Hotlines for free counselling services

COLOMBO (News1st): An institute of counsellors on Monday announced two hotlines to provide free counselling services amidst the outbreak of COVID-19. The Sri Lanka National Institute of Professional Counsellors said the general public can obtain counselling from registered counsellors and psychiatrists on 0718699225 or 0773680930. In a statement, the institute stated that given the current situation in the country due to the pandemic, it is normal for certain individuals to experience anxiety and other mental difficulties, which could be simple or even complex. It added such complications could either be due to long term issues in one's household, and emphasized the significance in obtaining professional help from a confidential, trained counsellor or a psychiatrist. Accordingly, the institute of counsellors said that it has made arrangements to provide counselling services without levying a fee from the public.