Irene Papadakis is an integrative counselling psychologist based in Athens, Greece. She carries out sessions in Spanish and English.
Last Updated on October 11, 2024 by It’s Complicated
Editorial note: This collection of resources was written by Irene Papadakis who is based in Athens and available for online counselling. It is a must-read for anyone needing help with their mental health in the city.
Finding a compassionate and qualified therapist in Athens can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to the city or need English-speaking services. In recent years, the Greek government has made significant strides in improving mental health services across the country. With growing awareness of the psychological challenges faced by many, Greece is at a moment of transformation.
These efforts aim to enhance care for individuals struggling with mental health issues by shifting towards a more community-based, holistic system. New programs are being implemented to increase accessibility, reduce stigma, and prevent social exclusion by integrating mental health services into the broader healthcare framework.
What Does This Mean for Expats?
While there are many Greek-speaking therapists available, the demand for English-speaking professionals has steadily increased, especially among the expat community. Finding the right therapist in Athens, particularly one who can offer services in English, is becoming more crucial for international residents seeking mental health support.
English-Speaking Counselling Services in Athens
Here are some of the most reliable centres and directories offering mental health services to expats and English speakers in Athens:
The House of the Child
A community unit providing mental health services to children and adolescents, especially those affected by abuse or violence.
Address: 7 Nilou Str, Zografou, 15772
T: 210-7717773
Email: spitipaidiou@hamogelo.gr
The House of the Child Website
Roots Wellness Center
Bilingual Psychotherapy & Complementary Therapy
Roots Wellness Center Website
Therapy Nest
Address: Louizis Riankour 80, Athina 115 24
Therapy Nest Website
Doctor Anytime
A directory to find mental health specialists for in-person or online sessions.
Doctor Anytime Website
KETHEA – Therapy Center for Dependent Individuals
Address: Sorvolou 24, 11636 Athens
T: 210 9241993 – 6
KETHEA Website
Email: admin@kethea.gr
Active online platforms connecting users with therapists
1. Milamou is an online platform providing matching services with a therapist that is free of charge. The platform offers therapy for Greek-speaking individuals.
2. It’s Complicated is a user-friendly platform that allows you to search for therapists by various filters including language, specialization, and location. It provides detailed profiles of therapists, including their approaches and areas of expertise, helping you make an informed choice.
3. Hi Well is an online counselling platform that provides online psychotherapy and counselling for a range of mental health struggles such as anxiety, stress, depression, sexual problems, unhappiness, relationship and work problems, and other mental health needs.
Local mental health resources in Athens
Mental Health Hotlines in Athens
In case of an emergency or if you need immediate support, these hotlines operate in Athens:
1056 – National Helpline for Children: Smile of the Child Website
10306 – Psychosocial Support (Free, 24/7)
1018 – Suicide Help Hotline (24/7): Suicide Help Website
1145 – Addictions
1114 – Gambling: KETHEA Website
Support Groups in Athens
Support groups offer community-based help for various challenges, including addiction recovery and emotional support:
OKANA – Organization for drug addicts and their families.
Address: Averof Street 21, 104 33 Athens
Email: okana@okana.gr
OKANA Website
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Address: Zinonos Street 4, 104 37 Athens
Tel: 210 522 0416
AA Website
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Tel: 210 347 4777 (Call between 18:30 – 20:00)
NA Athens Meeting Information
Women’s Support
Women facing abuse or violence can reach out to these resources:
American Women’s Organization of Greece (A.W.O.G.)
Tel: 210 362 4115
A.W.O.G. Website
Counseling for Women Victims of Violence
Athens Office: Nikis Street 11, 105 57 Athens
Tel: 210 331 7305
Open: 08:30 – 18:00
Piraeus Office: Alkiviadou Street 76, 185 32 Piraeus
Tel: 210 411 2091
Open: 08:30 – 18:00
Family Support
The Archdiocese of Athens (KESO) operates a Family Support Centre and can provide shelter and support for women who have been victims of abuse.
- Family Support Centre
Address: Akadimias Street 95, 106 71 Athens
Tel: 210 381 1274 / 210 384 1536
Community-based Support
Different municipalities around Athens offer support to their residents free of charge depending on availability. It is recommended to call in advance to book an appointment. It is important to note that to be eligible for these services you will need to be considered a resident of the municipality and speak Greek as the majority of the psychologists are only Greek-speaking.
Mental Health Center | Description & Contact Information |
---|---|
Chalandrio Mental Health Center | Provides mental health services for residents of Agia Paraskevi. Address: 62 Souliou, Agia Paraskevi Tel: 213 203 7600 |
Peristeri Mental Health Center | Offers mental health support in Aegaleo. Address: Soutsou 4, Davaki Square, Aegaleo Tel: 210 591 0066 |
Mental Health Center, 8th Sector of Attica | Free services provided by the Research University Institute of Mental Hygiene. Tel: 210 617 0071 / 210 617 0072 |
Community Mental Health Center of Pagratio | Outpatient unit of Evangelismos Hospital providing adult therapy, clinical monitoring, and psychotherapy. Address: Ymittou 221 and Ferekydou 1 Tel: 210 751 9550 |
St. Day Center Paraskevis | Offers services for adults with mental disorders and their families, operating within the 6th Mental Health Sector. Tel: 210 608 5641 |
Municipality of Zografou | Family Counseling Center focused on mental health prevention and support within the framework of community psychology and psychiatry. Tel: 210 779 3622 / 210 748 8382 |
Municipality of Korydallos | Provides free mental health services daily, by appointment, to residents of Korydallos. Tel: 210 496 3917 |
Municipality of Nea Ionia | Psychological help and counseling support for residents of N. Ionia since 2010. Tel: 210 279 3916 / 210 277 7198 / 210 272 3675 |
Municipality of Alimos | Offers psychological and social assistance for residents living below the poverty line, as well as referrals to other services. Tel: 210 988 3140 / 210 985 3580 |
Municipality of Agios Dimitrios | Implements mental health prevention and problem-solving programs for residents of Agios Dimitrios. Tel: 210 975 4035 / 210 976 8565 |
Municipality of Agios Anargyros | Offers daily free mental health services to residents of Agios Anargyros. Tel: 210 269 0852 |
Municipality of Ilio Attica | Provides psychological support through a team of psychologists and social workers, with collaborations for a holistic approach to community needs. Tel: 213 203 0015-0019 |
Municipality of Hellinikon Attica | Support structure for residents facing difficulties, offering counseling and prevention programs. Tel: 210 996 1973 |
Amarousiou Day Center – Franco Basaglia | Staffed by experienced professionals offering psychiatric, psychological, and social work support. Tel: 210 80 56 920 |
Byron-Kaesariani Mental Health Center | Provides psychological support, psychotherapy, and psychiatric monitoring, with emergency referrals to Aeginite Hospital. Operates in the morning hours. Address: Delos 14, Kaisariani Tel: 210 764 0111 / 210 764 4705 |
English-speaking Therapists in Athens
Living in Athens does not necessarily mean you need to navigate your mental health journey in Greek. Online directories offer easier access to therapy, allowing you to search for practitioners who share your language or similar demographics, such as gender identity, religion, ethnic background, or sexual orientation.
It’s Complicated is a directory that supports advanced search of therapist identities, and we’re a huge believer in empowering therapy-seekers to find the right match for them. Search for German-speaking or English-speaking therapists in Athens by filtering by language in the search tool in the directory of licensed professionals, or explore beyond traditional approaches like CBT or psychoanalysis into more specific therapy types such as psychedelic integration therapy, sex counselling, and LGBTQI+ aware therapy.
Free Therapy Matching Service
If you need more personalised assistance in finding a qualified therapist in Athens, It’s Complicated has a beautifully uncomplicated (and free) matching service. Your therapy request is reviewed by a psychologist and matching specialist who considers your preferences to find the best match. After that, you can consult with your matching specialist for additional options, advice on choosing the right therapist, and more.
Our matching service is personalised, human-led, and strives to provide the best support in finding the right therapist. Since matches are reviewed manually, it typically takes around 24-48 hours to receive your custom matches.
Therapist Directories for Residents of Athens
Yeah, it’s plug time. But It’s Complicated is genuinely a great place to search for mental health professionals. The directory is easy to use, our matching service involves a lot of hard work by team members who are trained as therapists or in psychology, and as a service built by therapists, we care a lot about finding you a practitioner you feel the magic therapeutic alliance with. Make an informed choice or allow us to help you find your match by visiting It’s Complicated.
Now that you have a guide to finding the right therapist in Athens, you may want to read more on how to start strong and overcome challenges in therapy.
Advantages of Discovering Your Therapist via It’s Complicated
- No Setup Costs: Creating an account and reaching out to therapists is entirely cost-free.
- Transparent Pricing: You’ll only pay the session fee, with no concealed booking fees.
- Precise Search: Utilise our robust search tool to pinpoint therapists based on your specific preferences.
- Thorough Listings: Easily explore therapists categorised by their specialty, approach, location, and language.
It’s Complicated is a therapy platform that not only helps clients find their perfect therapist but also supports therapists in their craft of helping others. Featuring over 2,000 mental health professionals from 80+ countries, counselling is available in almost 100 languages, both online and in person. A GDPR-compliant video solution, encrypted messaging, and easy invoicing guarantee a private and seamless counselling experience for therapists and clients alike. If you are in a serious crisis and need urgent help, please use one of these resources instead.
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