Over 1,000 Mental Health Specialists Volunteer to Provide Free Counseling to Victims of January Protest Crackdown

Dr. Hamid Poursharifi, President of the Iranian Psychological Association, has announced that more than 1,000 mental health professionals have volunteered to provide free counseling services to individuals affected by the January protests. The initiative follows a joint public call issued by the Association in collaboration with the Iranian Psychiatric Association, aimed at mobilizing professional support for those experiencing psychological distress related to the events.

According to Dr. Poursharifi, access to approximately 500 specialists has already been made available through a jointly developed online platform created by the two associations. The system is designed to facilitate secure and accessible connections between individuals seeking support and licensed psychologists and psychiatrists across the country. The initiative seeks to reduce financial and logistical barriers to care, particularly for those who may face difficulties accessing mental health services.

The January protests and the subsequent violent crackdown traumatized many individuals, including through direct violence, arrest, loss of loved ones, and prolonged uncertainty. Mental health professionals have warned that such exposure can result in acute stress reactions, anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disturbances, and complicated grief. In this context, the rapid mobilization of volunteer professionals represents a coordinated national response to an urgent public mental health need.

Dr. Poursharifi emphasized that the collaboration between the two professional bodies reflects a shared recognition of the psychological impact of large-scale social unrest. While online counseling services are central to the initiative, he noted that some individuals may require or prefer in-person care due to clinical needs or personal preference. For this reason, licensed counseling centers and psychological service providers approved by the Organization for Psychology and Counseling or the State Welfare Organization have been invited to join the voluntary and public-benefit program.

The inclusion of licensed centers is intended to ensure professional standards, ethical oversight, and continuity of care. By expanding the network to include both online and face-to-face services, the organizers aim to create a flexible and comprehensive support structure capable of addressing diverse needs. Some individuals may require short-term crisis intervention, while others may benefit from long-term therapeutic support.

Experts note that the psychological consequences of political violence often extend beyond those directly involved in protests. Family members of detainees, individuals exposed to distressing images, and members of affected communities may also experience secondary trauma. Children and adolescents, in particular, may struggle with fear, uncertainty, and sudden disruptions in family life. The availability of free, professional mental health services may help mitigate long-term consequences and support resilience.

Following the crackdown, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapy institutions outside Iran also began offering free counseling services to affected individuals. Many of these initiatives have been organized by Iranian diaspora professionals, aiming to provide confidential and culturally-informed support. The parallel emergence of domestic and international volunteer efforts underscores the broad recognition of the need for psychological care in the aftermath of the protests.

Observers describe the initiative as a significant example of professional solidarity within Iran’s mental health community. The mobilization of over 1,000 specialists in a short period highlights the capacity of professional associations to respond to collective trauma. It also reflects a growing acknowledgment that mental health care is a critical component of post-crisis recovery.

Dr. Poursharifi reiterated that the program is voluntary, humanitarian, and focused solely on facilitating access to care. He expressed hope that the initiative will not only address immediate psychological distress but also contribute to greater public awareness about the importance of mental health support during periods of social crisis.

As the country continues to process the aftermath of the January crackdown, specialists emphasize that psychological recovery is often long-term. Accessible and stigma-free services can play a crucial role in helping individuals restore emotional stability, rebuild trust, and regain some sense of safety. The joint initiative by the Iranian Psychological Association and the Iranian Psychiatric Association represents a structured national effort to respond to collective trauma, complemented by ongoing support efforts from professionals abroad.