According to research published by the American Psychological Association, 1 in 3 first-year college students struggle with negative mental health that significantly affects their well-being and/or academic performance. Medical school is difficult and exhausting and the stress can often lead to anxiety and depression. We want you to know that you are not alone, and that it is okay to seek help.

There are several things that you can do within your daily routine to promote positive mental health. We have compiled a list recommended by experts and you can find it here. If these are not effective or you find yourself needing more assistance, scroll down for resources within Prague.

*If you are seeking an official letter from your healthcare provider to present to the university, it has to be from a psychiatrist - not a psychologist or a therapist.

If you feel like you or someone else is in immediate danger please call 112 (European Emergency Number, connects you to police, firefighters and ambulance) or 155 (Emergency Medical Service). They will answer any questions you have and walk you through the process.


Psychological counseling

Charles University offers individual or group psychological counselling in English FREE for full-time students. These sessions are confidential, of course. You can find all the information about the centre here and appointments can be made here.

Important Note: According to the results of the 07/2020 and 05/2021 mental health surveys, most students have had a negative experience with the CUNI counsellor Mgr. Milan Polák. We do not have any experience with other counsellors, so if you use their services we would appreciate the feedback (you can leave it through our anonymous form). However, do not let this discourage you from seeking help. Try out this option to see if it works for you.

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english speaking psychiatrists

If you are experiencing severe or prolonged symptoms, you should consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors capable of prescribing medication if it is determined that medication is necessary for your treatment. The costs of these sessions may vary and you can contact them directly for more information.

  • MUDr. Jan Klimpl 
    Location: Prague 5
    Tel: +420 605 808 038
    E-mail: jan.klimpl@gmail.com
    * Dr. Klimpl is no longer taking patients at this time.

  • MUDr. Tomáš Rektor
    Location: Prague 5
    Tel: +420 724 913 500
    E-mail: help@terapie.info
    * We currently recommend Dr Rektor for a brief appointment for prescription only - not for personal treatment. However, he is accepting patients but won’t be available until February.

  • MUDr. Mira Babiaková
    Location: Prague 9
    Tel: +420 266 090 174
    E-mail: heliocdz@seznam.cz
    * Works at Helio Center (Website: https://heliocentrum.cz/)

  • MUDr. Jan Hanka
    Location: Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany
    Tel: +420 283 088 141 Request line 244
    E-mail: jan.hanka@nudz.cz

English speaking psychologists

Psychologists focus extensively on psychotherapy and treating emotional and mental suffering in patients with behavioral intervention. They cannot prescribe medication if you need it but they are able to refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary.

  • Respektrum
    Location: Prague 1
    Tel: +420 733 266 405 
    E-mail: info@respektrum.cz

  • Lávka Psychoterapeutické Centrum
    Location: Prague 6
    Tel: +420 608 917 772
    E-mail: info@centrum-lavka.cz

  • Hélio Centrum

    Location: Prague 9

    Tel: +420 266 090 174

    *Note: Hélio Centrum is currently taking new patients but is booked until the end of Janurary.

ALternative resources

In addition to professional psychiatrists and psychologists to help you, there are also many organizations that provide support to those struggling with mental health issues.

  • Baobab

    Baobab is an organization specializing in assisting people with diagnosed mental illness in their life struggles. They primarily focus on psychotic and affective disorders and amongst other things help students with their obligations.

    Location: Prague 4

    E-mail: baobab@baobab-zs.cz.

    *You have to have a note from your psychiatrist

    *Their website is in Czech, but they speak English, however their capacity may be limited

For emergencies

These crisis centers offer psychiatric assistance to adults 24/7 and you can go there without an appointment. It is always advisable to contact them first to ensure that there is an English-speaking professional on that day.

Telephone / Internet Resources:

Emergency assistance and counseling can be offered via telephone and online messaging. Confidentiality also applies as all communication is anonymous and automatically deleted after the chat is closed. Calls are not recorded and the caller’s phone number is not displayed.

Telephone counseling services:

  • Crisis Intervention Center 24-hour helpline: +420 284 016 666 - FREE

  • Prague Trust Line 24-hour helpline: +420 222 580 697 - FREE

  • Gail Whitmore / Counseling in Prague: 24-hour helpline: +420 775 248 363 - For emergencies & advocacy (Police, hospitals, embassies) - FREE.

Online counseling services:

  • Chat Pomoc - FREE
    Chat hours:
     Monday - 15:00 to 21:00
    Tuesday - 9:00 to 21:00
    Wednesday - 9:00 to 21:00
    Thursday - 15:00 to 21:00
    Friday - unavailable
    Saturday - 15:00 to 21:00
    Sunday - unavailable

  • IMAlive - FREE

  • Respektrum offers Skype counseling - Skype ID: Respektrumczech - Costs may vary, you can inquire directly here

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