Mental health

Caring for your mind is caring for yourself

Anxiety, depression, burnout, stress — anonymous mode, free tests, video psychotherapy.

The most common conditions

Reviewed information, with symptoms, treatments and free tests where relevant.

💧

Depression

Prevalence : 15-20% of adults / lifetime

PHQ-9 test

Symptoms

  • Persistent sadness > 2 weeks
  • Loss of interest
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep/appetite disturbance

Treatments

  • CBT psychotherapy
  • SSRI antidepressants
  • Physical activity
  • Light therapy
🌊

Generalised anxiety

Prevalence : 5-10% of adults

GAD-7 test

Symptoms

  • Excessive worry
  • Muscle tension
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Palpitations

Treatments

  • CBT psychotherapy
  • Anxiolytics (short-term)
  • Meditation
  • Physical exercise
🔥

Burnout

Prevalence : 35% of working professionals

Symptoms

  • Exhaustion
  • Cynicism
  • Drop in performance
  • Cognitive issues

Treatments

  • Sick leave
  • Psychotherapy
  • Work reorganisation
  • Support from loved ones

Post-traumatic stress

Prevalence : 3-5% of population

Symptoms

  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Avoidance
  • Hypervigilance

Treatments

  • EMDR
  • Trauma-focused CBT
  • SSRI antidepressants
  • Group support
😨

Phobias

Prevalence : 10% of adults

Symptoms

  • Intense fear of object/situation
  • Avoidance
  • Panic attacks
  • Social impact

Treatments

  • Graded exposure
  • CBT
  • Meditation
  • Hypnosis
🚫

Addictions

Prevalence : Variable

Symptoms

  • Compulsion
  • Tolerance
  • Withdrawal
  • Social withdrawal

Treatments

  • Medical detox
  • Psychotherapy
  • Support groups
  • Addiction specialist
🍽️

Eating disorders

Prevalence : 1-2% (anorexia), 1-3% (bulimia)

Symptoms

  • Weight/body obsession
  • Restriction or binges
  • Purging behaviours
  • Isolation

Treatments

  • Multidisciplinary follow-up
  • Nutrition + psychology
  • Hospitalisation if severe
⚖️

Bipolar disorder

Prevalence : 1-2% of population

Symptoms

  • Alternating manic/depressive episodes
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Hyperactivity then collapse

Treatments

  • Mood stabilisers (lithium)
  • Psychoeducation
  • CBT
  • Strict psychiatric follow-up

Who should you consult?

Understanding the differences between psychiatrist, psychologist and psychotherapist.

👨‍⚕️

Psychiatrist

When to consult

Severe disorders, need for medication, prescriptions

✓ Can

  • Diagnose
  • Prescribe medication
  • Hospitalisation
  • Sick leave
Price : 500-900 MAD / consultReimb : CNOPS 80% · CNSS 70%
💬

Clinical psychologist

When to consult

Psychological suffering, need to talk, long-term therapy

✓ Can

  • CBT/analytic therapy
  • Psychological assessments
  • Support
Price : 400-700 MAD / sessionReimb : Not reimbursed unless private cover
🧘

Psychotherapist

When to consult

Relationship issues, personal growth

✓ Can

  • Brief therapies
  • Coaching
  • Couples therapy
Price : 350-600 MAD / sessionReimb : Not reimbursed

Frequently asked questions

Psychiatrist or psychologist: which one?+

A psychiatrist is a doctor — they diagnose, prescribe medication and consultations are reimbursed (CNOPS 80%, CNSS 70%). A psychologist specialises in psychotherapy (not reimbursed). For mild-to-moderate distress, start with a psychologist. For severe symptoms (major depression, psychosis), a psychiatrist is essential. Both can work in tandem.

How long does psychotherapy last?+

Highly variable: 6-12 sessions for targeted CBT (phobia, anxiety), 6 months-2 years for depression/personality work, several years for psychoanalysis. A session typically lasts 45-60 min. The psychologist will give you an initial estimate after 2-3 sessions.

Are antidepressants addictive?+

No, modern antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) are not addictive. Contrary to popular belief, they do not change personality. A gradual taper is however needed to avoid a discontinuation syndrome. A psychiatric prescription and follow-up are mandatory.

I'm afraid to seek help, what can I do?+

This is very common, especially in Morocco where stigma persists. Options: (1) Speak first to your GP — easier access. (2) Try Sahha Mind in anonymous mode (tests + teleconsult without identity). (3) Call the distress hotline on 0801 000 180. (4) Start with a psychologist (less stigmatising than a psychiatrist).

How do I know if it's serious?+

Warning signs requiring urgent help: suicidal thoughts, self-harm, total isolation > 2 weeks, inability to work/care for yourself, hallucinations, heavy alcohol/drug use, dangerous behaviours, severe food refusal. If any of these → urgent psychiatric consultation or SAMU 141.

Is video psychotherapy effective?+

Yes, studies show effectiveness equivalent to in-person care for most disorders (depression, anxiety, CBT). Benefits: time saving, partial anonymity, no travel, often cheaper. Sahha Mind offers psychiatric and psychological teleconsults with optional anonymous mode.

☎️

Need to talk? Free 24/7 listening lines

If you or a loved one are going through a crisis, these services are confidential and non-judgemental.

Main public psychiatric centres in Morocco

Hospitalisation, outpatient consultations, A&E. Free for AMO members with a card.

📍 Salé

Ar-Razi Hospital

Psychiatric reference centre + 24/7 A&E

📞
0537-78-30-51
📍 Casablanca

CHU Ibn Rochd — Psychiatry Department

Adult inpatient, child psychiatry, addiction medicine

📞
0522-48-20-20
📍 Rabat

CHU Ibn Sina — Psychiatry Department

Consultations + inpatient + research

📞
0537-67-27-01
📍 Fez

CHU Hassan II — Psychiatry

Fes-Meknes region coverage

📞
0535-61-90-00
📍 Berrechid

Berrechid Psychiatric Hospital

Historic facility, long-stay inpatient

📞
0522-32-50-21
📍 Marrakech

CHU Mohammed VI — Psychiatry

Adults and adolescents

📞
0524-30-39-39

Official sources