Reach out to your local church to enquire about pastoral care support. Depending on the structure of the church, you may be directed to someone from the pastoral team or to a lay leader.

Some churches and parachurch organisations may have trained and licensed counsellors on board to offer support and therapy. There are also Christian mental health professionals who practise outside of the church.

• The National Association of Christian Counsellors Malaysia (NACC) maintains a register of practising Christian counsellors on their website with their contact details and qualifications. NACC also has an online chat portal called Emmanuel Online Chat and is a free service run by trained volunteers to provide mental health care and support.
• Focus on the Family Malaysia also offers family support services, providing counselling to individuals, couples and families.
• GriefShare is a grief recovery support group that meets weekly to face the challenges of navigating grief and journeying together towards rebuilding your life.
• Eirini Counseling Services is a ministry under Every Nation Malaysia that offers a platform for anyone and everyone to experience the full peace of God in trying times with the help of a professional.

Please take note that Our Daily Bread Ministries is not associated with any of the above organisations. The list compiled has been researched to the best of our abilities, and is to help point you in the right direction. Do use wisdom and prayer in all circumstances.

There are many other mental health services available and most trained professionals are equipped to provide the needed support regardless of background and beliefs. If you are a university student (or alumni), you may also check if your enrolled university offers counselling support. 

• The Red Clinic offers accessible healthcare which includes psychotherapy in person and also online.
• Befrienders KL has a 24/7 telephone hotline 03-76272929 with trained and caring volunteers who provide emotional support without charge. They also accept face to face appointments.
• Kin and Kids is a marriage, family and child therapy centre that utilises a systemic approach to support their clients. 
• Rekindle offers professional and ethical mental health therapy services for individuals, couples, and families of all ages.
• HELP University Center for Psychological Counselling Services (CPCS) provides psychotherapy, child therapy and psychological assessments from both fully trained professionals and also graduate trainees under supervision.

Please take note that Our Daily Bread Ministries is not associated with any of the above organisations. The list compiled has been researched to the best of our abilities, and is to help point you in the right direction. Do use wisdom and prayer in all circumstances.

All this information can definitely feel overwhelming and it may be difficult to make a decision especially when we are already feeling bogged down by mental health challenges. If it seems too daunting at the moment, try to find a loved one who is able to lend some perspective and help in searching for the right support. Alternatively, go for the option that is most achievable and realistic for you at this point. It is always ok to switch or change your mind. 

Some questions that may help you in your search:

1. Do you prefer a Christian based approach? This means that the mental health professional may be guided by their theological understanding and biblical view. Typically, these professionals are trained to suspend their personal values and beliefs while respecting and upholding the client’s. 
2. What approaches does the therapist utilise in their sessions? Would you be comfortable with these interventions or methods? For example, a Christian based approach may possibly include prayer and/or worship, other approaches may include movement or art. 
3. Is this person qualified? What are their credentials and how were they trained? Keep in mind that there could be little governance over the terms ‘counsellor’, ‘psychologist’, ‘therapist’, and even ‘coach’. This means that the same two ‘counsellors’ could have vastly different training and experience. 
4. Are there other traits you would prefer that would help you feel more comfortable and secure, such as the gender or age of the therapist? 
5. Would you prefer in-person or online sessions? Or a mixture of both? 
6. How much can you realistically afford for these sessions? Much like having a consultation with a medical doctor, the fees can range from being pro-bono to a few hundred Ringgit per session.
7. How will these sessions fit into your schedule? Is the location (for in-person sessions) accessible? 

In Malaysia, all three of these mental health professionals are required to be registered and licensed in order to practise and offer services. A counsellor would hold a Masters in Counselling from an accredited university, while a clinical psychologist would hold a Masters in Clinical Psychology. A psychiatrist is a qualified medical doctor with a specialisation in psychiatry. 

As a general rule of thumb, counsellors offer non-judgemental support in the form of talk therapy and typically do not diagnose or formally assess their clients. Clinical psychologists are trained in clinical assessment and can formally assess and diagnose mental health issues. Psychiatrists are doctors of psychiatry and they are qualified to assess, diagnose and prescribe medication for their clients and patients. It is not uncommon for all 3 mental health professionals to work in support of each other.