Shanghai isn't always the easiest place to feel okay. It's a huge, fast-moving city with little nature, far from the mountains or the sea. It's crowded. It's expensive. For many of us, it's also unfamiliar — a different language, a different work culture, a constant churn of people and places. That energy is part of what makes Shanghai exciting. But it can also be overwhelming.
Whatever the reason, mental health struggles are common — and treatable. This guide is here to help you navigate the resources available, from crisis hotlines to therapy options, both Western and local.
When to Get Help
There's a difference between a rough week and something deeper. If you're dealing with prolonged insomnia, constant irritability, unexplained sadness, panic attacks, or physical symptoms like headaches or chest tightness — it might be time to talk to someone. Even if you're not sure what you're feeling, starting the conversation with a professional can help clarify things.
For a first-person take:
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Unhappiness vs. Mental Illness
You can be unhappy and not mentally ill. You can be mentally ill and not look unhappy. It's messy.
Happiness isn't a fixed state — but if your baseline feels consistently low, and things that used to help don't anymore, it's worth investigating.
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[How to]: Be Happy in Shanghai
Lifestyle and Self-Help
Small changes can make a big difference:
- Sleep. Try for 7–8 hours
- Move your body. Check out SmartShanghai's Health & Wellbeing section for gyms and sports activities, and our guide to Sports Leagues you can join in Shanghai.
- Eat food that actually nourishes you. Here's a list of restaurants offering more health-conscious food options.
- See people. Isolation is a major contributor to mental decline. Check out our yearly updated guide to Community Groups.
- Find joy. Or at least try things that might lead you to it. Maybe join a volunteer group?
- Get out of town. Check out our section for short weekend trips, many of them in small groups, ideally for getting to know people.
Good advice from a doctor here
[How to]: Be Happy in Shanghai
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats mental health through a whole-body approach — rebalancing qi, supporting organ systems, and using treatments like acupuncture and herbal medicine.
It's not for everyone, but it can complement Western approaches.
More on that here
A Different Approach: Traditional Chinese Medicine and Mental Health
Dealing with Crisis: Sexual Violence
Sexual violence has long-term mental health impacts, and support is available. We've put together a separate, detailed guide for this topic:
On dealing with sexual violance in Shanghai
#MeToo: Dealing with Sexual Violation in Shanghai
Useful Vocabulary & Phrases
Core Mental Health Terms
- 心理健康 (xīnlǐ jiànkāng) – mental health
- 心理问题 (xīnlǐ wèntí) – psychological/mental issue
- 情绪 (qíngxù) – emotion
- 压力 (yālì) – stress
- 孤独 (gūdú) – loneliness
- 悲伤 (bēishāng) – sadness
- 无助 (wúzhù) – helpless
- 绝望 (juéwàng) – hopeless
Common Conditions & Feelings
- 焦虑 (jiāolǜ) – anxiety
- 抑郁症 (yìyù zhèng) – depression
- 惊恐发作 (jīngkǒng fāzuò) – panic attack
- 失眠 (shīmián) – insomnia
- 情绪低落 (qíngxù dīluò) – low mood
- 感觉空虚 (gǎnjué kōngxū) – feeling empty
Professional & Clinical Terms
- 心理医生 (xīnlǐ yīshēng) – psychologist/therapist
- 精神科医生 (jīngshén kē yīshēng) – psychiatrist
- 心理咨询 (xīnlǐ zīxún) – counseling
- 治疗 (zhìliáo) – therapy/treatment
Finding Professional Help
Shanghai has a growing mental health infrastructure, especially in the private sector. Options include:
Not sure who to see? A psychiatrist can prescribe medication. A psychologist or counselor helps with talk therapy. Many professionals are trained in multiple disciplines.
This guide will be updated regularly. If you know of a resource that should be included, or you're a professional offering services, reach out to our editorial team.
Groups & Organizations
Alcoholics Anonymous
A long‑running, grassroots mutual help fellowship for people struggling with alcohol dependence. Founded in the U.S. in 1935, AA's model is simple: people with drinking problems share their experience, strength and hope to help each other stay sober. There are no fees, no formal membership requirements beyond a desire to stop drinking, and no official religious affiliation (though some groups use spiritual language).
In Shanghai, an active AA community still meets regularly with a mix of English and bilingual (English/Chinese) sessions throughout the week. Meetings range from classic Big Book study and step meetings to topic discussions, meditation and speaker formats. While some meetings are "closed" (for alcoholics only), most listed sessions are open to anyone interested in recovery, observers included.We have a longer profile on them here. Contact details here.
Community Center Shanghai Counseling Center
Community Center Shanghai (CCS) is a 25-year-old non-profit serving the international community. Its counseling team offers individual, couple, and family counseling, support groups, workshops, and crisis intervention in over 10 languages, including English, Chinese, French, Spanish, and Japanese. Common issues include depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges, as well as stress, grief, parenting, and cultural adjustment. Contact details in their listing here..
Shanghai Mental Health Center
Shanghai Mental Health Center, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, is one of the city's main public hospitals specializing in mental health care. Founded in 1935, it operates campuses in Xuhui and Minhang and covers areas such as psychiatry, clinical psychology, mood disorders, child and adolescent mental health, geriatric psychiatry, and addiction treatment. While the hospital's website has an English version and mentions bilingual services, booking information is limited, and services may be difficult to access for those who speak only English. Contact details in our listing here.
Shanghai International Mental Health Association
SIMHA (Shanghai International Mental Health Association) is a professional association of therapists providing mental health support to Shanghai's international community. Founded in 2008, its members include counselors, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists working across private practices, counseling centers, schools, and medical institutions. With around 40 member therapists from diverse cultural and language backgrounds, SIMHA helps individuals and families navigate issues such as stress, culture shock, relationship challenges, parenting, depression, anxiety, and addiction. SmartShanghai listing here.
Octave Family Learning Center
Octave Family Learning Center offers learning, therapy, and coaching services for individuals, families, and organizations. Drawing on family systems theory and evidence-based approaches, its programs focus on mindfulness and personal development through workshops, counseling, and coaching sessions. The center works with international families, schools, and companies in Shanghai, with a team of psychologists, therapists, and coaches supporting areas such as personal growth, family dynamics, and well-being. SmartShanghai listing here.
Emotional Support at ELG
ELG is a multidisciplinary social enterprise established in 2006, providing education, developmental, and mental health services for children, adults, and families in Shanghai. Its international team includes mental health, behavioral, speech-language, occupational, and physical specialists, offering evidence-based support for issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. ELG works with individuals of all ages through therapeutic services and specialist-led programs, taking a holistic and collaborative approach to care. SmartShanghai listing here
Private Practices:
John Miller
Dr. John K. Miller has been a cornerstone of Shanghai's therapy scene since 2005 and directs the Sino-American Family Therapy Institute. With over 30 years of clinical experience, he specializes in individual, couples, and family therapy, focusing on understanding problems in the context of relationships and existing strengths. He often involves family or significant others in sessions (with consent) and embraces a "wellness" approach that encourages clients to explore their own resources.
Miller holds a Ph.D. in Child and Family Development from Virginia Tech, a master's in Couples and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana, and a BA in Psychology. He has served as a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar to China, held leadership roles in US professional therapy associations, and supervises other therapists pursuing licensure. Therapy is primarily in English, but sessions in Chinese are possible with a translator.
For anyone seeking guidance on marital conflict, anxiety, stress, or child behavior issues in Shanghai, Miller is widely regarded as knowledgeable, thorough, and approachable. He works in both Puxi and Pudong.
E-mail: jkmillertoo@yahoo.com
Dr. Katie Aafjes-van Doorn
Dr. Katie Aafjes-van Doorn is a Dutch clinical psychologist currently teaching and practicing at New York University Shanghai. She specializes in individual therapy for adults, with a focus on psychodynamic approaches, counseling, and clinical supervision.
With training and licensure in the Netherlands, the UK, and the US, Aafjes-van Doorn combines decades of international clinical experience with a strong emphasis on understanding the in-session relationship between therapist and client. She has also taught psychodynamic therapy skills to doctoral students and now educates undergraduates on psychotherapy and counseling.
Her practice is grounded in close attention to clients' experiences in therapy, regularly tracking progress and tailoring treatment to each individual's needs. Fluent in English and Dutch, she brings both rigor and empathy to her work with adults in Shanghai.
E-mail: katie@aafjesvandoorn.com
*All information above is collected from publicly available sources. We cannot guarantee that these clinicians accept private appointments, as some may only see clients through their affiliated clinics or institutions. However, you are welcome to reach out to them directly to inquire about availability
International hospitals:
Parkway Mental Health Services (Shanghai / Asia network)
Parkway's mental health team blends international and local expertise to support adults, teens and children with mood, anxiety, stress, eating and substance-related concerns, offering professional assessment, group support and cognitive-behavioural therapies, plus guidance for expat families adapting to life in China. Their psychiatrists and psychologists can help with panic, crisis intervention and personalised care planning — all within Parkway's broader network of medical services across Shanghai.
- Dr. Frank Dong, M.D. – seasoned psychiatrist focused on mood, anxiety, insomnia and behavioural health.
- Selina Lin, Clinical Psychologist – brings diverse therapy skills (EFT, IFS, DBT) and corporate EAP experience.
- Mai Linlin, Registered Psychotherapist – UK-trained clinician experienced with trauma, identity and adolescent/family work.
- Dr. Helen Wang, Psychiatrist – blends medication and therapy to address mood, anxiety and OCD-related issues.
Jiahui International Hospital – Mental Health Care (Shanghai)
Jiahui's mental health department is part of one of Shanghai's best-known international hospitals with 24/7 services and strong English/Japanese support for expat patients. The team handles a wide spectrum of mental health issues — including anxiety, depression, stress, bipolar, ADHD, sleep issues and relational challenges — and works closely with other specialties for coordinated care across age groups. Services are delivered in a private, patient-focused setting typical of Jiahui's holistic hospital experience.
- Dr. Julia Li, M.D. – US-trained psychiatrist emphasising whole-person wellness.
- Dr. Tsai Huitzong, M.D. – experienced with schizophrenia, mood and organic disorders.
- Dr. Carrie Du, M.D. – specialises in mood, anxiety and adolescent emotional disorders.
- Yuan Ming, MAP – psychotherapist for children/adolescents, ADHD and family support.
- Huang Yi, MAP – focuses on emotional regulation, stress and personal development.
Shanghai United Family Healthcare – Mental Health Services
United Family Healthcare (UFH) is a long-established international hospital group in Shanghai, known for multilingual care, insurance partnerships and patient-centered environments. Their mental health team provides evaluation, medication management and counselling for mood, anxiety and stress-related concerns, working with adults, children, couples and families in both English and Mandarin — reflecting UFH's broader reputation for international standards and service continuity.
- Dr. Huaihui Zhang, M.D. – Psychiatry Chair with ~20 years of clinical experience treating mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders.
- Fang Fang, M.D. – Trusted psychiatrist offering diagnostic and treatment expertise.
- Dr. Jian Hu, Associate Chief Physician – Supports psychiatric care across diagnoses.
- Jing Gai & Sandy Tien, M.S. – Bilingual psychotherapists helping clients of all ages enhance emotional well-being.
Shanghai SinoUnited Health – Mental Health & Wellbeing
SinoUnited Health provides international-style mental and psychological support as part of its clinic and hospital network across the Yangtze River Delta. Their team of psychiatrists and psychotherapists works with individuals and families on anxiety, depression, mood and stress-related concerns, trauma and adjustment issues — all delivered in settings designed for client privacy and cultural sensitivity, with services available in both Chinese and English.
- Dr. Zheng Lu, M.D. – Chief Psychiatrist with extensive experience in complex mental health conditions.
- Dr. Hongxia Zhang, M.D., Ph.D. & Dr. Uschi Han, M.D., Ph.D. – psychiatrists offering expert medical diagnosis and care.
- Chen Zhang – Senior psychotherapist leading tailored therapy sessions.
- Claire J. Y. Lin – Director of youth & family psychological support.
- Jojo Zhou – Experienced psychotherapist focused on individual and family counselling.
Mindfront Shanghai
Mindfront Shanghai is a relatively new mental health service center providing comprehensive professional services to people struggling with all kinds of psychiatric disorders and mental distress. They focus on highly prevalent urban mental health disorders, providing multidimensional professional support in various disorders/issues such as sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, OCD, ADHD in children and adolescents, women's mental health, behavioral/s. Read our full article about them here.
Online Therapy
BetterHelp
BetterHelp is an international online therapy platform that connects you with licensed therapists through messaging, phone, or video sessions. It's designed to be flexible, so you can access support from anywhere—including Shanghai—at times that work for you. Services are subscription-based and paid via credit card or PayPal. The typical cost is around $65–$100 USD per week (billed every 4 weeks, roughly $260–$400 per month), though financial aid is sometimes available for those who qualify. While it's not a local service, it can be a convenient option for English speakers who want professional mental health support without the need to navigate local clinics or language barriers.
Talkspace
Talkspace is another major online therapy platform that connects users with licensed therapists through messaging, video, or audio sessions. Like BetterHelp, it's subscription-based and designed to be flexible, so you can get professional support from anywhere—including Shanghai. Payment is typically via credit card or PayPal, with some options for Apple Pay or Google Pay depending on your device. Plans usually range from$69–$99 USD per week (billed monthly), covering messaging with a therapist and a set number of live video or phone sessions. While it isn't a local service, Talkspace can be a convenient option for English speakers looking for consistent, professional mental health support without navigating local clinics or language barriers.
JianDanXinLi
If you're not into the corporate feel of international platforms, or if you'd prefer to pay using Chinese payment methods, there are also online and offline mental health services based in China. One well-known example isJianDanXinLi (简单心理). Sessions are typically charged per session, with prices generally ranging from around 300 to 1,200+rmb per session, depending on the therapist's experience, qualifications, and specialty. Pricing is listed clearly on each therapist's profile before booking. These platforms are primarily in Chinese, so some Chinese reading ability is usually required, but you can filter therapists by the languages they speak through the app or mini-program, making it possible to find English-speaking therapists as well.
