In China, call 12356 for psychological support or 12355 for youth services; use a clinical service for diagnosis and treatment
China's 12356 mental health helpline offers someone to talk to. The 12355 youth service platform is another route for children and young people. For clinical care, book psychiatry, psychological medicine, or clinical psychology. Community workers are also tasked with recognizing crises associated with major family changes, unemployment, and leaving education.
What it takes
The two Chinese helplines are free. Psychological or psychiatric clinics charge ordinary outpatient fees.
What you may gain
A 2026 plan from China's National Health Commission and 24 other departments calls for stable operation and improved answer rates on 12356, provincial information platforms, and coordination with emergency and public-service lines such as 110. It also strengthens 12355 and coordination between the two systems. Targets for 2030 include psychological consultation rooms or social-work rooms providing services in over 80% of administrative villages and urban communities; psychological clinics in public psychiatric hospitals at all levels and at least one hospital in every county or district; and a provincial 12356 platform in every province. Crisis and assistance teams should include psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counselors, social workers, and volunteers. Community grid workers, social workers, and volunteers should identify psychological crisis risks from family changes, unemployment, or leaving school. The national plan was issued in March 2026.
Context & considerations
Evidence is B because community rooms and county clinics are 2030 targets, not services already present everywhere. The 12356 and 12355 numbers are available now. For 12356's rollout and operating hours, see chapter 1, entry 25. Counseling and clinical treatment differ: diagnosis and medication require qualified medical professionals, and treatment must use an appropriately qualified institution. Commercial “healing” or “spiritual counseling” sold by the hour is not the same service system.
Research & references
National Health Commission and 24 other departments (2026). Notice issuing the implementation plan for improving social psychological services and crisis intervention, Guowei Yizhengfa [2026] No. 8. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202604/content_7065035.htm