Jordan – Mental Health

How is mental health generally viewed and talked about in Jordan?

Mental health continues to carry a degree of social sensitivity in Jordan, and stigma plays a real role in shaping whether people pursue professional support. The intersection of cultural attitudes and the long shadow cast by regional conflicts has given Jordan’s mental health landscape a character quite distinct from global norms. For someone relocating from a place where discussing therapy is commonplace — much of Western Europe or North America, for instance — this cultural difference may require some adjustment.

In a society where community opinion carries considerable weight over personal decisions, prevailing attitudes toward psychological difficulty can lead to the marginalisation of those who seek help, discouraging them from taking that step. This is not to say views are entirely negative across the board — but it does mean that navigating the social dimension of mental health in Jordan is more nuanced than in many other healthcare environments.

Encouragingly, there is evidence of real attitudinal change. Research surveying Jordanian adults on their perceptions of mental health treatment for Arab adolescents experiencing depression found no heightened stigma directed at those who sought care — if anything, the study suggested a degree of social support for mental health interventions. This points to shifting public attitudes and a growing acceptance of the value of psychological help.

Whereas Western contexts tend to have higher levels of awareness around recognising and managing mental health conditions, in Jordan the influence of traditional beliefs and the central role of family can significantly colour how mental health is understood and addressed. For expats, this often means that engaging a private practitioner rather than discussing personal struggles openly at work or with acquaintances feels more natural — and this is indeed how many residents, both local and foreign, tend to approach things.

Mental health professionals have noted that digital tools accessible in private can be particularly valuable in environments where psychological difficulties are still stigmatised and help-seeking is discouraged. Being able to reach mental health support through a personal device at home, away from public scrutiny and the risk of being labelled, may make it far easier for someone to take that first step. This observation applies equally to expats who may wish to begin their journey quietly, without drawing attention.

What mental health services are publicly available in Jordan, and how does the system work?

Jordan’s healthcare system operates across both public and private sectors. Mental health falls within this dual structure, with the public dimension governed by the Ministry of Health (MOH). There is no formal gatekeeping mechanism comparable to GP referrals in parts of Europe — individuals can generally attend a public health centre and request mental health support directly.

A key feature of Jordan’s public mental health approach is the deliberate shift away from purely hospital-based care toward a community-centred model. This bio-psychosocial framework draws on multidisciplinary teams to address the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of a person’s wellbeing — broadly in line with the direction taken by many reformed health systems internationally.

By 2024, Jordan had established 66 mental health clinics across the country — a 27% rise since 2022 — with growing emphasis on community-based provision. Outpatient services operate in Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa, and mental health has been progressively woven into primary care settings through the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP).

A number of national frameworks have been introduced, including the National Mental Health and Substance Use Action Plan 2022–2026. Initiatives such as mhGAP and the Thinking Healthy Programme have widened access to care by equipping non-specialist health workers with relevant skills, strengthening referral pathways, and ensuring that essential medications are available. These developments demonstrate genuine institutional intent, even if significant gaps remain.

Despite Jordan’s commitment to integrating mental health into primary care and the notable advances in infrastructure, serious challenges persist — underfunding, a limited pool of trained professionals, and the pervasive social stigma surrounding mental illness continue to hamper the system. Expats enrolled in the public system, typically through an employer or residency-linked scheme, may in principle access public mental health services, but specialist availability and waiting times can be limited. Always confirm current eligibility and coverage terms directly with the Ministry of Health.

As of 2020, the WHO noted that Jordan’s mental health system had a sound psychiatric foundation, a population open to reform, and care that is either free or available at low cost within the public sector. These conditions and fees may, however, change — verify the most up-to-date information with the MOH.

Is private therapy or counselling available in Jordan, and what does it cost?

Private mental health services are available in Jordan, with the greatest concentration found in Amman, home to the country’s most developed private healthcare market. Private clinics and independent practitioners offer psychiatry, clinical psychology, and counselling, and this is the path most commonly taken by expats who want more flexible, confidential, or language-specific care.

Session fees in the private sector vary substantially depending on the practitioner’s background, level of experience, and whether the session takes place in person or online. Fees are not consistently published and shift over time; it is always worth contacting practitioners directly for current pricing. As a broad reference, private therapy in Jordan tends to be more affordable than comparable private-sector services in Western Europe or North America, though it still represents a meaningful expense if you are paying out of pocket. For the most reliable current information, contact individual providers or consult the Jordan Medical Council, which oversees the registration of medical professionals.

Psychiatrists in Jordan are licensed medical doctors with prescribing authority. Psychologists and counsellors operate under a different regulatory framework, and the landscape governing non-medical mental health practitioners continues to develop. When selecting a private therapist, it is worth asking about their qualifications, professional registration, and whether their credentials are recognised by a relevant body in Jordan. Updated guidance on registration requirements can be found through the Ministry of Health.

Private-sector payment is typically made at the point of service, with potential reimbursement available through certain private health insurance policies (see the insurance section below). Sliding-scale fees are not commonly advertised, though they may occasionally be negotiated, particularly at clinics affiliated with NGOs.

Are there English-speaking therapists or counselling services available in Jordan?

English-language mental health support is accessible in Jordan, above all in Amman, where a number of private therapists and psychologists offer sessions in English. Many have trained internationally and are experienced in working with foreign nationals. Outside the capital, options become considerably more limited.

Several directories and platforms can assist in locating multilingual practitioners in Jordan:

• It’s Complicated (complicated.life): This platform allows users to search for therapists in Amman by language, offering both in-person and online sessions. With a network of more than 2,500 mental health professionals across 50+ countries, including Jordan, it can help connect users with accredited psychologists in Amman and further afield.
• TherapyRoute (therapyroute.com): A global directory that lets users filter by location, language, and area of specialisation, including practitioners based in Jordan.
• Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com): Hosts an international therapist directory with a number of Jordan-based listings, many of which include language details.
• 7 Cups (7cups.com): Offers a directory of mental health professionals and local resources in Jordan, with the option to filter by speciality.

When reaching out to any therapist found through a directory, verify that they are currently practising in Jordan, confirm their language capabilities, and enquire about their qualifications and registration status. The expat community in Amman — often well-networked through social groups and international employer channels — can also be a valuable source of personal recommendations.

What support organisations or mental health charities operate in Jordan?

A range of national and international organisations are engaged in the mental health space in Jordan. Many concentrate their efforts on refugee and humanitarian populations, though their broader advocacy work and some of their services can be of relevance to the wider population, including expats.

• Jordan Ministry of Health — Mental Health Directorate (moh.gov.jo): The government body responsible for public mental health policy and service provision. The national action plan and the community clinic network sit within its remit.
• WHO Jordan Country Office (emro.who.int/jor): Through its Special Initiative for Mental Health, WHO works closely with the MOH on training, policy development, and service expansion across Jordan.
• UNHCR Jordan (unhcr.org/jo): Primarily focused on refugee populations, UNHCR supports psychosocial programmes in Jordan that have wider implications for the mental health ecosystem as a whole.
• International Medical Corps (IMC) (internationalmedicalcorps.org): Delivers mental health and psychosocial support programmes in Jordan, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities.
• Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) (msf.org): Provides mental health services within Jordan, primarily in humanitarian settings, while also advocating for improvements across the system more broadly.
• Questscope (questscope.org): An NGO active in Jordan, focused on psychosocial support for marginalised young people and community-based mental health programming.

Community-based campaigns that involve religious figures, educators, and local influencers have the potential to shift societal attitudes and raise mental health awareness significantly — and several of these organisations are actively pursuing such work. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) does not currently list a formal national affiliate in Jordan; expats seeking crisis support should refer to the emergency contacts set out in the crisis section below.

What should expats do in a mental health crisis in Jordan?

If you or someone near you is in acute mental health distress in Jordan, the immediate priority is to contact emergency services. Jordan’s general emergency number is 911, which covers ambulance, police, and fire services. The dedicated police emergency line is 110. Hospital emergency departments, especially at larger facilities in Amman, are equipped to assess and manage psychiatric emergencies.

Unlike countries with around-the-clock, dedicated mental health crisis lines — such as the Samaritans in the United Kingdom or the 988 Lifeline in the United States — Jordan does not currently operate a widely publicised national 24-hour crisis helpline. This is a meaningful gap in the support system that expats should be aware of well before they might need it.

In practice, the most reliable options during a psychiatric emergency are:

1. Call 911 and request an ambulance, or ask to be taken to hospital.
2. Go directly to the emergency department of a major hospital. In Amman, Al-Bashir Hospital (the principal public psychiatric facility) and Jordan University Hospital both handle psychiatric cases. Large private hospitals including Istishari Hospital and Jordan Hospital also have emergency departments.
3. Contact your employer’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) if one is available — many international organisations working in Jordan offer EAP services that include crisis support lines.
4. Use internationally accessible crisis support resources, such as the International Association for Suicide Prevention‘s directory at iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres, which lists some regionally available options.
5. The 7 Cups platform (7cups.com) provides free online emotional support chat accessible from Jordan, though it is not a replacement for emergency clinical intervention.

Formal English-language crisis support within Jordan remains limited. If language presents a barrier in an emergency, having a trusted contact on hand — a colleague, an HR representative, or an embassy duty officer — who can assist with communication is invaluable. Most Western embassies in Amman maintain round-the-clock duty lines for their nationals, which can include guidance and onward referrals in a crisis situation.

Are online or remote therapy options accessible from Jordan?

International and local teletherapy platforms are broadly reachable from Jordan, and online therapy has become an increasingly practical route for expats — particularly those who prefer to work in a language other than Arabic, or who value the added privacy that remote sessions can offer. Mental health professionals in Jordan have noted that digitally delivered interventions would be warmly welcomed in clinical settings and could help ease some of the demand placed on face-to-face services.

Several platforms cater to users based in Jordan:

• Apricity Expat Therapy (apricityexpattherapy.com): Provides online therapy and counselling services to expats globally, having been established in 2018 with the specific aim of making mental health care accessible and welcoming for people living abroad.
• Expathy (expathy.org): Offers a tailored experience in which expats are matched with licensed psychologists who understand the complexities of cross-cultural life, providing prompt access to affordable counselling without a waiting list.
• BetterHelp (betterhelp.com) and Talkspace (talkspace.com): Both US-based platforms are technically accessible from Jordan, although the availability of therapists with the appropriate licensing to work across different jurisdictions varies. Review the terms of service and confirm with any prospective therapist that they are able to work with clients residing in Jordan.
• It’s Complicated (complicated.life): Offers both online and in-person sessions through practitioners listed in its Jordan directory.

There are several practical points to bear in mind. A therapist licensed in another country is not automatically authorised to practise in Jordan, and as of 2025 Jordan does not have a formal regulatory framework specifically governing cross-border teletherapy. In practice, many expats use international platforms without difficulty, but you should understand that clinical and legal accountability may differ from what you are accustomed to at home. Ensure that any therapist you engage with remotely holds a licence in their home jurisdiction, carries professional liability insurance, and has experience supporting clients living overseas.

How do expats typically navigate health insurance for mental health treatment in Jordan?

Health insurance coverage for mental health treatment in Jordan differs substantially from one policy to another. Unlike jurisdictions such as those within the European Union or Canada, where mental health parity requirements are enshrined in law, Jordan has no legislative framework compelling insurers to treat mental and physical health conditions on equal terms. The result is that coverage conditions vary widely, and expats are well advised to study their policy documents carefully.

When assessing or selecting a health insurance policy for use in Jordan, the following points deserve close attention:

• Whether mental health is explicitly covered: Some policies exclude psychiatric or psychological treatment altogether; others place a ceiling on the number of sessions reimbursed per year.
• Inpatient vs outpatient treatment: Many policies cover inpatient psychiatric hospitalisation but impose restrictions or exclusions on outpatient therapy sessions.
• Pre-existing condition clauses: A prior history of mental health conditions may affect your premium or trigger exclusions from cover.
• Provider networks: Confirm whether your insurer has agreements with specific private hospitals or clinics in Jordan, as reimbursement may be restricted to network providers.
• Direct billing vs reimbursement: Some insurers in Jordan settle bills directly with network facilities; others require you to pay upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement.

International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) policies designed specifically for expats — offered by providers such as Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and AXA — typically provide more comprehensive mental health coverage than locally issued plans, though you should always verify what applies specifically in Jordan. Employer-provided group health insurance, which many expats working for international organisations in Jordan will receive, may also include mental health benefits — consult your plan documentation or raise the matter with your HR department.

For regulatory guidance on insurance in Jordan, the relevant authority is the Jordan Insurance Commission (jic.gov.jo). Always confirm current policy terms with your insurer directly, as conditions and coverage can change.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to seek mental health support in Jordan as an expat?

Yes. While stigma exists within the broader cultural environment, private therapy in Jordan — particularly in Amman — is handled discreetly, and practitioners are bound by professional confidentiality. Many expats access private therapists or online platforms without encountering any social difficulty. Pursuing help through a private route, rather than via a workplace or community setting, is generally the most comfortable approach for those new to the country.

Will I be able to find a therapist who speaks my language?

English-speaking therapists are available in Amman, and a number of international online platforms can connect users in Jordan with therapists working across many languages. Platforms such as It’s Complicated operate in close to 100 languages and offer both online and in-person sessions. If you need support in a language other than Arabic or English, an online therapy platform that matches by language is likely your most practical option.

Can I use the Jordanian public health system for mental health care as an expat?

Access to Jordan’s public healthcare system for expats depends on your residency and registration status. Some expats — particularly those employed by Jordanian organisations or registered with the Civil Status and Passports Department — may be entitled to public health services. In practice, the quality and language accessibility of public mental health clinics can vary, and most expats opt for private providers. Confirm your eligibility with the Ministry of Health.

What is the main hospital for psychiatric care in Jordan?

Al-Bashir Hospital in Amman is Jordan’s principal public psychiatric facility and is the primary site for inpatient psychiatric cases. Major private hospitals in Amman, including Jordan Hospital and Istishari Hospital, also maintain psychiatric departments. For routine outpatient care, community mental health clinics under the Ministry of Health are spread across the country’s governorates.

Is there a mental health crisis line in Jordan?

Jordan does not currently operate a nationally run, 24-hour mental health crisis helpline comparable to those available in some other countries. In an emergency, call 911 for ambulance services or proceed directly to a hospital emergency department. Online crisis support is accessible internationally through platforms such as 7 Cups, and the IASP holds a directory of crisis resources at iasp.info.

How much does private therapy typically cost in Jordan?

Private therapy fees in Jordan vary considerably depending on the provider, their qualifications, and the type of session. Rates are generally lower than those in Western European or North American private markets, but there is no standardised pricing. Always request a current fee schedule from the practitioner before making a commitment. Online directories such as It’s Complicated and TherapyRoute sometimes display indicative fee ranges. Confirm costs directly with providers, as rates change over time.

Does my international health insurance cover therapy in Jordan?

This depends entirely on the terms of your individual policy. Jordan has no mental health parity legislation requiring insurers to cover mental and physical health on equal terms, so coverage varies considerably. Review your policy documents carefully for any exclusions, session limits, and whether outpatient therapy is included. Contact your insurer directly for clarification, and direct regulatory queries to the Jordan Insurance Commission.

Are there expat-focused support groups or community mental health resources in Amman?

Informal expat networks in Amman — reachable through international schools, embassies, and organisations such as InterNations — frequently share recommendations for mental health practitioners and offer peer support. Some international NGOs and embassies also run wellness initiatives or can provide onward referrals. Speaking with your employer’s HR team or Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is another practical first step, especially if you work for a large international organisation.