health ensures that children receive comprehensive and holistic care.
4. The Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC)
The Philippine Children’s Medical Center, a government-owned tertiary hospital under the Department of Health, is a leading provider of specialized pediatric care.
With a 200-bed capacity, the hospital is dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of children, offering a broad range of general and subspecialty services in psychiatry and neurology.
PCMC is not only a hub for treatment but also a center for innovation in pediatric healthcare, producing impactful research to improve day-to-day care for children.
Its expertise in addressing mental health and neurological conditions reflects a strong commitment to enhancing the overall well-being of young patients across the country.
5. National Center for Mental Health (NCMH)
The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), a leading psychiatric facility in the country, also offers mental health services for children.
NCMH provides inpatient and outpatient services, including psychiatric evaluations, therapy, and counseling, all aimed at addressing a wide array of childhood mental health issues.
Overall, children’s mental health care in the Philippines is evolving with the growing recognition of the importance of early intervention and specialized care.
Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:
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- 10 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Tokyo Japan
Top Mental Health Doctors & Specialists in The Philippines
The mental health doctors and specialists in the Philippines are committed to providing expert care and effective treatments for a wide range of psychological and emotional challenges.
1. Kathryn M. Pojer
Kathryn M. Pojer is a licensed social worker who offers a personalized and supportive therapeutic environment to her clients, blending virtual and in-person sessions.
Kathryn brings six years of clinical experience and utilizes various evidence-based approaches.
These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-based therapy, and narrative therapy.
She specializes in providing therapy for ADHD, anxiety, addiction, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and other thought-related conditions.
Additionally, Kathryn addresses issues such as trauma, depression, chronic illness, substance abuse, and family or relationship challenges.
She works with individuals of all ages, including preteens, teens, adults, and elders, while being an ally to diverse communities, including LGBTQ individuals.
2. Kathy L. Lewis
Kathy L. Lewis, is a licensed professional counselor dedicated to supporting individuals through challenging times in their lives.
Her approach emphasizes client-centered techniques, providing a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to openly share their experiences.
Kathy specializes in addressing grief, tragedies, and issues related to drug and alcohol use, recognizing that everyone processes and copes with life events in unique ways.
She works with clients of all ages, including children, preteens, teens, adults, and elders, tailoring her therapeutic methods to meet individual needs.
Her treatment approach is eclectic, incorporating mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), reality therapy, and strength-based techniques to empower clients.
Kathy’s compassionate and adaptable counseling style provides a supportive environment for clients to navigate life’s difficulties and discover meaningful solutions.
3. Dzana Saynes
Dzana Saynes, is a licensed professional counselor with a multicultural background, shaped by her Lithuanian upbringing.
She is passionate about helping clients navigate life changes and challenges by encouraging collaborative engagements that lead to meaningful and transformative improvements.
Dzana specializes in enhancing interpersonal skills, alleviating symptoms of mental illness, improving cognitive and emotional functioning, and boosting self-esteem.
Her therapeutic approach integrates a variety of evidence-based techniques, including CBT, solution-focused therapy and motivational interviewing.
She also frequently utilizes eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address complex emotional and behavioral challenges.
Dzana offers individual therapy for clients dealing with issues such as anxiety, mood disorders, depression, family conflict, grief, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
She is also experienced in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and addressing relationship concerns, infidelity, and narcissistic personality traits.
4. Andrew Gerald McKinnon
Andrew Gerald McKinnon is a clinical social worker and therapist who offers individual psychotherapy for adolescents and adults.
He works with clients facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties, and often begins with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to address these issues.
Ecotherapy, an essential component of his practice, allows clients to reconnect with nature, providing a broader perspective on their problems and fostering emotional well-being.
Andrew’s therapeutic approach is grounded in life experience, strong advocacy for his clients, and a focus on understanding the context in which their difficulties arise.
He works with clients of various ages, from preteens to elders, to support them in overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth.
5. Craig Gabel
Craig Gabel is the owner of Cairn Wellness in State College, bringing 9 years of experience as a therapist and 17 years in human services.
He specializes in helping clients with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and grief and loss, but is also experienced in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns.
Craig takes a collaborative, hands-on approach to therapy, focusing on thorough assessment, clear treatment planning, and practical interventions.
He has worked with individuals, couples, families, and teens, helping them deal with everything from mood disorders to stress management.
6. Dr. Kathyrn Natalie Tan
Dr. Kathyrn Natalie Tan is a highly respected psychiatrist known for her extensive expertise and leadership in the field.
As the CEO of her practice, Dr. Tan holds notable credentials, including being an International Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (IFAPA).
She is also a Fellow of the Philippine Psychiatric Association (FPPA). Her career reflects a strong commitment to clinical excellence and a diverse range of specialities.
Dr. Tan’s expertise spans across adult psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, adolescent psychiatry, and women and children protection.
She is also actively involved in research and pedagogy, advancing psychiatric knowledge and practices.
Her wide-ranging experience and dedication to mental health care make her a leader in the field, offering comprehensive services to individuals in need.
FAQ’s:
1. What to expect during a psychiatrist consultation in the Philippines?
During a psychiatrist consultation, patients can expect a thorough discussion about their mental health history, current symptoms, and lifestyle.
The psychiatrist may ask questions to assess the condition and may recommend further tests or evaluations if needed.
2. What treatments do psychiatrists use?
Psychiatrists use a variety of treatments, including medications such as antidepressants or antipsychotics, psychotherapy, and sometimes lifestyle recommendations.
In severe cases, they may suggest hospitalization or other specialized interventions.
3. When should I see a psychiatrist?
It is advisable to see a psychiatrist if you experience persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or other emotional distress that interfere with daily life.
Additionally, symptoms like extreme mood swings, suicidal thoughts, or difficulty coping with stress may warrant professional help.
