Getting Psychological Counseling in Korea

Seeking mental health support is an important step towards well-being, and knowing how to navigate this process in Korean can make it much smoother. This guide provides essential Korean expressions for finding, scheduling, and attending psychological counseling sessions in Korea. Learn the key vocabulary and phrases to discuss your needs and access mental health services effectively.

Core Expression

• Expression: 심리 상담 받기
  Pronunciation: sim-ri sang-dam bat-gi
  Meaning: Getting psychological counseling

Making an Appointment

• Expression: 심리 상담 예약을 하고 싶어요.
  Pronunciation: sim-ri sang-dam ye-yak-eul ha-go sip-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to make an appointment for psychological counseling.
• Expression: 상담 가능한 시간이 언제인가요?
  Pronunciation: sang-dam ga-neung-han si-gan-i eon-je-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: When are counseling sessions available?
• Expression: 첫 상담 예약을 하고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: cheot sang-dam ye-yak-eul ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would like to book an initial consultation.
• Expression: 상담 비용은 얼마인가요?
  Pronunciation: sang-dam bi-yong-eun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How much does counseling cost?
• Expression: 영어로 상담 가능한가요?
  Pronunciation: yeong-eo-ro sang-dam ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is counseling available in English?
• Expression: 건강 보험 적용이 되나요?
  Pronunciation: geon-gang bo-heom jeok-yong-i doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is health insurance applicable?
• Expression: 상담사 분을 선택할 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: sang-dam-sa bun-eul seon-taek-hal su it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can I choose a counselor?
• Expression: 예약 변경/취소는 어떻게 하나요?
  Pronunciation: ye-yak byeon-gyeong/chwi-so-neun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: How can I change/cancel my appointment?
• Expression: 온라인 상담도 가능한가요?
  Pronunciation: on-la-in sang-dam-do ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is online counseling also available?
• Expression: 상담 센터 위치가 어디인가요?
  Pronunciation: sang-dam sen-teo wi-chi-ga eo-di-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Where is the counseling center located?
• Expression: 필요한 서류가 있나요?
  Pronunciation: pil-yo-han seo-ryu-ga it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Are there any documents I need?

During the Session

• Expression: 요즘 기분이 안 좋아요.
  Pronunciation: yo-jeum gi-bun-i an jo-a-yo.
  Meaning: I haven’t been feeling well lately.
• Expression: 스트레스를 많이 받고 있어요.
  Pronunciation: seu-teu-re-seu-reul ma-ni bat-go it-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I’m under a lot of stress.
• Expression: 잠을 잘 못 자요.
  Pronunciation: jam-eul jal mot ja-yo.
  Meaning: I can’t sleep well.
• Expression: 불안감을 느껴요.
  Pronunciation: bul-an-gam-eul neu-kkyeo-yo.
  Meaning: I feel anxious.
• Expression: 우울한 기분이 들어요.
  Pronunciation: u-ul-han gi-bun-i deul-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I feel depressed.
• Expression: 이 문제에 대해 이야기하고 싶어요.
  Pronunciation: i mun-je-e dae-hae i-ya-gi-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to talk about this issue.
• Expression: 어떻게 대처해야 할지 모르겠어요.
  Pronunciation: eo-tteo-ke dae-cheo-hae-ya hal-ji mo-reu-get-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I don’t know how to cope with it.
• Expression: 제 감정을 설명하기 어려워요.
  Pronunciation: je gam-jeong-eul seol-myeong-ha-gi eo-ryeo-wo-yo.
  Meaning: It’s hard to explain my feelings.
• Expression: 상담사님의 조언이 필요해요.
  Pronunciation: sang-dam-sa-nim-ui jo-eon-i pil-yo-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I need your advice, counselor.
• Expression: 다음 상담은 언제인가요?
  Pronunciation: da-eum sang-dam-eun eon-je-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: When is the next session?
• Expression: 오늘 상담 감사합니다.
  Pronunciation: o-neul sang-dam gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: Thank you for the session today.
• Expression: 기분이 좀 나아졌어요.
  Pronunciation: gi-bun-i jom na-a-jyeot-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I feel a bit better.

Discussing Specific Concerns

• Expression: 대인 관계에 어려움이 있어요.
  Pronunciation: dae-in gwan-gye-e eo-ryeo-um-i it-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I have difficulties with interpersonal relationships.
• Expression: 직장 스트레스가 심해요.
  Pronunciation: jik-jang seu-teu-re-seu-ga sim-hae-yo.
  Meaning: My work stress is severe.
• Expression: 가족 문제가 있어요.
  Pronunciation: ga-jok mun-je-ga it-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I have family problems.
• Expression: 학업 때문에 힘들어요.
  Pronunciation: hak-eop ttae-mun-e him-deul-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I’m struggling because of my studies.
• Expression: 자존감이 낮아요.
  Pronunciation: ja-jon-gam-i na-ja-yo.
  Meaning: I have low self-esteem.
• Expression: 과거의 트라우마가 있어요.
  Pronunciation: gwa-geo-ui teu-ra-u-ma-ga it-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I have past trauma.
• Expression: 집중하기가 어려워요.
  Pronunciation: jip-jung-ha-gi-ga eo-ryeo-wo-yo.
  Meaning: It’s difficult to concentrate.
• Expression: 미래가 불안해요.
  Pronunciation: mi-rae-ga bul-an-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I’m anxious about the future.
• Expression: 감정 조절이 잘 안 돼요.
  Pronunciation: gam-jeong jo-jeol-i jal an dwae-yo.
  Meaning: I have trouble controlling my emotions.
• Expression: 무기력함을 느껴요.
  Pronunciation: mu-gi-ryeok-ham-eul neu-kkyeo-yo.
  Meaning: I feel lethargic / helpless.
• Expression: 중독 문제가 있는 것 같아요.
  Pronunciation: jung-dok mun-je-ga it-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
  Meaning: I think I might have an addiction problem.

Korean Culture Notes

While awareness is growing, discussing mental health openly can still carry some stigma in Korea compared to Western cultures. However, seeking professional help is becoming more common, especially among younger generations.

Many universities and larger companies offer counseling services, sometimes free or subsidized, which can be a good starting point. Public health centers (보건소 – bo-geon-so) may also offer basic mental health consultations.

Finding English-speaking counselors is possible, especially in major cities like Seoul. Look for clinics or centers that specifically advertise services for foreigners or have English websites. Online directories and expat community resources can be helpful.

Confidentiality (비밀 보장 – bi-mil bo-jang) is a standard practice in Korean counseling, just as it is elsewhere. Your privacy should be respected by licensed professionals.

Don’t hesitate to ask about the counselor’s approach, qualifications, and experience, especially regarding cross-cultural issues if you are a foreigner. Finding a good fit is crucial for effective therapy.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: Minjun calls a counseling center to inquire about making his first appointment.

Roles: A: Minjun (Caller), B: Receptionist

• Expression: A: 여보세요, 거기 심리 상담 센터 맞나요?
  Pronunciation: yeo-bo-se-yo, geo-gi sim-ri sang-dam sen-teo mat-na-yo?
  Meaning: A: Hello, is this the psychological counseling center?
• Expression: B: 네, 맞습니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: ne, mat-seum-ni-da. mu-eos-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: B: Yes, it is. How may I help you?
• Expression: A: 처음으로 심리 상담을 받아보고 싶은데요, 예약을 어떻게 하면 되나요?
  Pronunciation: cheo-eum-eu-ro sim-ri sang-dam-eul bad-a-bo-go sip-eun-de-yo, ye-yak-eul eo-tteo-ke ha-myeon doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: A: I’d like to try psychological counseling for the first time, how can I make an appointment?
• Expression: B: 네, 첫 방문이시군요. 성함과 연락처를 알려주시겠어요? 그리고 상담받고 싶은 내용이 있으신가요?
  Pronunciation: ne, cheot bang-mun-i-si-gun-yo. seong-ham-gwa yeol-lak-cheo-reul al-lyeo-ju-si-get-eo-yo? geu-ri-go sang-dam-bat-go sip-eun nae-yong-i i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: B: Yes, it’s your first visit. Could I have your name and contact number? Also, is there anything specific you’d like counseling for?
• Expression: A: 이름은 김민준이고, 연락처는 010-1234-5678입니다. 요즘 스트레스가 너무 심해서 상담받고 싶어요.
  Pronunciation: i-reum-eun gim-min-jun-i-go, yeol-lak-cheo-neun gong-il-gong-il-i-sam-sa-o-ryuk-chil-pal-im-ni-da. yo-jeum seu-teu-re-seu-ga neo-mu sim-hae-seo sang-dam-bat-go sip-eo-yo.
  Meaning: A: My name is Kim Minjun, and my number is 010-1234-5678. I want counseling because I’ve been under too much stress lately.
• Expression: B: 알겠습니다, 김민준 님. 혹시 선호하시는 시간대가 있으신가요?
  Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da, gim-min-jun nim. hok-si seon-ho-ha-si-neun si-gan-ttae-ga i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: B: Understood, Mr. Kim Minjun. Do you have a preferred time slot?
• Expression: A: 평일 저녁이나 주말이 가능할까요?
  Pronunciation: pyeong-il jeo-nyeok-i-na ju-mal-i ga-neung-hal-kka-yo?
  Meaning: A: Would weekday evenings or weekends be possible?
• Expression: B: 네, 확인해 보겠습니다. 다음 주 수요일 저녁 7시는 어떠신가요?
  Pronunciation: ne, hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da. da-eum ju su-yo-il jeo-nyeok il-gop-si-neun eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: B: Yes, let me check. How about next Wednesday at 7 PM?
• Expression: A: 네, 좋습니다. 그 시간으로 예약해 주세요.
  Pronunciation: ne, jo-sseum-ni-da. geu si-gan-eu-ro ye-yak-hae ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: A: Yes, that’s good. Please book me for that time.
• Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 다음 주 수요일 저녁 7시로 예약되었습니다. 오시기 전에 안내 문자를 보내드리겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. da-eum ju su-yo-il jeo-nyeok il-gop-si-ro ye-yak-doe-eot-seum-ni-da. o-si-gi jeon-e an-nae mun-ja-reul bo-nae-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: B: Alright. You are booked for next Wednesday at 7 PM. We will send you a reminder message before your appointment.

Practice Tips

Taking the step to seek counseling is commendable! Practice these phrases by saying them aloud. You can role-play the conversation example with a friend or language partner~ Try searching online for Korean counseling centers (심리상담센터 – sim-ri-sang-dam-sen-teo) to see how they present their services. Remember, using these expressions can help you communicate your needs clearly and confidently when seeking support in Korea. 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – You can do it!)