We hear your pain. Every message we receive about the unbearable psychological pressure, the fear of family honor, the forced marriages, and the deep emotional toll of living in the closet, breaks our hearts. We know that behind every message is a story of immense courage and silent suffering. We understand the despair that leads to thoughts of suicide and the tragic reality that too many of our community members have been lost to this battle.

At PridePakistan.org, we want you to know you are not alone. Your identity is not a disease. Your feelings are valid.

While our organization does not have the funds to provide free, professional psychological services, what we can do is empower you with the knowledge and tools to seek the help you need, safely and discreetly. This page is a guide to finding mental health support, both in Pakistan and globally, with a focus on your well-being and security.

Navigating Mental Health Care in Pakistan

We know that finding a supportive mental health professional in Pakistan can be a challenge. The fear of being judged, facing religious sermons, or being told that your identity is a “disease” is a very real and terrifying barrier. We have heard your stories, and we acknowledge the deep wounds caused by such encounters.

When seeking help in Pakistan, your first priority is your safety and privacy.

We advise you to approach mental health professionals with a focus on your symptoms and well-being, without necessarily disclosing your sexual orientation or gender identity upfront. You are the expert on your own life. You have the right to seek help for the mental health issues you’re facing—be it anxiety, depression, stress, or trauma—without having to justify or explain who you are.

Check for Professional Ethics: Look for professionals who are registered with reputable psychological associations. They are bound by professional ethics that prioritize patient care over personal beliefs.

Focus on Symptoms, Not Identity: Instead of saying, “I am depressed because I am gay,” you can say, “I am struggling with deep depression and anxiety. I feel immense pressure from my family and society, and it’s making it hard to function.”

Build Trust Gradually: If you find a professional who is supportive and empathetic, you may choose to reveal more of your identity later, but you are never obligated to do so. Your mental health is the priority.

Pakistan-based mental health services

Below are options grouped by government, private platforms/directories, and associations/NGOs. We’ve highlighted how to access them, what they offer, and general cost notes. Verify current fees and hours on the official pages.

Government and academic services in Pakistan

Service/platform	Access	Services	Typical cost	Notes
Humraaz 1166 Government app and helpline	Call 1166 or mobile app	Mental health support referral, guidance	Free	Government-backed; can request mental health help without disclosing identity details.
National Institute of Psychology (NIP) Counselling	https://nip.edu.pk/counselling/	Counselling via university services (online/in-person)	Low/varies	Academic setting; ask about availability, sliding-scale fees, and privacy.

Private platforms and directories in Pakistan

Sehat Kahani (Online Doctors): While not exclusively for mental health, this platform connects patients with doctors, including psychologists, via video consultations.

• Services: Online consultations, with the option to speak to a psychiatrist.
• Contact: https://sehatkahani.com/
• Charges: Varies based on the doctor.

Service/platform	Access	Services	Typical cost	Notes
Find a Helpline Pakistan	https://findahelpline.com/countries/pk	Crisis helpline directory phone/chat	Free to access	Aggregates verified hotlines and chats; pick what feels safest.
Marham	https://www.marham.pk/doctors/psychologist	Book psychologists/psychiatrists	Paid; provider-set	Filter by online sessions; ask for symptom-focused care.
SehatYab	https://www.sehatyab.com/	Online therapy and psychiatry	Paid; provider-set	Compare fees, languages, and availability.
ApkaMuaalij	https://www.apkamuaalij.com/	Mental health providers	Paid; provider-set	Check reviews and request video sessions.
Ruhbaru	https://www.ruhbaru.com/	Online counselling	Paid; provider-set	Ask about sliding-scale or package discounts.
PakMH Service providers	https://pakmh.com/service-providers/	Pakistan mental health directory	Varies	Directory listing; verify credentials and fees directly.
TherapyMantra Therapists	https://therapists.therapymantra.co	Global/PK therapist matching (online)	Paid; plans vary	Ask for nonjudgmental, evidence-based care; book trial calls if offered.

Associations and NGOs in Pakistan or serving Pakistan online

Service/platform	Access	Services	Typical cost	Notes
Taskeen Mental health helpline	https://taskeen.org/program/mental-health-helpline/	Helpline, psychoeducation, referrals	Often free/low	Check site for current contact method (phone/WhatsApp/hours).
Dawn featured	https://images.dawn.com/news/1185033	Article listing mental health supports	Free	Use as a starting point; verify each provider.

Global LGBTQIA-friendly online resources

These can be accessed from Pakistan subject to connectivity. If speaking with LGBTQIA-informed peers feels safer, consider these. If you prefer not to disclose identity, you can still describe symptoms and stress.

Service/platform	Access	Services	Typical cost	Notes
LGBT National Help Center	https://lgbthotline.org/	Peer support hotlines and chats	Free	Hotline availability posted on site; includes youth/senior lines.
LGBTIQ Helpline	https://www.lgbtiq-helpline.ch/en	Peer advice by chat/email; phone line	Free	Phone: 0800 133 133; English support via email/chat.
HRC Mental health resources	https://www.hrc.org/resources/mental-health-resources-in-the-lgbtq-community	Curated hotlines and supports	Free	US-focused but useful lists and coping guidance.
Gaysians Resources	https://www.gaysians.org/resources	Curated South Asian LGBTQIA resources	Free	Mix of urgent and non-urgent supports.

Paying for care when funds are limited

• Ask for sliding-scale fees: Many private clinicians reduce fees based on need.
• Prefer telehealth: Often cheaper than in-person and safer for privacy.
• Short-term, skills-focused therapy: Request CBT/DBT tools for immediate coping over fewer sessions.
• Medication consults: A psychiatrist can discuss options; ask about generics and follow-up spacing to reduce cost.

If you face discrimination or “conversion” attempts

No one has the right to shame you, preach at you, or deny evidence-based care. “Conversion therapy” is harmful and not a medical treatment. If a clinician discriminates, preachifies, or refuses proper care:

• Set a boundary: “I’m here for mental health treatment, not religious counseling.”
• Ask for referral: “Please refer me to a different clinician.”
• Document details: Note date, time, name, what was said.
• Report it: Share what happened so we can help track and act.

Report discrimination here: Click Here

Practical grounding if you’re overwhelmed right now

• Breathing reset: Inhale 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 6; repeat 5 times.
• Temperature shift: Wash your face with cool water; it can reduce acute panic.
• Name five things: 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
• Delay the impulse: Commit to waiting 24 hours before taking any harmful action and connect with one resource above.
• Safety plan: Write 3 warning signs, 3 coping actions, and 3 people/lines you can contact.

You are worthy of care, respect, and a life without fear. If you want, tell me what would feel most helpful right now, a script to text a doctor, a shortlist of low-cost providers, or help drafting a safety plan.