How to Book a Mental Health Clinic Appointment Over the Phone (in Easy Japanese)

Life in Japan

Apr 25, 2024

"You can travel far,
but you can't run away from yourself."

Mental health is a never ending journey. Sometimes we're fine working on ourselves on our own, sometimes we distract ourselves with the basic need to survive in a foreign country, but once those immediate needs are met and life become comfortable, sometimes we need extra help.

As someone who was diagnosed adult ADHD my 4th year living in Japan, with no other experience with therapy or psychiatry anywhere else, it's been quite a journey. While I have working daily Japanese proficiency, I don't quite feel comfortable expressing deep emotions and feelings in that language.

But when searching 'English-speaking mental health' on Google, it felt like clinics available for me were far and few. Unfortunately, I hadn't had the best experience with native English-speaking clinics geared towards foreign clients. They were expensive, and at times I had the thought, "Is this what therapy is supposed to be like?"

There is more help than you think.

A few months later, I felt my life transformed with CBT therapy from a Japanese clinic that didn't advertise they spoke English at all. How did I know they spoke English? I desperately searched on Reddit. To my surprise, the clinic was located a 10 minute walk from my apartment at the time.

I'll save these details for another time.

Even though some clinics have English-speaking doctors, not all reception staff are English speaking. Here's everything you need to book your next appointment.

This is Yume-chan, your friendly Eigo mental health companion. She was made with love and Niji 6. You can find out more about her on Konoka.

Finding & Booking an Mental Health Appointment Near Your Area

Step 1: Prepare Your Details

Before making the call, prepare all necessary details. This includes your full name, phone number, what kind of insurance you have, and a brief explanation of your mental health concerns.

Step 2: Find a Clinic Near You

Start by identifying the clinic you wish to book an appointment with. This could be based on recommendations, online reviews or proximity to your location. Mental health is an on-going process, so finding a clinic that is more accessible to you is important.

Konoka (English) - Community-run directory of English-speaking Clinics in Tokyo.
Byoinnavi (Japanese-only) - Doctor and clinic look-up website. Use "英語対応" keyword.
TAPC (Japanese-only) - "英語による対応可能" keyword and "外国人に対するケア" keyword
Calling your local English health hotline at your ward. They can call and find English-speaking clinics for you! (This is how I found my current clinic.)

Step 3: Making the Call

Dial the clinic's number and wait for someone to pick up. You may need to navigate through an automated menu. If you're not confident in your Japanese speaking skills, you might want to ask a Japanese-speaking friend or use a translation app to assist you.

Alternatively, you can ask these resources to help you with the call. Your local ward office usually has interpretation services for non-Japanese speakers.

It's okay to be nervous in your call. You can give it a try. I am not a native Japanese-speaker, but these phrases are easy to understand and get the point across:

もしもし。　Moshi, moshi 　 Hello (telephone only)
予約したいんですが。　Yoyaku-shitain desu ga… 　I'd like to make an appointment.
初めてです。　Hajimete desu. 　 I'm a new (patient).
英語を話せますか？　Eigo hanasemasu ka? 　Do you speak English?
医者は英語を話せますか？　Isha wa eigo hanasemasu ka? 　 Does the doctor speak English?
国民健康保険は利用できますか？　Kokumin kenkou hoken wa riyou dekimasu ka? 　 Can I use NHI (National Health Insurance)?

Step 4: Confirm the Appointment

After choosing a suitable date and time, the receptionist will confirm your appointment. Make sure to note this down and ask for any specific instructions about your visit. Make sure you bring the following: