SNS 24 psychological helpline handles nearly half a million calls

Wednesday, 1 April 2026AI summary
SNS 24 psychological helpline handles nearly half a million calls
Photo: Diário de Notícias

The SNS 24 psychological counselling line (Linha de Aconselhamento Psicológico) has answered 448,000 calls since its launch in 2020. The service is staffed by 170 psychologists and has been available in English since 2022 to support residents and health professionals. Most callers seek help for anxiety and crisis situations, with the service now averaging 430 consultations daily.

Context & Explainers

If you need emergency care and a local ED is understaffed, call 112 for life‑threatening situations or contact the national health triage line (SNS 24) for urgent guidance; the operator can direct you to the nearest hospital with capacity or arrange an ambulance. As an expat, also consider local private hospitals or clinics if available and keep your health insurance details and ID ready to speed up admission.

Sources (4)

Continue reading