Nearly 25% of Pakistan’s population struggles with mental health issues—well above the global average. Suicide attempts are reported in the hundreds of thousands every year.
The shortage of mental health professionals makes the situation worse. Pakistan has only about 342 psychiatrists for more than 220 million people. That’s roughly one psychiatrist for every 500,000 people—a major treatment gap that affects Lahore as well.
Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH): A Giant Under Pressure
The Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH), located near Shadman Lahore, is the largest psychiatric facility in South Asia. With 1,510 beds on a 50-acre campus, it treats 700–800 outpatients daily.
But despite its massive size, the institute struggles with overcrowding, limited resources, and outdated treatment approaches. Families from areas like Township, Samanabad, and Faisal Town often rely on PIMH as a last resort.
Leading Hospitals Offering Psychiatry Services in Lahore
Mayo Hospital (near Anarkali & Lower Mall)
One of Lahore’s oldest and most trusted hospitals. Its psychiatry unit provides diagnosis, counseling, and inpatient care. Patients from Model Town, Gulberg, and DHA Defence often choose Mayo because of its established reputation.
Services Hospital (near Jail Road)
Known for its dedicated mental health ward, Services Hospital offers outpatient and inpatient services. It serves residents from Johar Town, Garden Town, and Muslim Town, who prefer its central location.
Lahore General Hospital (Ferozepur Road)
Handles 1,500–1,700 psychiatric outpatients monthly, but only 25–35 admissions due to limited capacity. Families from WAPDA Town, Bahria Town, and EME Society often turn here for accessible psychiatric treatment.
The Role of Local Clinics in Neighborhoods
While large hospitals dominate headlines, local psychiatry clinics across Lahore—especially in DHA, Gulberg, Model Town, and Johar Town—are increasingly important.
These smaller setups provide:
- Confidential counseling close to home
- Medication management without long waiting times
- Reduced stigma, as visiting a clinic in your own community feels more approachable
For residents in Garden Town, Shadman, and Muslim Town, neighborhood clinics often serve as the first step before referral to a major hospital.
Common Conditions Treated by Psychiatrists in Lahore
Psychiatrists across Lahore—whether in PIA Housing Scheme, Township, or Bahria Town—commonly treat:
- Depression – prolonged sadness, low energy, hopelessness
- Anxiety Disorders – panic attacks, constant worry, restlessness
- Bipolar Disorder – mood swings from mania to depression
- Schizophrenia – delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thoughts
- Substance Abuse – drug or alcohol addiction combined with mental illness
Awareness and Community Efforts in Lahore
Mental health awareness is slowly growing across Samanabad, Faisal Town, and Allama Iqbal Town.
Workshops in schools, community centers, and even mosques are helping break stigma. Social media campaigns and counseling drives in DHA and Bahria Town have also improved openness to seeking professional help.
What Families in Lahore Really Need
To make psychiatric services truly effective in Lahore’s neighborhoods, families need:
- Affordable and nearby clinics in residential hubs like Johar Town, Gulberg, and DHA Defence
- Helplines and mobile services for Samanabad and Township, where access to big hospitals is limited
- School-based counseling programs in areas like Model Town and Faisal Town
- Clear referral pathways from small clinics to larger hospitals like PIMH, Mayo, and Services Hospital
A Balanced Approach for Lahore
Psychiatric care in Lahore is at a crossroads. Large institutions like PIMH and Mayo Hospital provide scale, while neighborhood clinics in DHA, Gulberg, Johar Town, and Shadman bring accessibility and trust.
The future of psychiatry in Lahore lies in blending community-based care with institutional support, ensuring that every family—whether in Garden Town or Bahria Town—can access compassionate, effective mental health treatment..