Mental health waiting list — Supportline 179 · Malta

Direct answer

A waiting list is not the end of the road. Supportline 179 / Richmond Foundation 1770 (1770) is the mental-health line for Malta: free, anonymous, staffed by trained people, for now, tonight, or whenever it gets heavy. Your Primary HealthCare — reġistrazzjoni ma' tabib / Kummissarju għas-Saħħa (2122 2444) has a duty to arrange timely care in most countries — ask in writing for care mediation, which often finds a place faster. Your family doctor (GP) can refer you to a bridging service, group programme or online therapy in the meantime and adjust medication.

Call firstSupportline 179 / Richmond Foundation 1770

Report toPrimary HealthCare — reġistrazzjoni ma' tabib / Kummissarju għas-Saħħa

If that failsYour family doctor (GP)

🗣️ 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: Supportline 179 / Richmond Foundation 1770Whenever it is too much. Also for someone you are worried about.
Ask for care mediation: Primary HealthCare — reġistrazzjoni ma' tabib / Kummissarju għas-SaħħaThe insurer or health service looks for a provider with a shorter list, sometimes further away or online.
Bridging options: Your family doctor (GP)GP-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

Supportline 179 / Richmond Foundation 1770Free, 24/7When it gets too much📞 1770 🔗 www.richmond.org.mt

Primary HealthCare — reġistrazzjoni ma' tabib / Kummissarju għas-SaħħaHealth centres, registration, complaintsFor finding a doctor and care questions📞 2122 2444 🔗 health.gov.mt/en/phc

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

Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa (Ombudsman)Investigates complaints about public health services, freeWhen the provider did not resolve the complaint📞 2248 3200 🔗 www.ombudsman.org.mt/commissioner-for-health

❓ 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 Primary HealthCare — reġistrazzjoni ma' tabib / Kummissarju għas-Saħħa 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 Primary HealthCare — reġistrazzjoni ma' tabib / Kummissarju għas-Saħħa in writing before you start.

I am in crisis now

Call Supportline 179 / Richmond Foundation 1770 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?