Mental health

Caring for your mind is caring for yourself

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

🆘

Going through a crisis?

You are not alone. Help is available.

The most common conditions

Sourced 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) 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.

☎️

In a crisis: emergency numbers

If you or a loved one are going through a suicidal crisis, call without delay.

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