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Patient guide

Phone Consultation for Mental Health Doctors in Nigeria

By Medtrix Editorial Team · Medically reviewed by Medtrix Clinical Review Board · 28 April 2026 · 6 min read

Talking to a stranger in your house about anxiety, depression or grief is hard. Talking to a stranger on the phone — voice only, no judging eyes, no waiting room — is much easier. This is why phone consultations have become the preferred way Nigerians first reach out for mental-health support.

Who you can speak to

  • Psychiatrists — medical doctors who can diagnose, prescribe medication, and manage conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD and PTSD.
  • Clinical psychologists — non-prescribing specialists trained in talk-therapy modalities (CBT, ACT, family therapy).
  • General practitioners with mental-health training — a good first step for stress, sleep problems, and mild-to-moderate anxiety/depression.

How to book and what it costs

On Medtrix, dial *9010# → “Book a doctor” → “Mental health”. Or sign up at medtrix.io and filter by specialty.

Indicative pricing in Nigeria today:

  • GP with mental-health interest: ₦3,000–₦6,000 per call
  • Clinical psychologist (45-minute therapy session): ₦8,000–₦15,000
  • Psychiatrist consultation: ₦10,000–₦20,000

First sessions tend to be longer (40–60 minutes); follow-ups are 20–30 minutes and cost less.

What a first session feels like

The doctor or therapist will ask:

  • What brought you to call today?
  • How long have you been feeling this way? Days, weeks, months, years?
  • How is it affecting sleep, work, appetite, relationships?
  • Have you ever harmed yourself or thought about it?
  • Any family history? Past treatment that helped or didn't?

There are no wrong answers. The first call is about understanding, not judgment. By the end you'll have a working plan: lifestyle steps, talk-therapy referrals, medication if appropriate, and a follow-up date.

Medication, confidentiality, and stigma

Medication. Psychiatrists can prescribe SSRIs, SNRIs, mood stabilisers, anxiolytics and other commonly-used medications by phone. Strong sedatives and stimulants usually require an in-person visit first. Prescriptions arrive by SMS and PDF; any PCN-registered pharmacy will dispense.

Confidentiality. Calls are between you and the practitioner. Notes are encrypted and not shared with anyone — including family — without your written consent. Your name does not appear in any public record.

Stigma. No one needs to know you called. There is no waiting room, no sign-in sheet, no neighbour seeing you walk into a clinic. For many Nigerians, this privacy is the difference between getting help and never getting help.

If you are in crisis right now

If you are thinking of harming yourself, please reach out immediately:

  • Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI): 0809 210 6493
  • Nigerian Suicide Prevention Initiative: 0806 210 6493 / 0903 339 0444
  • Lagos State Suicide Hotline: 0809 023 5678
  • Emergency: 112

Then dial *9010# for a follow-up consultation when you're safe.

Frequently asked questions

Is it as effective as in-person therapy?

For depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, grief and many other conditions, multiple international studies show phone and video therapy are as effective as in-person. Severe psychotic episodes and complex PTSD usually still need some in-person care.

Can I see the same doctor every time?

Yes — once you've found a clinician you click with, you can book them specifically for follow-ups.

What if I just want to talk and not take medication?

That's completely valid. Tell the practitioner upfront and they'll focus on talk therapy, lifestyle work, and referrals.

Sources & further reading

Information in this article is verified against the following primary sources, current at the time of review.

Related guides

Editorial note: this guide is for general information and does not replace a one-to-one consultation with a registered Nigerian doctor. If you are unwell, dial *9010# or call 112 in an emergency.