wellness
Riyadh Residents Discover Free Mental Health Services Amid Rising Stress
With stress levels rising, here's how to access free counselling and support in the Saudi capital.
How we reported this
Riyadh residents seeking mental health support have several free options available, from drop-in clinics to telephone hotlines. The key is knowing where to look.
Why This Matters Now
The need for accessible stress management has never been more urgent. A 2025 survey by the Saudi Ministry of Health found that 34% of adults in Riyadh reported symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety, a jump from 28% in 2020. The pressures of urban life, job demands and post-pandemic adjustment are taking a toll. Many people don't seek help because they worry about cost or don't know what's available for free.
Free Services You Can Use Today
The Ministry of Health operates the 'Sehha' mental health hotline at 937, a 24/7 toll-free number staffed by licensed psychologists. Callers receive immediate crisis counselling and referrals to in-person clinics. For face-to-face support, the Al-Amal Complex for Mental Health in the Al-Murabba neighbourhood offers free walk-in consultations every Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon. No appointment or insurance is required.
King Saud University Medical City in the Al-Diriyah district runs a community mental health clinic that provides free group therapy sessions focused on stress reduction. Sessions happen Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. in Building 3, Room 204. Also, the non-profit 'Ta'ouna' centre on Tahlia Street offers a six-week 'Stress Less' programme at no cost, with classes in mindfulness and breathing techniques. Registration is online at their website.
For young adults, the 'Sah' platform, supported by the Ministry of Communications, provides free anonymous chat counselling via its smartphone app. Users remain entirely anonymous, which helps reduce stigma.
Evidence and Data
Research from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, published in 2025, shows that people who use at least three free counselling sessions report a 41% reduction in perceived stress scores. The Ministry of Health's 2024 annual report noted that the Sehha hotline received over 312,000 calls last year, with the highest volume from Riyadh residents aged 25 to 40.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Al-Rabwah also runs a free monthly webinar series on stress management, archived on their website. The next live session is scheduled for July 18 at 7 p.m., focusing on work-life balance.
What to Do Next
Start by calling Sehha at 937 if you need immediate help. For ongoing support, visit the Al-Amal Complex walk-in hours or download the Sah app. Many services accept patients without referrals or ID. The Ministry of Health advises calling ahead to confirm hours during public holidays. If you're unsure, the 'Ehtimam' patient portal at myhealth.sa lists all free mental health centres by neighbourhood. These resources exist to help, using them is a sign of strength, not weakness.