Mohammad Hashemi
Mental well-being in Iran has gradually moved from a side topic to a daily concern. Years of economic pressure, rising costs, and general uncertainty have reshaped not only household budgets but also how people cope emotionally. Increasingly, Iranian media frame mental health as both a social and economic issue, not just a clinical one.
A recent report by Donya-e-Eqtesad, the country’s main economic daily, highlights the psychological impact of financial stress. Unemployment, declining purchasing power, and financial insecurity are linked to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and stress—pressures that women and middle-income families experience most acutely.
Today, access to professional care has become more challenging. Private counseling centers remain dominant in major cities, but rising operational costs have pushed session fees higher. Therefore, many families, especially those without insurance, struggle to sustain regular therapy. Some experienced psychologists have even closed their practices, citing the inability to cover rent and taxes without charging clients beyond their means. This has reduced the number of licensed therapists in Tehran’s private sector.
Out-of-pocket health expenses now consume a larger share of household budgets, causing families to delay or skip non-urgent care. Mental health services are particularly vulnerable, yet demand for support remains strong. Private clinics offering in-person, group-based, or online services—including some at discounted rates—continue to appear, while social media, particularly Instagram, has become a popular hub for advice on anxiety, burnout, relationships, and self-awareness. Although these tips can be useful, they should be approached with caution. People are drawn to these platforms because they are more affordable, private, and accessible.
These developments have fostered what could be called semi-formal mental-health spaces. Online communities, informal gatherings, workshops, and even cafés increasingly function as extensions of the formal system, shaped by economic realities and cultural adaptation.
Notable Trend
A notable trend is the growing interest in culturally rooted practices. While some of these practices have existed for a long time, they are now attracting wider attention. People are turning to Persian poetry, classical literature, philosophical texts, and Iran’s mythological heritage to reflect on their emotions and build resilience. Some philanthropists and benevolent individuals even offer these courses on a smaller scale, free of charge, to interested participants.
Although these practices may not always meet conventional scientific standards, they provide familiarity, meaning, and a sense of cultural grounding during stressful times. In addition, group workshops, retreats, and organized trips offer shared experiences that combine emotional support, affordability, and a sense of community.
Rather than reducing demand, financial pressure has prompted the sector to adapt. Group therapy, short-term intervention programs, and psychoeducational workshops have expanded, offering practitioners and clients more flexible and affordable options. While these models may seem limited at first glance, professionals note that they are both economically sustainable and clinically effective, especially for stress-related and adjustment issues.
Alternative Models
Officials acknowledge that the lack of comprehensive insurance coverage is a structural challenge. Still, alternative models—digital therapy, hybrid approaches, and culturally rooted practices—are increasingly bridging the gap.
Online counseling, initially born of necessity, now allows therapists to reduce overhead and reach clients beyond major cities. Hybrid models, combining online sessions with occasional in-person visits, are becoming common, with some therapists adjusting fees to ease the financial burden. While online services cannot replace face-to-face care for severe cases, they play a crucial role in early intervention, continuity, and prevention.
Overall, Iran’s mental health sector is not retreating—it’s recalibrating. Economic pressures have accelerated adaptive strategies, with culturally embedded practices, group-based care, digital delivery, and preventive approaches now central. In these challenging times, these adaptations reflect a broader effort to preserve emotional stability, social resilience, and productivity.
