Mental Health Treatment in Dhaka: Where to Get Help
Short answer: Dhaka’s main public mental hospital is the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital (NIMH) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, which can admit more than 400 patients and sees 400–500 outpatients a day. The psychiatry departments of Bangladesh Medical University (formerly BSMMU, Shahbag) and the medical college hospitals also treat patients. Most people with depression or anxiety do not need a hospital: an outpatient psychiatrist or psychologist is usually the right first step.
- Emergency (danger to life, suicide attempt, violence): call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department now.
- Admission may be needed for psychosis, severe mania, someone who cannot eat or look after themselves, or a risk of harm.
- Outpatient care covers most depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma and relationship problems.
When someone you love is unwell, the first question is often simply where to go. This guide explains the hospitals and services available in Dhaka, when a hospital is actually needed, what to check before choosing a private clinic, and how outpatient care works. For a nationwide overview, see our guide to mental health support in Bangladesh.
Does this person need a mental hospital?
Hospital admission is for situations that cannot be managed safely at home. Psychiatrists usually consider it when someone:
- is at serious risk of harming themselves or someone else;
- has psychosis (hearing or seeing things others don’t, fixed false beliefs) or severe mania and is not safe;
- has stopped eating, drinking or caring for themselves;
- needs close medical monitoring, for example during a major medication change or severe drug or alcohol withdrawal.
Most people do not need admission. Depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, trauma, grief and relationship problems are treated as outpatients, with therapy, medicine or both. If you are unsure, a psychiatrist can assess and advise in one visit.
Government mental hospitals and departments
National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital (NIMH), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar
Bangladesh’s national psychiatric institute and the largest mental hospital in Dhaka. According to the institute, its building can provide inpatient care for more than 400 patients at a time, and its outpatient department treats about 400–500 people every day. It also runs specialised clinics, including for children and adolescents and for older adults (NIMH). Care is subsidised, but demand is high, so expect queues and short consultations.
Bangladesh Medical University (formerly BSMMU), Shahbag
The country’s main postgraduate medical university has a psychiatry department with outpatient services.
Medical college hospital psychiatry departments
Dhaka Medical College Hospital and other government medical college hospitals have psychiatry departments for outpatients and, in some, admission. Divisional cities have them too.
Pabna Mental Hospital (outside Dhaka)
The country’s oldest and largest psychiatric hospital, in Hemayetpur, Pabna, with 500 beds (The Financial Express). Families in Dhaka usually start with NIMH, which is closer.
Fees and outpatient hours at government hospitals change; check with the hospital before you go.
Private psychiatric clinics and rehab centres: what to check
Private clinics give faster access, but quality varies a lot. Before admitting someone, ask:
- Is a qualified psychiatrist (FCPS, MD or similar, with a BMDC registration you can verify at bmdc.org.bd) responsible for treatment and seen regularly, not only on paper?
- Is there a written treatment plan and an estimated length of stay?
- Are families allowed to visit and to speak with the doctor?
- Are fees, including medicine and tests, given in writing in advance?
- Does the centre avoid chaining, beating or locking people up as “treatment”? These are abuses, not care. Leave immediately if you see them.
For drug and alcohol treatment specifically, see our guide to choosing a rehab centre in Dhaka.
Outpatient care: where most people start
- Psychiatrist if symptoms are severe, medicine may be needed, or there is psychosis or mania. At Chum Wellness, four psychiatrists see patients in Moghbazar and Mohammadpur and online, at ৳2,000 to ৳3,000 per consultation. Compare them in our best psychiatrist in Dhaka guide.
- Clinical psychologist for therapy (such as CBT) for anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD or relationship problems. Chum’s psychologists see clients online across Bangladesh and in person in Dhaka, from ৳1,000 to ৳5,500 per session (see fees).
- Both together often work best for moderate to severe depression and anxiety. Not sure which? Read psychologist vs psychiatrist.
Worldwide, most people with a mental health condition never receive care, even though effective treatment exists for most conditions (WHO). Getting an outpatient assessment early often prevents the crisis that leads to admission.
How to prepare for a hospital or psychiatrist visit
- Bring all current medicines (packets, not just names) and old prescriptions.
- Bring any test reports or discharge papers.
- Write down the main symptoms, when they started and anything that makes them worse.
- If the person is very unwell, bring a calm family member who knows the history.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a government mental hospital in Dhaka?
Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital (NIMH) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar is Dhaka’s main public mental hospital, with inpatient care for more than 400 patients and a busy outpatient department. Government medical college hospitals and Bangladesh Medical University (formerly BSMMU) also have psychiatry departments.
When should someone be admitted to a mental hospital?
When they are at serious risk of harming themselves or others, have psychosis or severe mania and are not safe, have stopped eating or caring for themselves, or need close medical monitoring. Most depression and anxiety is treated as an outpatient.
How much does mental health treatment cost in Dhaka?
Government services are subsidised but busy. Private psychiatrists usually charge per consultation; at Chum Wellness psychiatrists charge ৳2,000 to ৳3,000 and psychologists ৳1,000 to ৳5,500 per session, shown before you book.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or psychologist?
No. You can book a psychiatrist or psychologist directly, online or in person, without a referral.
What should I do in a mental health emergency?
If someone is in immediate danger or has attempted suicide, call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department now. Do not wait for an appointment.
How this article was made
- Written by
- Chum Wellness editorial team
- Clinically reviewed by
- Mst. Swampa, Senior Clinical Psychologist
- Last reviewed
- October 2026
- Last updated
- October 28, 2026
Every Chum article is written for people in Bangladesh by a Chum psychologist or our editorial team, and clinically reviewed by a certified psychologist or psychiatrist who specialises in its topic. How we review · Report an error
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