Asking for help is not weakness.
It's just sensible.
It's just sensible.
Expat life is not always easy. Phnom Penh in particular — the heat, the chaos, the distance from home — can take a toll that is easy to dismiss and important not to ignore. Help is here.
Cambodia has approximately 60 psychiatrists for 17 million people. There is no legislation governing mental health services — anyone can call themselves a counsellor. For expats, the situation is better than that headline suggests: Phnom Penh has a growing network of qualified English-speaking psychologists, counsellors and psychiatrists. Always verify qualifications before committing to a therapist. Ask for their degree, the institution it was awarded by, and any professional body membership (BACP, APA, or equivalent).
Sessions range from $25 to $150 depending on the provider and their training level. Many international health insurance plans cover psychological therapy — check your policy before paying out of pocket.
Professional, confidential therapy for both expat and Khmer clients, led by Sodasy (Dasy) Van — a Master's-trained Clinical and Counselling Psychologist with over ten years of experience. The practice blends evidence-based approaches (CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, trauma-informed care) with genuine cultural sensitivity and an understanding of what life in Cambodia actually looks like.
Sodasy works with anxiety, trauma and PTSD, depression, OCD, ADHD and autism (neurodivergence-affirming), self-esteem, and family pressure. Both in-person at the Sisowath Quay clinic and online. Sessions conducted in English or Khmer.
sodasyvanpsychology.com →One of the most established international mental health practices in Phnom Penh. An international team of qualified psychotherapists offering individual, couples and family therapy for adults, children and adolescents. Specialised services include EMDR for trauma, autism team assessments, and couples counselling. All therapists hold Masters or PhD qualifications.
thebamboocentre.com →An active social enterprise offering therapy through a blend of Western and Eastern approaches. The Beekeeper focuses on holistic care, grief work, and LGBTQ+ issues alongside trauma, addiction and general mental health support. Practitioners use CBT, EMDR and mindfulness-based methods. Open Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM.
Founded in 2022 by Australian Clinical Psychologist Dr Liz Jervis. Sombok (Khmer for "nest") provides evidence-based psychological treatment for children, young people and families, along with psychoeducational assessments, training and supervision.
Particularly strong for child and adolescent work, and for families navigating Phnom Penh's international school system.
sombokpsychology.com →The leading private psychiatric provider in Phnom Penh, offering both inpatient and outpatient care. The go-to for psychiatric emergencies, clinical diagnoses and medication management — conditions requiring a qualified psychiatrist rather than a therapist or counsellor.
For cases involving severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or any situation where medication may be needed, Sunrise is the right first call.
The primary resource in Phnom Penh for children with autism, ADHD or dyslexia. OrbRom provides Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), speech therapy and occupational therapy — specialist neurodevelopmental support that is almost impossible to find elsewhere in the city. Essential knowledge for any expat family with a child who has additional learning or developmental needs.
orbrom.com →Clinical counselling, art therapy, marriage and family support. Christian-oriented but open to all. Operating since 2014, with both in-person and online counsellors. $33 per session for members, $55 for non-members.
Free trauma therapy for those who cannot afford private sessions — including EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT. Located in Sen Sok. One of the few genuinely free clinical mental health resources available to expats in Phnom Penh.
📍 #44Bz, Street 1986, Sen Sok
Non-profit outpatient centre for psychological and psychiatric conditions. Qualified psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and psychiatric nurses on staff. Open Mon–Fri.
📞 +855 23 63 66 991 · tpocambodia.org →
Free one-hour Vipassana meditation sessions in the central vihara — a practical, no-cost tool for stress and anxiety. Open to all, no experience required.
🕐 Mon, Thu, Sat at 6:00PM · Sun at 8:00AM
On the banks of the Mekong, Blue Indigo offers Yin, Hatha and restorative yoga with a specific focus on anxiety and stress reduction. A solid complement to therapy for anyone managing chronic stress.
For an immediate psychiatric emergency: Sunrise Mental Clinic (023 350 590) for acute visits. International SOS (+855 23 216 911) for 24/7 emergency response. Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and InterCare Hospital emergency departments for acute situations after hours.
Individual therapy — $25 to $150 per session
Couples counselling — $40 to $150 per session
Psychiatric consultation — $50 to $150
Online / telehealth — $40 to $100 per session
Peer support groups (AA, NA) — Free
Group support is a critical, low-cost pillar of Phnom Penh's expat wellness community. These meetings are free, peer-led, and require no referral or appointment.
Eight English-language AA meetings per week in Phnom Penh, plus a weekly Khmer-language meeting and a weekly Al-Anon meeting for families of those struggling with addiction. The majority of English meetings take place at Friends Futures Factory (next to Friends the Restaurant) — enter the open courtyard to the right of the restaurant, walk toward the back buildings, take the cement staircase on the right, and the meeting room is behind the metal door at the top of the stairs. Many meetings are hybrid, accessible via Google Meet.
There are also active groups in Tuol Tom Poung (TTP), including the TTP Early Bird Group — ideal for those living in the southern part of the city.
NA meets twice weekly in Phnom Penh. Find the Big Blue Gate at #197 Preah Ang Yukanthor Street (Street 19) — the group meets in the house on the left side of the property.