More than a year in this state of worry and fatigue, looking after our mental health has admittedly fallen off our lists. In fact, by now, that list probably only includes trying to make it from one day to the next. And that’s okay!
But when the burden gets too overbearing, it helps to know where we can seek professional help. Luckily, that’s something that the Ateneo Bulatao Center now provides for free.
Through a Facebook post on Sunday, the Ateneo Bulatao Center announced that it has started offering free brief counseling sessions that aim to “extend a helping hand to Filipino community.” The service allows participants to speak directly to responders who are equipped to provide a safe psychological space to relieve their distress.
The best part? The service is open to anyone and you wouldn’t need an Ateneo ID to take advantage of it. The service is available to all Filipino adults aged 18 and above.
To schedule an appointment, just click Ateneo Bulatao Center’s sign-up link, go over the service’s terms, and provide your contact details.
Take note, though, that since their psychological service is only a condensed version, approved participants will get to undergo only one to two private sessions through Zoom.
Also, Bulatao Center emphasizes that these brief sessions are not meant to substitute regular therapy or a crisis hotline.
If you are in need of urgent attention do not hesitate to reach out to the NCMH Crisis Hotline at 0917 899 8727 (USAP) and 989 8727 (USAP). These numbers are operational 24/7 and can provide assistance to individuals struggling with mental health conditions. You may also reach out to the following crisis hotlines within the Philippines:
In-Touch — landline: (02) 8893 7603; Globe: 0917 800 1123; Smart: 0922 893 8944
Tawag Paglaum-Centro Bisaya — Smart: 0939 937 5433/0939 936 5433; Globe: 0927 654 1629
Hopeline — landline: (02) 8804 4673 (HOPE); Smart: 0918 873 4673 (HOPE); Globe: 0917 558 4673 (HOPE)
Manila Lifeline Centre — landline: (02) 896 9191; Globe: 0917 854 9191
Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. — landline: (02) 8921 4958/4959; Globe: 0917 565 2036/2037
