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Caracas Mental Health Services: Access Crisis Lines, Clinics, Free Counseling
A guide to psychiatric facilities, crisis helplines and free counselling services available across the capital.
How we reported this
Caracas has two psychiatric hospitals, seven ambulatory clinics, one day-care hospital and three psychiatric units in general hospitals serving its metropolitan area, according to a report in the National Library of Medicine. These facilities form the backbone of the city's mental health infrastructure, though access remains uneven for many residents.
Mental health resources in the capital have become increasingly vital as economic pressures and social instability take a toll on wellbeing. While the public system faces strain, several helplines and community services operate to fill gaps, offering immediate support for those in crisis.
Crisis Helplines and Hotlines
The national suicide prevention and crisis helpline 0800-VENEZUELA operates 24/7 under the Ministry of Health, providing crisis intervention and mental health referrals. The line is free to call from anywhere in the country, including Caracas.
Additional crisis support is available through AVES, reachable at +58 212 550 1500 from 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, offering assistance for suicidal thoughts and depression. A UNICEF youth helpline at +58 212 239 9751 runs from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday, catering specifically to younger callers.
Free Telepsychology and In-Person Services
A free professional telepsychology service is available nationwide via WhatsApp at 0422 035 1828, offering immediate support from certified psychologists. This service allows residents to speak with a mental health professional from home, reducing barriers to care.
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) provides mental healthcare to victims of urban and sexual violence in the Caracas neighbourhoods Petare and La Vega. The organisation operates from a main public hospital, offering counselling and psychological support to those affected by violence-a service that has become critical in these underserved areas.
For those seeking in-person care, the city's two psychiatric hospitals and three general-hospital psychiatric units provide more intensive treatment options, while the seven ambulatory clinics offer outpatient services for less acute needs.
How to Access Support
Anyone in Caracas needing mental health support can call 0800-VENEZUELA at any hour for crisis intervention. The WhatsApp telepsychology line (0422 035 1828) is an alternative for those with internet access who prefer text-based counselling. Youth and adults can also contact AVES or the UNICEF line during their operating hours.
For residents of Petare and La Vega, the MSF programme based at the public hospital is a direct entry point for trauma-related care. Those seeking ongoing psychiatric treatment should contact their nearest ambulatory clinic or general-hospital psychiatric unit for an appointment.
While the system faces challenges, these services represent a lifeline for many. The existence of multiple access points-phone, WhatsApp and in-person-means help is available in a form that suits different needs.