Mental health waiting list — SNS 24 · Portugal

Direct answer

A waiting list is not the end of the road. SNS 24 — aconselhamento psicológico / SOS Voz Amiga (808 24 24 24) is the mental-health line for Portugal: free, anonymous, staffed by trained people, for now, tonight, or whenever it gets heavy. Your Your family doctor (GP) has a duty to arrange timely care in most countries — ask in writing for care mediation, which often finds a place faster. ERS — Entidade Reguladora da Saúde (ers.pt) can refer you to a bridging service, group programme or online therapy in the meantime and adjust medication.

Call firstSNS 24 — aconselhamento psicológico / SOS Voz Amiga

Report toYour family doctor (GP)

If that failsERS — Entidade Reguladora da Saúde

🗣️ What to say

"I have been referred for [treatment] on [date] and the waiting time is [months]. My situation is [getting worse / not stable]. I ask you to arrange an earlier place through care mediation, or a bridging service, and to confirm what you can offer within [weeks]."

🪜 Step by step

Now: SNS 24 — aconselhamento psicológico / SOS Voz AmigaWhenever it is too much. Also for someone you are worried about.
Ask for care mediation: Your family doctor (GP)The insurer or health service looks for a provider with a shorter list, sometimes further away or online.
Bridging options: ERS — Entidade Reguladora da SaúdeGP-based mental-health workers, group programmes, online therapy, peer support — they exist in most countries and start within weeks.
Stay on the listAnd ask to be called if a place opens early; be reachable.
Crisis planWrite down who you call, what helps, and the emergency numbers. Share it with someone.

📇 All contacts

SNS 24 — aconselhamento psicológico / SOS Voz AmigaFree psychological support, 24/7When it gets too much📞 808 24 24 24 🔗 www.sns24.gov.pt

Your family doctor (GP)First point of contact for any health questionBefore a specialist, for a referral or a sick note

ERS — Entidade Reguladora da SaúdeComplaints against public and private providersWhen the provider's citizen office does not resolve it🔗 www.ers.pt

Provedor de JustiçaComplaints about public administration, freeWhen the administration does not answer or acts unfairly📞 213 926 600 🔗 www.provedor-jus.pt

❓ Frequently asked

Is there a legal maximum waiting time?

Many countries set standards (weeks for an intake, months for treatment); a breach is a complaint to Your family doctor (GP) and often a right to care elsewhere at their cost.

Can I go private and get reimbursed?

Sometimes, when the public system cannot deliver within the standard time. Ask Your family doctor (GP) in writing before you start.

I am in crisis now

Call SNS 24 — aconselhamento psicológico / SOS Voz Amiga or 112. Emergency departments and crisis teams see people without any referral.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🧠 The waiting list for mental health care is too long — what are my options?