In September 2014, CLAIR has issued a change in the JET Programme Support System for counseling and mental health. In order to have professional support for counseling and mental health accessible, CLAIR has established a new Mental Health Counseling Assistance Programme. Reimbursement subsidies will be provided to each JET participants for 50% of counseling costs incurred through consultation with a mental health professional in Japan. The maximum annual amount provided per JET participant will be 10,000 Japanese yen. Applying for the subsidy will be conducted through their contracting organizations. PAs will no longer provide counseling for mental health issues, but rather assist in directing JET participants to professional counseling or mental health support experts.

Here are some resources:

On-Island:

Name: Yamamoto Clinic
Location: 2-30-7 ISO Urasoe (浦添市伊祖２－３０－７)
Phone Number: 098-879-3303
Language: English and Japanese
Specialties: Stress, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Gender Identity Disorder, Neuropsychiatry and Transcultural Psychiatry as specialties.

Name: Dr. Adrian Arce
Location: Uruma
Phone Number: 090-6427-1520
Language: English, Japanese, Spanish,Portuguese
Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Couples Counseling, Family Counseling, Parenting Support, Grief Counseling, Work and Career issues, Stress Management, Addiction & Recovery, Conflict Resolution
Notes: Location, it would seem, is given upon making an appointment. Can make inquiry through email or phone.

Off-Island:

Name: Lil Willis
Location: Kobe
Phone Number: 0081-(0)78-453-1030
Language: English only
Specialties: “I have developed particular expertise with working with trauma (especially the effects of abuse, violence and difficult childhood circumstances), relationship difficulties, family/child-related issues, domestic violence, and sexuality as well as cultural differences and issues linked to migration and bi-cultural families. As a result I specialize in relational and attachment-related therapy for adults who find they struggle with the after-effects, as well as working with children who are experiencing difficulties. I also have an interest not only in helping people navigate through immediate crises or severe issues but enabling people who feel stuck or frustrated to develop the full potential of their lives.
Notes: Available for Skype sessions. In Japan, I have been working in private practice on similar issues, particularly cultural adjustment (in both directions) and family relationships between Japanese and non-Japanese couples and their children as well as resident non-Japanese. I also work with emotional issues in an international school, offer training and work with community groups (for migrant women and domestic violence and also issues related to sexuality and gender identity) and am looking to set up a community project of my own.”

Name: IMHPJ
Information: International Mental Health Professionals Japan (IMHPJ) is an interdisciplinary network of individuals and organizations providing mental health care, therapy and related services to the people of the various nationalities living in Japan.

Other English Resources

Name: Amda International Medical Information Center
Phone Number: (03) 5285-8088
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm
Notes: Information about the Japanese medical system and counseling on medical issues.

Name: Tokyo English Life Line (TELL)
Phone Number: (03) 5774-0992
Hours: Daily 9am-11pm
Notes: Information and assistance with any aspect of life in Japan. Can provide referrals to other resources.

Name: 12 Step Okinawa
Notes: An umbrella group for 12 stepprograms on Okinawa such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.Requires base access mostly, but seems to have some meetings off-base.

Name: AJET Peer Support Group (PSG)
Phone number: (050) 5534-5566
Hours: Available every day from 8:00pm-7:00am