Comprehensive Mental Health Services in Mozambique – Your Guide to Counseling, Therapy & Wellness

Mental wellbeing is a fundamental human right. Yet mental health disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting people across cultures, ages and income levels. According to the World Health Organization, nearly one in every seven people – about 1.1 billion people – were living with a mental disorder in 2021, with anxiety and depressive disorders being the most common. Despite the prevalence of mental illness, many individuals face barriers to care such as stigma, limited resources and lack of accessible services. In low‑ and middle‑income countries, the treatment gap is particularly large.

Mozambique is no exception. The country has a rich tapestry of cultures and a resilient population, yet it also grapples with socioeconomic challenges, conflict and natural disasters that can strain mental health. A UNICEF brief notes that children and adolescents in Mozambique face poverty, separation from parents due to displacement, exposure to armed conflict and other hardships that put their mental wellbeing at risk. Women experience high levels of anxiety and depression – 28 % of women aged 15‑49 exhibit symptoms of anxiety and 60 % show symptoms of depression, compared with 10 % and 2 % among men. Mozambique has some of the highest suicide rates in southern Africa. At the same time, access to mental health services has been gradually expanding: mental healthcare is integrated into the national health system and is almost free of charge, with services available in over 150 health facilities across every district. The Ministry of Health has trained psychiatric technicians to deliver care in primary facilities, ensuring at least one such professional per district.

This article explores mental health services in Mozambique, outlines the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and highlights how Enhanced Wellness Solutions – a holistic wellness practice based in Maputo – contributes to filling the care gap. Whether you are a resident of Mozambique, an expat living overseas or a global reader interested in mental health, this guide provides insights into counseling services, psychological programs and holistic therapy options available in the country.

The Mental Health Landscape in Mozambique

Prevalence of mental health conditions

Globally, anxiety disorders affect 359 million people, including 72 million children and adolescents. Depression impacts approximately 280 million people, making it one of the leading causes of disability. In Mozambique, national data are sparse, but available studies point to a significant burden:

High rates of anxiety and depression. As mentioned earlier, more than a quarter of adolescent girls and 28 % of women aged 15‑49 show anxiety symptoms. Major depressive disorder is among the most common diagnoses in health facilities.
Limited mental health workforce. Mozambique has fewer than two mental health specialists per 100 000 people. In the 1990s there were fewer than 10 psychiatrists across the entire country. Today, psychiatric technicians – trained professionals with at least a tenth‑grade education – help bridge the gap, but specialists remain scarce.
Widespread treatment gap. A multi‑site study found that nearly half of participants at primary health facilities were diagnosed with at least one mental disorder, and around 10 % had acute suicide risk, yet access to consistent follow‑up care is limited. Stigma and lack of awareness often prevent people from seeking help.

Access to care

Mozambique’s National Health Service provides universal access to healthcare, including mental health services. Integration into primary care means individuals can receive mental health support at local clinics without paying high out‑of‑pocket fees. However, there are significant challenges:

Human resource shortages. As noted above, specialists are scarce, and there is a shortage of trained mental health workers – especially those skilled in child and adolescent psychiatry. Psychiatric technicians fill some gaps, but continuous training and supervision are needed.
Lack of cross‑sector coordination. UNICEF reports that no single unit coordinates mental health efforts across government ministries, leading to fragmented services.
Stigma and cultural factors. Traditional beliefs and stigma may discourage individuals from seeking formal psychological services. Community education and culturally sensitive approaches are essential to overcome these barriers.

International and local initiatives

Mozambique’s Ministry of Health collaborates with global partners to improve mental health services. UNICEF and WHO support efforts to expand mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), train providers and integrate mental health into emergency responses. The WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) provides guidelines for training non‑specialists to deliver basic mental health care, which UNICEF advocates integrating into Mozambique’s mental health manual. Researchers from the University of Washington are working with Mozambican authorities to implement collaborative care models and improve the quality of mental health services. These initiatives highlight the country’s commitment to closing the treatment gap and improving outcomes.

Types of Mental Health Services in Mozambique

While public clinics provide basic psychiatric care, a growing ecosystem of services offers comprehensive support for individuals and organizations.

Counseling services and psychotherapy

Professional counseling and psychotherapy form the foundation of mental health services. They include one‑on‑one sessions, group therapy and specialized treatments. Enhanced Wellness Solutions provides evidence‑based psychotherapy tailored to conditions such as anxiety, trauma, grief and addiction. Clients begin with a discovery session to explore goals and history, followed by emotional and cognitive assessments and trauma evaluations. Sessions incorporate methodologies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – a short‑term, goal‑oriented therapy that focuses on challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviours – and integrate holistic modalities like mindfulness and hypnotherapy.

Counseling services in Mozambique are offered by private practices, NGOs and faith‑based organizations. In urban areas, psychologists and social workers provide talk therapy, while community health workers often deliver counselling in rural settings. Many clinics collaborate with international NGOs to train staff and supply resources.

Psychological services and assessments

Psychological services extend beyond talk therapy. They include diagnostic assessments, psychometric testing, behaviour evaluations and structured interventions. At the national level, psychiatric technicians and clinical psychologists perform diagnostic assessments using standardized tools. Enhanced Wellness Solutions offers a suite of psychometric assessments for recruitment, including personality tests, cognitive process profiles, aptitude assessments and vocational interest inventories. These tools help organizations make data‑driven hiring decisions by providing insights into candidates’ cognitive abilities, personality traits and work styles. The service journey includes initial consultation, tailored assessments, supervised completion, results interpretation and actionable recommendations.

Wellness programs and holistic approaches

Mental wellbeing encompasses more than diagnosis and treatment. Holistic wellness programs focus on mind–body harmony, resilience and preventive care. In Mozambique, various initiatives promote wellbeing through community engagement, arts and physical activity. UNICEF’s program includes art, music, theatre and sports to promote mental health and build life skills.

Enhanced Wellness Solutions integrates evidence‑based therapy with holistic modalities such as mindfulness, spiritual philosophy and life coaching. Their NLP & Professional Life Coaching services help clients reframe thought patterns, set goals, and build confidence through goal‑mapping sessions, mindset inventories and NLP‑based evaluations. Coaching combines empathy with practical strategies to foster lasting change. These approaches resonate with individuals seeking personal growth beyond symptom relief.

Employee wellness and organisational support

Workplace mental health is increasingly recognised as a driver of productivity and employee satisfaction. In Mozambique, companies and NGOs are introducing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to support staff wellbeing. Enhanced Wellness Solutions offers a Premium Employee Assistance Program that includes webinars on mental health and resilience, cross‑departmental group sessions to build trust, confidential counselling sessions and leadership development. The program begins with a baseline assessment of employee wellbeing and provides quarterly consultations with human resources to deliver anonymous data and recommendations.

These organisational support services reduce burnout, improve team cohesion and promote a culture of care. By integrating mental health into corporate policies, businesses can foster healthier workplaces and retain talent. For industries facing high stress or traumatic events (such as healthcare, emergency services or humanitarian work), specialised support can be life‑saving.

Community-based and international services

In rural Mozambique, community health workers and lay counsellors play a critical role. The Ministry of Health’s task‑sharing model trains these workers to identify and manage common mental illnesses. NGOs and faith‑based organisations operate community support groups, peer counselling and educational workshops. Internationally, Mozambican expats and diaspora communities can access online counselling through telehealth services, connecting clients with mental health professionals across borders.

Challenges Facing Mental Health Services

Despite progress, several obstacles hinder the growth of mental health services in Mozambique:

Limited infrastructure and human resources. There are fewer than two mental health specialists per 100 000 people. Rural clinics often lack privacy, medication and trained staff, forcing patients to travel long distances. Task‑sharing addresses some gaps but requires ongoing supervision.
Stigma and cultural beliefs. Mental illness is often misunderstood and associated with spiritual causes, leading to reluctance in seeking formal care. Education and community dialogue are necessary to reduce stigma.
Lack of data and research. Limited national data on mental health prevalence and treatment outcomes make it difficult to plan and evaluate programmes. Research collaborations, such as those spearheaded by the University of Washington, are crucial to build evidence and adapt interventions.
Fragmented coordination. Cross‑sector collaboration between health, education and social services is essential to address mental health comprehensively. UNICEF notes the absence of a dedicated unit to coordinate multisectoral mental health initiatives.
Funding limitations. Mental health often receives a small portion of public health budgets, limiting the scale of services and training. International partnerships and advocacy can help mobilize resources.

Opportunities for Growth

While challenges exist, numerous opportunities can strengthen mental health services in Mozambique:

Scale up task‑sharing and training. Expanding the mhGAP program and training more psychiatric technicians will increase coverage. Continuous professional development and supervision ensure quality care.
Integrate mental health into primary care and community health. Building strong referral pathways between primary clinics, community support and specialised services can streamline care.
Invest in prevention and promotion. Mental health promotion through schools, media and community activities (e.g., art, music and sports) reduces stigma and encourages help‑seeking.
Leverage technology. Telehealth platforms and mobile applications like “Alô Mente” can identify and refer children with mental health conditions. Online therapy connects Mozambican clients with professionals abroad, broadening access.
Strengthen partnerships. Collaboration between the Ministry of Health, NGOs, universities and private practices like Enhanced Wellness Solutions fosters innovation and resource sharing.

Enhanced Wellness Solutions: A Holistic Approach

Enhanced Wellness Solutions (EWS) is a mental health and wellness practice based in Maputo that offers evidence‑based psychotherapy, life coaching, team development and corporate wellness programs. Their mission is to provide comprehensive care that blends modern psychology with timeless wisdom and human connection.

Psychotherapy and counseling

EWS’s psychotherapists provide safe, non‑judgmental spaces for clients to heal and grow. Services include:

Individual counseling tailored to unique needs and conditions, offering one‑on‑one support.
Group workshops focusing on resilience, emotional regulation and mindfulness.
Support for anxiety, trauma, grief and addiction, using techniques such as CBT and hypnotherapy.
Flexible delivery, with sessions offered in person and online to accommodate clients in Mozambique and abroad.

Life coaching and NLP

For clients seeking personal growth, EWS provides NLP & Professional Life Coaching. These services help individuals during career transitions, confidence rebuilding and life planning. The coaching process includes goal‑mapping sessions, mindset inventories, NLP‑based evaluations and regular progress reviews. Combining coaching with neuro‑linguistic programming facilitates rapid breakthroughs and lasting change.

Team mentorship and development

Healthy teams foster productive workplaces. EWS’s team mentorship programmes build communication, trust and leadership skills. They use assessments such as team culture scans, individual strength mapping and group dynamics evaluations. The programmes are bespoke, focusing on real‑world challenges and emotional intelligence to ensure lasting impact.

Employee assistance programs

EWS’s Employee Assistance Programs offer a comprehensive package of mental health and wellness services for organizations. The premium program includes:

Webinars on mental health and resilience, covering topics like reducing stigma, restoring trust and navigating stress.
Cross‑departmental group sessions that promote team cohesion and open dialogue.
Confidential counselling for stress, anxiety, trauma, relationships and addictions.
Leadership coaching and career development to support emerging leaders.
Baseline assessments and surveys, with quarterly consultations to help HR departments analyze wellness trends.

EWS’s programs aim to reduce staff turnover, increase productivity and create healthier workplace cultures.

Psychometric testing for recruitment

Hiring the right people matters for organizational success. EWS provides psychometric testing to help employers understand candidates’ cognitive abilities, personality traits and behaviour patterns. The service journey includes consultation, customised assessments, online completion, comprehensive reporting and actionable recommendations. This data‑driven approach enhances hiring decisions, reduces turnover and builds cohesive teams.

Why choose Enhanced Wellness Solutions?

EWS stands out by merging science and soul. Their therapists combine evidence‑based practices like CBT with holistic modalities such as mindfulness and spiritual insight. The practice is led by experienced psychotherapists and life coaches who prioritise compassion, client empowerment and real‑world application. Services are flexible – offered both online and in person – making them accessible to residents of Mozambique and overseas clients.

Self‑Care and Wellbeing Practices

While professional help is vital, self‑care plays an equally important role in mental wellness. Here are practical strategies to support your emotional health:

Practice mindfulness and meditation. Mindfulness helps ground you in the present moment, reduces stress and improves mood. Start with a few minutes of mindful breathing or guided meditation each day.
Stay physically active. Exercise releases endorphins, boosts energy and improves sleep. Choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, dancing or yoga.
Connect with others. Building strong social relationships provides emotional support. Reach out to friends, join community groups or participate in cultural activities.
Limit screen time and news exposure. Constant exposure to distressing news can heighten anxiety. Set boundaries around media consumption and prioritise uplifting content.
Seek professional support when needed. If you notice persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or hopelessness, consult a mental health professional. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What mental health services are available in Mozambique?
Public health clinics provide basic psychiatric care and counselling services. Private practices like Enhanced Wellness Solutions offer psychotherapy, life coaching, team mentorship and employee assistance programs. NGOs and community organisations also run support groups and educational workshops.

Are mental health services in Mozambique affordable?
Mental health services under the National Health Service are largely free of charge. Private services vary in cost but often offer sliding‑scale fees or packages to accommodate different budgets. Some NGOs provide free or low‑cost counselling.

How can I access therapy if I live overseas?
Telehealth platforms make it possible to receive counselling online. Enhanced Wellness Solutions offers online sessions for clients abroad, ensuring that Mozambican expats and international clients can access professional support.

What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?
Counseling generally focuses on addressing specific issues or life challenges over a shorter period, while psychotherapy delves deeper into patterns of thought, emotion and behaviour, often addressing longstanding concerns. Both are provided by trained mental health professionals.

Why is holistic mental health important?
Holistic approaches consider the whole person – mind, body and spirit. Combining evidence‑based therapies with practices like mindfulness, meditation and life coaching can enhance overall wellbeing and promote lasting change.

Mental health matters for everyone. Whether you’re seeking counselling services in Mozambique, looking for psychological assessments for your organisation or exploring wellness programs for yourself or your team, Enhanced Wellness Solutions is here to help. Their experienced team offers psychotherapy, life coaching, employee assistance programs and psychometric assessments tailored to your needs.

Contact Enhanced Wellness Solutions today:

Company Name: Enhanced Wellness Solutions
Phone: +258 84 955 2710
Email: sharlene@ewellnessolutions.com, sebastian@ewellnessolutions.com
Address: 135, Rua Eça de Queiroz, Bairro da Coop, Maputo, Mozambique.
Google Maps: View location
Website: ewellnessolutions.com
Service page: Our Services

You can also find us on social media for updates on webinars, workshops and wellness tips. Taking the first step towards mental wellness is a courageous choice – and support is available. Reach out today to start your journey toward healing and growth.

Comprehensive Mental Health Services in Mozambique: What You Need to Know