Greece (GR)
Greece is a southeastern European republic and EU member state, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games, celebrated for its 6,000 sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins from the Acropolis to Delphi, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and a warm culture that draws expats, retirees, digital nomads, and Golden Visa investors from across the world.
Mental Health Resources
Support, crisis lines and therapy access in Greece.
Mental health services in Greece are significantly underfunded and undersupplied. The public sector offers limited access through EOPYY-contracted psychologists and psychiatrists; waiting times are long and the available network of professionals is much smaller than EU peers. Following the 2010–2018 financial crisis, mental health issues (depression, anxiety) increased significantly in Greece, and the gaps in public services remain. Private psychotherapy is accessible in Athens and Thessaloniki at reasonable rates. Digital/online therapy platforms have expanded options for English-speaking expats.
Crisis Lines
SOS Line 1018 (KLIMAKA NGO)
1018
Languages: Greek
Available: 24/7
FreeEPAPSY Mental Health Helpline
10306
Languages: Greek
Available: Weekdays 09:00–21:00
FreeDomestic Violence Helpline
15900
Languages: Greek; some languages available with notice
Available: 24/7
FreeChild Protection Helpline
1056
Languages: Greek
Available: 24/7
FreeInternational Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) — emergency
112
Languages: Multi-language (112 operators can arrange interpretation)
Available: 24/7
FreeSamaritans (for English-speaking expats — international call)
+44 116 123
Languages: English
Available: 24/7
Accessing Therapy
Through public insurance: EOPYY covers a limited number of psychotherapy sessions through contracted psychologists/psychiatrists. Access requires a referral from your Personal Physician (Προσωπικός Γιατρός). The number of contracted mental health professionals in the EOPYY network is very limited — most consultations are in Athens and Thessaloniki, and waiting times can be 3–12 months. Psychiatric care in public hospitals (ΕΚΕΨΥΕ — Community Mental Health Centres) is available but often under-resourced. Contact your local Community Mental Health Centre (Κέντρο Ψυχικής Υγείας) through your municipality.
Waiting times: Public system: 3–12 months for a first appointment with a contracted psychologist/psychiatrist. Community Mental Health Centres: 1–4 months depending on location. Private sector: typically available within 1–2 weeks.
- - Private psychotherapy is affordable by European standards (€50–80/session) — many expats opt for private care rather than wait for public.
- - Online therapy platforms (BetterHelp, Talkspace, Harley Therapy) offer English-language therapy with no waiting list.
- - University psychology clinics (e.g. NKUA Department of Psychology) sometimes offer low-cost supervised therapy for those with limited income.
- - Some NGOs (ARSIS, METAdrasi, MSF Greece) offer mental health support for migrants and refugees, sometimes in English.
- - The Athens Expat community (Facebook groups) can provide referrals to English-speaking therapists with availability.
Online Therapy
Insurance covered: No / partially
Online therapy is not currently reimbursed by EOPYY (Greek public health insurance). Private insurance plans occasionally include a limited number of online therapy sessions — check your policy. For English-speaking expats, international online therapy platforms provide the best combination of language access and availability. BetterHelp and Talkspace have monthly subscription models which may be more economical for regular therapy.
Expat-Specific Challenges
- -Language barrier: navigating the Greek mental health system without Greek language skills is very difficult. Demand for English-speaking therapists in Greece exceeds supply.
- -Cultural stigma: discussing mental health is still somewhat taboo in traditional Greek culture. This affects the openness of conversations and the availability of support networks.
- -Relocation stress: adjusting to Greek bureaucracy (known to be slow and frustrating), especially during the initial AMKA/AFM/banking setup phase, is a significant and common source of acute stress.
- -Isolation: Greece's social life is heavily based on longstanding personal networks — new arrivals, especially those without Greek language skills, can feel socially isolated in the first 6–12 months.
- -Financial anxiety: many expats come to Greece on the premise of lower cost of living, only to find that Athens rents have risen sharply since 2021. Unexpected costs and bureaucratic delays compound financial stress.
- -Seasonal mood variation: Greece's hot, dry summers (with very limited rainfall June–September) and grey, damp winters in Athens can affect mood. The Meltemi (north Aegean wind) can be psychologically exhausting for sensitive individuals.
- -Greece's economic history: some local Greeks carry a collective trauma from the 2010–2018 crisis — this can surface in conversations and affect workplace culture.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis: call 112 (all emergencies), 1018 (SOS suicide prevention line), or go directly to the nearest public hospital A&E (TEP) for psychiatric assessment. Private psychiatric hospitals in Athens include Asklepion Voulas and Attikon University Hospital (psychiatric ward). The Doctors of the World (Γιατροί του Κόσμου — mdmgreece.gr) offers free mental health services to vulnerable populations in Athens including migrants and refugees.