Richmond Foundation

Richmond Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation that provides community mental health services across Malta and Gozo. Its Psychological Support Services Centre in Santa Venera, close to Valletta, offers therapy to adolescents and adults, while the wider charity runs support groups, supported housing, a rehabilitation programme and training. For UK readers who want a Maltese organisation with a long track record, it is a recognisable first stop.

The Foundation is listed in our directory of psychologists in Malta and of charity organisations in Malta. This page sets out the services, the free helpline, how therapy is accessed and how to enquire.

Who Richmond Foundation is

The Foundation was set up on 13 May 1993 with the backing of the Maltese government. Its founder, businessman Anthony Guillaumier, noticed in the 1980s that some of his employees had mental health problems but no one to turn to, and was inspired after contacting the UK-based Richmond Fellowship. Today it is a registered voluntary organisation and is known as Malta's leading NGO in community services for people with mental health problems.

Richmond Foundation belongs to GAMIAN-Europe, the European Anti-Poverty Network, the Malta Federations of NGOs and the Malta Health Network. Its mission is to provide community mental health services that promote wellbeing, prevent problems and support a good quality of life, and it works hard to tackle stigma through education.

Therapy and psychological support

The Psychological Support Service gives adolescents and adults access to qualified therapists, counsellors and psychologists, for individual sessions and for family and couples therapy. Online counselling is also available.

Sessions are offered at a subsidised rate, or free, to people with financial difficulties, and these are delivered by trainee therapists and counsellors. Free and subsidised places are intended mainly for people on very low incomes, and eligibility is checked through the helpline, with an initial meeting with a Mental Health Recovery Officer. The team aims to reply to messages within one business day.

If you have recently moved to Malta, perhaps after reading our guide to relocating to Malta, or you work remotely as a digital nomad in Malta, the service gives you a local, non-profit route to support in English.

Helpline, chat and getting help now

The Foundation runs a free helpline on 1770 for anyone experiencing mental health challenges, with emotional support and practical guidance from professionals. It is staffed Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and on Saturdays until 4pm, and after those hours people can call 1579, the mental health services helpline. An online chat, OLLI.Chat, is free and runs at the same times.

This is not a substitute for emergency services. If someone is in danger of harming themselves, do not leave them alone, and call 112. The Foundation also publishes plain guidance on how to approach a friend you are worried about, with suggested conversation starters in English and Maltese.

Support groups, housing and workplace programmes

Beyond therapy the Foundation offers support groups, assisted living in shared accommodation with 24-hour support, a residential therapeutic care service for children called K.I.D.s, a rehabilitation programme that teaches independent living skills, and support at home so that people can lead a fulfilling life in the community.

For employers, the Healthy Minds Work programme combines tailored psychological support, training, policy consulting, employee research, wellbeing retreats and corporate social responsibility initiatives. More than 200 organisations already take part. Mental Health First Aid courses teach people to support others facing difficulties. Companies in Malta's financial services sector or iGaming industry may find these programmes relevant for their teams.

Finding the centre and getting in touch

The Psychological Support Services Centre is at The Park, Canon Road, Santa Venera, a short distance from the capital, as our Valletta guide shows, and from the central towns such as those in our Mdina guide. The head office and training centre is at MCE House, Triq l-Industrija, Qormi. Our about Malta overview gives a wider picture of the islands if you are new to them.

To ask about therapy or a workplace programme, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Richmond Foundation.