This guide was derived from People Psychological Solutions (n.d.) and Ahmad (2023), based on enquiries at specific hospitals. Procedures, fees and patient limits vary by hospital and over time — always call ahead to confirm. For educational purposes only; not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Get a referral letter addressed to a government hospital for psychiatric evaluation. This can come from any medical doctor — private clinics and government klinik kesihatan are both accepted. If you're already seeing a psychologist, they can prepare one too.
Note: a psychologist's letter is valid at Hospital Kajang and UMMC. For other hospitals, check first — in most cases it's accepted.
Head to the psychiatric department during working hours (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm) to arrange an appointment.
Appointments are prioritised by severity of symptoms. Manageable symptoms are usually scheduled within 2–3 weeks.
First visit RM5 with a government clinic referral, or RM30 with a private clinic referral. All follow-ups RM5, inclusive of medication.
A psychiatrist or medical officer. They may refer you for counselling or psychological services depending on availability and your case. Counselling is available at Hospital Kajang.
Obtain a referral letter, as in Step 1 above.
Head to the psychiatric department during working hours (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm).
Come early to take a number (as early as 7.30am) — it's first-come, first-served. Only 12 patients are seen per day (6 during MCO/COVID periods).
If you receive a number, you'll see the doctor the same day.
First visit RM30, subsequent visits RM15 each, plus around RM40 for medication (varies by prescription).
You'll see a psychiatrist, who may refer you to a licensed counsellor or clinical psychologist (you can request this). Wait times range from weeks to months and aren't guaranteed.
A Ministry of Health initiative to improve mental health outreach, with branches across Malaysia.
Call the MENTARI branch you'd like to visit and ask for their email address.
Complete the DASS-21 self-assessment online.
Screen-capture your results and email them to the branch, requesting an appointment.
Example: MENTARI Selayang's email is mentari.hsel@gmail.com. For other branches, call to get their email.
The person in charge will reply with an appointment date and time. Due to demand, the next appointment may be around a month away.
First visit is free. Subsequent visits are RM5, inclusive of medication.
A psychiatrist or medical officer, who may refer you to a licensed counsellor where available (often only once a week).
Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (Klang) · Hospital Selayang · Hospital Kajang · Hospital Ampang · Hospital Sungai Buloh
Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Hospital Tuanku Fauziah (Kangar)
Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah (Alor Setar) · Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim (Sungai Petani)
Hospital Pulau Pinang
Hospital Taiping · Hospital Bahagia (Ulu Kinta) · Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (Ipoh)
Hospital Seremban
Hospital Melaka
Hospital Sultanah Aminah (JB) · Hospital Permai (JB) · Hospital Tengku Fatimah (Muar)
Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (Kuantan) · Hospital Temerloh
Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab (Kota Bharu)
Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang (Kota Kinabalu) · Hospital Sandakan
Hospital Sentosa (Kuching) · Hospital Miri · Hospital Umum Sarawak
People Psychological Solutions. (n.d.). The Ultimate Guide to Receiving Mental Health Services in Malaysia. people.my
Ahmad, F. (2022, June 23). Here's How M'sians Can Make An Appointment With Psychiatrists at Government Clinics. World of Buzz. worldofbuzz.com