Iran mental health service expansion and challenges

Iran’s Ministry of Health has expanded mental health services to approximately 3.2 million people following various periods of crisis. To manage psychological impacts, the government has increased the availability of the ‘190’ mental health hotline, which has seen up to 5,000 daily calls during peak periods. Efforts include the expansion of ‘Seraaj’ social-psychological centers, aiming for 300 nationwide locations to provide free psychiatric and social work services, and the integration of PTSD, anxiety, and depression screening into the unified health system.

In conjunction with National Women’s Health Week, officials have highlighted specific challenges regarding women’s mental health. Experts noted that while approximately 25.7 percent of women experience psychiatric disorders, such as depression, roughly two-thirds of those affected do not seek professional help due to social stigma and fear of judgment. Health officials have called for improved access to mental and physical health services, framing women’s health as a fundamental pillar for sustainable development and societal stability.