10 Free Online Therapists in Nigeria

Getting support is easier now. There are free online therapists in Nigeria through mental health platforms, hotlines, and charities. Lots of places connect people with a therapist at no cost. so you can get support without paying or going to a hospital. Some groups even offer free online therapy with trained counselors and pros.

It’s easier for Nigerians to find a therapist to talk to, and many online therapists now give safe, private support for different mental health issues.

People are talking about mental health more and more. School, money, family, and relationships can be tough. But getting therapy used to be hard because it cost too much, and people felt ashamed. Now, online therapy and charities are helping by offering safe places to talk and get advice.

This article will show you some trusted places with free therapy and how to reach them. Let’s check them out!

Why Free Online Therapy is Growing in Nigeria

People in Nigeria are way more aware of mental health now than before. Social media, young activists, and even the government are helping to make therapy less of a taboo.

Also, things are getting expensive! Lots of Nigerians just can’t pay for private therapy. So, free online therapy lets people get the help they need without worrying about the cost.

And of course, tech is a big deal. With smartphones and the internet all over, it’s super simple to find and talk to therapists online, no matter where you are in Nigeria.

Signs You May Need Therapy

Lots of Nigerians ignore their feelings until they can’t handle it anymore. But therapy isn’t just for serious problems. It can help with everyday stuff too.

You might need therapy if you’re always sad or tired. If your relationships are messing up your life, that’s another sign.

Can’t sleep, not interested in anything, or always worrying? Those are red flags. Therapy can help you get to know yourself and find better ways to deal with things.

1. Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI)

MANI is a top mental health group in Nigeria. Hauwa Ojeifo started it in 2019 to fight shame and offer support. They work with people who have depression, anxiety, stress, or suicidal thoughts. They use things like social media challenges and events for young people to get their message across.

You can call their helpline 24/7 (08000 20 20 50), chat on WhatsApp (+234 809 111 0101), join online support groups, or talk to volunteers and pros online. They talk to young Nigerians using stuff like Pidgin English posts, memes, and workshops in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

MANI works with famous people and companies to get money. They also host free online talks and run a support network. You can find them at mani.org.ng, Instagram (@mentallyawareNGI), or Twitter. One problem is that volunteers get tired, and they need more money. But they’ve helped over 50,000 people, which is great. If you are after getting into therapy quickly without feeling embarrassed, this is ideal for you.

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2. She Writes Woman

She Writes Woman started in 2017. They help women and girls with mental health issues like postpartum depression, abuse, and self-esteem. Their Safe Place program offers free counseling with therapists on Zoom or by phone. Plus, there are online support groups where you can share your story without being judged.

They also have workshops where you can write about your feelings, online talks about emotional health, and tips on how to cope. While they focus on women, guys can still access some resources, like toolkits for anxiety. They’re all over the country, but focus on cities. They work with charities to reach people in rural areas.

Reach them through shewriteswoman.org, email (info@shewriteswoman.org), or Instagram (@shewriteswoman). SWW has helped lots of people through events, and it’s growing as people become more aware of women’s mental health after COVID.

3. The Sunshine Series

The Sunshine Series started around 2020 in Lagos. They use sunshine to mean hope when things are dark. They focus on trauma, grief, anxiety, burnout, and PTSD. Sunshine Series offer free online therapy during special weeks and events, and you can also pay for longer sessions.

Therapists use methods like CBT and mindfulness, through an app, video calls, or WhatsApp. They also run camps for young people, programs for companies, and a podcast with stories.

Find them on social media (@thesunshineseries) or their website (thesunshineseries.org). They’ve started group therapy for students and workers.

4. Lagos State Mental Health Hotline

The Lagos State Ministry of Health runs this hotline (08000 200 200). It’s open 24/7 and gives free help to people in crisis.

Trained counselors deal with things like suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, and family problems. They listen, calm people down, and send them to hospitals like Yaba Psychiatric.

It’s not full therapy, but it can connect you to free clinics. They’ll follow up with you by text or call. It’s advertised on billboards and the radio in Lagos, and it’s available nationwide during emergencies. Just dial the number. It’s handled thousands of calls each year, reducing visits to the ER.

5. Asido Foundation

Nosizwe Makalima-Mandaliya started Asido Foundation in 2017 after losing someone. They fight the shame around mental health and offer therapy. They give free counseling during events like World Mental Health Day. You can also get online sessions for bipolar disorder, depression, and trauma with pros and volunteers. Plus, there’s a helpline (0700 ASIDO NG).

They have programs like Asido Academy to train therapists, wellness programs for workplaces, and discussions in communities in Abuja and Lagos. Their Therapy Finder helps people find affordable pros. Check out asido.org, Instagram (@asidofoundation), or email.

They’ve changed policies. And they’ve helped over 10,000 people through events. They focus on making mental health care available in poor areas. One problem is that free services depend on campaigns.

6. Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA) Referral Services

The NPA is the main group for psychologists in Nigeria since 1971. They connect people with verified pros. They have free or cheap sessions during events like Psychology Week. NPA can link you to therapists for online CBT, assessments, or family therapy.

They check credentials to make sure everyone is legit. Go to npa.org.ng, the events page, or branches in Lagos, Enugu, etc. It’s not a direct hotline, but you can email or call (info@npa.org.ng) to get matched with someone.

This is good for serious stuff like schizophrenia.

7. MyTherapist.ng Free Consultation Programs

MyTherapist.ng is a platform from 2022 that connects you with therapists for things like relationships, addiction, and stress. You can get a free first session or find special deals.

Paid plans start cheap (₦3,000/session), with options to chat, video, or talk on the phone. There’s a dashboard to track how you’re doing, and you can take self-tests. It’s available all over Nigeria.

Visit mytherapist.ng or Instagram (@mytherapistng). They have discounts for students and young people.

Also Read – 10 Free Tech Training in Nigeria

8. Talk2Someone

Talk2Someone is a platform run by young Nigerians that started in 2020. You can get free, quick support through WhatsApp chat (+234 906 486 3432), a Telegram bot, or their app.

Trained listeners (often university students) help with everyday stuff like stress, loneliness, breakups, school, or feeling anxious. If it’s serious (like self-harm), they’ll send you to pros like MANI or hospitals. They use casual chat, daily mood trackers, and forums to build trust.

They host live Instagram sessions, anti-bullying campaigns, and events like Mental Health March. Go to talk2someone.org for stuff, or follow @talk2someone on Instagram/Twitter. It’s private. They aim to be available almost 24/7. They’ve had over 2 million interactions, especially with young people in Lagos and Port Harcourt.

9. 234 Mental Health Support Line

This free helpline (dial 08000 10 10 10) started in 2021. It’s a mix of pros (counselors, nurses) and trained people who listen without judging. They can help with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, or big life changes.

It’s open 24/7. They can give you tips on how to cope, send you to clinics, and follow up with you by text. It’s promoted on Twitter storms (#234MentalHealth), churches, universities, and radio. It’s available everywhere in Nigeria.

There’s no website, but you can follow on Instagram (@234mentalhealth) or Facebook. It’s simple, and you don’t need an app.

10. The Olive Prime Psychological Services Free Outreach

Olive Prime Psychological Services is a clinic in Lagos that started in 2015. They mostly offer paid therapy, but they also do free events during mental health awareness periods.

You can get 45-60 minute sessions on relationships, marriage problems, childhood trauma, stress, and burnout. They use methods like EMDR and CBT.

It’s available nationwide via Zoom or phone. You can book a spot through oliveprimepsych.com, the hotline (+234 803 000 7777), or Instagram (@oliveprimepsych). They help people who don’t have much money. Regular services cost money, but these events are free.

How Much Does it Cost to See a Therapist in Nigeria?

Therapy costs in Nigeria depend on where you are, how experienced the therapist is, and what kind of session it is. Usually between ₦15,000 and ₦60,000 per session. But some charge more, especially in big cities like Lagos and Abuja.

Online therapy is cheaper than in-person sessions. Some platforms offer therapy for as low as ₦5,000 per session. These days, people now offer subsidized therapy or free emotional support sessions. This is why people are searching for online therapists at no cost.

Also depends on how long the session is, and Group therapy is cheaper than individual sessions. Some support groups are totally free.

How to Become a Therapist in Nigeria

To become a therapist in Nigeria, you need school, training, and to obtain license.

First study psychology, counseling, or social work.

Then get more training/certificate in counseling or clinical psychology.

Get experience through internships.

Join groups like the Nigerian Psychological Association.

Think about specializing in marriage, or child psychology (you might need a certificate to do that).

Work on your listening skills, empathy, and talking to people.

How to Find Free Online Therapists in Nigeria

Sometimes, places that look like they’re giving free therapy might try to charge you in secret or not give you good care.

So, do your homework to make sure they’re legit and will connect you with good support.

Also, ask if the therapy is HIPAA compliant and if they’ll protect your info.

Also, everything online has risks. Find out what they’re doing to protect your data before you start.

The Future of Online Therapy in Nigeria

Online therapy will get pretty popular in Nigeria since more mental health startups and orgs will put in digital counseling platforms.

The gov and charities are also doing therapy programs to get access at no cost.

Tech will keep making services more accessible and affordable.

The younger generation is leading the change. More Nigerians now talk about it and go to therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are free online therapists in Nigeria the real deal?

Yes, many are with registered mental health orgs, charities, and government programs. Some have licensed psychologists and trained counselors, while others have peer support with supervision. Always check out the org before you start.

How can I get free therapy online in Nigeria?

Free sessions are usually through mental health orgs, helplines, and outreach programs. You can usually book sessions through websites, social media, or phone. Some orgs also do free therapy during awareness periods.

Is online therapy as good as in-person therapy?

Online therapy can be good, especially for emotional support, stress, anxiety, and relationships. Some people feel better opening up online because they’re comfortable. It depends on the therapist and how much you want to work at it.

How long do free therapy sessions usually last?

Most sessions online in Nigeria last 30 minutes to an hour. Some orgs offer short counseling, while others offer longer support depending on what’s available.

Conclusion

Mental health support is now within reach. Therapists in Nigeria are helping thousands manage stress, depression, anxiety, and emotions without you paying. Groups like MANI, She Writes Woman, and mental health hotlines are making therapy accessible.

Getting therapy isn’t a weakness. It’s brave. Whether you need someone to listen or professional care, there are safe spaces online.

Talking to a therapist Nigerians can trust can change how you see your tough times and help you be healthier emotionally. The main key is knowing that support is there, and you don’t have to do it all alone.