As a mental health volunteer in Sri Lanka, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable psychology work experience while exploring mental health care in a developing country. This program is tailored for students currently studying psychology or mental health, offering a unique chance to deepen your understanding within diverse healthcare settings. Over recent decades, the demand for mental health services in Sri Lanka has significantly increased, yet the system continues to face challenges in meeting these growing needs.
Mental Health Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 For Improved Health
- Develop Your Psychology Skills In PMGY’s Top Destination, Ideal For First Timers
- Learn About Mental Health Through Hospitals, A Rehab Centre & Workshops
- Explore More Of Sri Lanka With Weekend Trips To Kandy, Ella & The Maldives
- Experience Sri Lankan Culture Through Temple Visits, Yoga & Cooking Classes
Background to the Mental Health Program
Sri Lanka faces some of the highest suicide rates globally, as highlighted by the World Health Organisation, and the country’s mental health needs continue to grow. In tsunami-affected areas, an estimated 40% of people suffer from common mental disorders, with a 3% prevalence of severe mental disorders. Historically, a cultural stigma surrounding mental health in Sri Lanka, rooted in Buddhist beliefs about reincarnation, has been a barrier to progress. However, there are promising signs that attitudes and systems are evolving to address these challenges.
Progress began in the late 1970s with the establishment of a Non-Government Organisation, ‘The National Council for Mental Health.’ This initiative led to the introduction of Medical Officers of Mental Health (MOMHs) with a goal of appointing one MOMH per 70,000 people across Sri Lanka’s 276 subdistricts. Despite this progress, the ratio has presented challenges, with MOMHs managing heavy workloads, limited time with patients, and shortages of essential medicines and community-based psychiatric care facilities.
To address these issues, systematic training programs have been developed to support mental health officers. These programs include workshops, role-plays, and active learning sessions, enabling officers to pass their training on to other medical staff. Topics include assessing depression and suicide risk and explaining medication side effects to improve patient adherence.
Emerging mental health issues are now being integrated into Sri Lanka’s primary healthcare system across both public and private hospitals. This includes addressing trauma and stress-related disorders, supporting the mental health needs of physically ill patients, and providing rehabilitation for individuals with prolonged mental illnesses. Community mental health education is also helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
Our mental health volunteering abroad program offers participants a unique opportunity to gain a broad understanding of mental health care in a different cultural setting. Volunteers will gain valuable insight into how mental health needs are addressed within Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, focusing on challenges and innovative solutions.
The Sri Lanka volunteer program is primarily based in the Galle District, though some placements may extend to the Colombo region. This mental health project is widely regarded as one of the most diverse and engaging volunteering abroad programs.
Mental Health Volunteer Placement Examples
The mental health & psychology program provides a unique opportunity to work across diverse settings in a new cultural environment. The following placements are available, provided we receive the required paperwork from you in the correct format at least 3 weeks prior to your program start date. Please note that this project is not available to high school leavers or applicants without a psychology-related background. Placement opportunities for mental health volunteers in Sri Lanka include:
Government Base Hospital - As a mental health volunteer in Sri Lanka, you will observe mental health counsellors in a hospital setting during consultations with both in-ward and out-ward patients. You may also shadow speech therapists or art therapy sessions.
During hospital placements, doctors aim to translate and explain as much as possible while consultations are ongoing. Many doctors speak good English, enabling debriefs and opportunities for questions. However, as doctors’ schedules are busy, volunteers should be flexible and understanding, as it may not always be possible to translate every patient interaction.
In most cases, the primary treatment for mental health patients remains medication due to its accessibility. Alternative therapies such as creative treatments and meditation are less common and not widely administered to patients.
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Located about an hour from Ambalangoda, this placement is a weekly highlight for many volunteers. The Rehabilitation Centre focuses on providing occupational therapies and preparing patients to re-enter mainstream society without relapsing. The facility is primarily for adults, managed by a dedicated team of nurses and support staff.
You will have opportunities to interact with residents, ask questions, and learn about their experiences. Volunteers also provide support with occupational therapy, such as creative arts, structured daily exercise classes, and learning activities. Being proactive and asking questions is encouraged to help volunteers better understand mental health care and its associated cultural stigmas in Sri Lanka.
Lectures, Seminars & Workshops – You will also participate in a series of workshops that offer insights into mental health care in Sri Lanka. These sessions may include local consultants sharing their experiences within the country’s mental health system.
One key topic is Ayurveda, an ancient medicine system rooted in the Indian subcontinent. Ayurveda promotes natural practices, including herbal remedies, special diets, and unique treatments. A seminar will provide insights into how Ayurveda is used in mental health care alongside the traditional Sri Lankan medical system. Volunteers may also experience oil treatment sessions, which aim to alleviate depression and anxiety.
Every mental health volunteer in Sri Lanka will also have the opportunity to attend a lecture by a Buddhist monk. These sessions explore how Buddhist values, meditation, and cultural practices are used to address mental health challenges.
Additional Opportunities – On occasion, you may be invited to attend additional workshops or events. These might include visits to alcohol and drug information centres, exploring the impact of substance abuse on Sri Lankan communities. Volunteers may also visit suicide prevention centres to participate in workshops about local prevention strategies.
Depending on availability, volunteers may tour the National Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lanka’s largest mental health hospital. This includes a presentation about mental health in Sri Lanka and visits to in-patient services such as psychogeriatric, ECT, and isolation units. While rare, these opportunities provide valuable insights into how therapies, medications, and treatments are administered.
We also support students wishing to join our mental health & psychology program as part of an elective or university placement. Please contact our team to discuss your requirements in more detail.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day
As a mental health volunteer in Sri Lanka, your primary role is to gain an understanding of the country’s mental health system, procedures, and cultural influences. You will observe how these differ from the experiences you may have at home. Each day offers a varied schedule, incorporating hospital visits, consultation observations, lectures, and meditation sessions.
Your daily schedule will differ depending on the placement and activities planned. Typically, you will spend 2-5 hours per day on your placement, Monday to Friday, with timings ranging between 8am and 6pm. Depending on the location, travel times may vary from 5 minutes by tuk-tuk to local hospitals, to up to 2 hours by private car for placements in Colombo.
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Sample Weekly Schedule
Monday: Government Base Hospital or an Ayurveda Lecture
Tuesday: Rehabilitation Centre
Wednesday: Monk Lecture
Thursday: Government Base Hospital and Astrology/Ayurvedic Oil Treatment
Friday: Seminars & Workshops
As Sri Lanka is a developing country, its psychiatric facilities reflect this. Participants on the mental health & psychology program should be aware that placement availability may occasionally be impacted by unforeseen circumstances outside of PMGY’s control. For example, hospital-based placements may be disrupted by doctor strikes or unexpected consultant absences without prior notice.
In such cases, PMGY will do its best to provide alternative opportunities for mental health volunteers in Sri Lanka. These alternative placements may take place outside the hospital setting and involve other community programs we operate.
This flexibility ensures that every volunteer continues to make a meaningful contribution while gaining valuable insights into mental health care in Sri Lanka.
Other Things to Consider as a Mental Health Volunteer
Return Airport Transfer - Your return airport transfer is not included in the Program Fee. However, our local team can assist with arranging onward transport to the airport or another destination. Making arrangements once you’re in-country allows for flexibility, especially as plans can often change, and some participants may share similar flight schedules. Costs will vary depending on your chosen method of transport and destination, and they can often be split if you’re travelling with fellow trip participants. We strongly advise against using public transport or ridesharing apps for the return journey to the airport due to safety risks and potential inconvenience.
Top PMGY Destination - Sri Lanka is regarded as one of PMGY’s best volunteer destinations due to the exceptional local support, outstanding value for money, and the unique experiences available in Ambalangoda. The local team goes above and beyond to ensure every volunteer has a memorable and rewarding experience. Volunteer feedback consistently reflects this dedication. This destination is ideal for first-time travellers seeking a balance of well-organised weekend trips, extra support, and meaningful involvement in inspiring local initiatives.
University Students Only - The mental health & psychology program in Sri Lanka is only open to university students studying a psychology or mental health-related degree. Unfortunately, it is not available to those without prior exposure to the field or those studying at lower levels (e.g., A-Levels). While graduates are welcome to join, this program focuses on learning and observation, which may not align with the expectations of those seeking hands-on placements.
Project Duration - We recommend spending 2-3 weeks on the program to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mental health placements. This duration allows you to explore most of the settings outlined in the mental health & psychology program, providing a well-rounded experience.
Internship-Style Experience - The Sri Lanka mental health program offers an observational and learning-focused experience. Participants will engage with local healthcare professionals to gain valuable insight into the Sri Lankan mental health system. However, hands-on opportunities are not included, regardless of the participant’s level of study. This internship-style approach helps develop a broader perspective and deepens your understanding of mental health care in a different cultural context.
Trained Professionals - This program is not designed for trained professionals looking to practise overseas. It is specifically tailored for mental health and psychology students who wish to learn about healthcare systems abroad and gain experience in a supportive environment.
Photos – Please note that photography is not allowed in clinical areas. Patients are often in vulnerable situations, and taking photos can compromise their privacy and dignity. Even if you witness something memorable or medically interesting, capturing images is not appropriate. You are welcome to take general photos outside of clinical settings, but always follow local guidance and respect the privacy of staff, patients, and the wider community.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
Discover Sri Lanka’s ancient heartland on this three-day cultural and wildlife adventure. Visit the iconic Lion’s Rock in Sigiriya, explore the Dambulla Golden Temple, and witness wild elephants up close on a jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. You’ll also tour spice gardens, explore the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and enjoy guided insights into Sri Lanka’s fascinating heritage — all with private transport, accommodation, meals, and entrance fees included.
Getting There
• 4 hours from Colombo
• Private Bus – Included
Where to Stay
• Accommodation – Included
Things to Do
• Hike Lion Rock – Included
• Elephant Safari – Included
• Spice Garden Tour – Included
• Temple of the Tooth – Included
• Dambulla Golden Temple – Included
• Village Tour – Included
Journey through Sri Lanka’s lush Hill Country and into the wild landscapes of Yala National Park on this unforgettable three-day adventure. Highlights include an afternoon leopard safari, sunrise hikes to Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock, visits to Ravana Falls and the Nine Arch Bridge, and time exploring Galle Fort and traditional stick fishing villages. Private transport, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and a PMGY guide are all included.
Getting There
• 5 hours from Colombo
• Private Bus – Included
Where to Stay
• Accommodation – Included
Things to Do
• Yala National Park Safari – Included
• Nine Arch Bridge Visit – Included
• Hike Little Adam’s Peak & Ella Rock – Included
• Visit Galle Fort – Included
• Stick Fishing Experience – Included
Take a four-day island getaway to Maafushi in the Maldives – the perfect escape for relaxation and adventure. Enjoy white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Optional excursions include snorkelling, swimming with whale sharks, and resort day visits. Your trip includes return flights from Colombo, speedboat transfers, accommodation, breakfast, and airport pickups, offering an idyllic experience in paradise. Trips run Thursday to Sunday with a minimum of six participants.
Getting There
• 7 hours total travel time
• Private Bus, Flight & Speedboat – Included
Where to Stay
• Accommodation – Included
Things to Do (Not Included in Suggested Budget)
• Half-Day Snorkelling Trip – 25 GBP
• Shark Bay Visit – 35 GBP
• Whale Shark Trip – 75 GBP
• Full-Day Snorkelling – 60 GBP
• Private Resort Day – 110 GBP
Spend your weekend exploring Sri Lanka’s stunning South Coast, home to beautiful beaches and lively surf towns like Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Weligama, and Hiriketiya. Travel by tuk-tuk, taxi, bus, or train, and enjoy a mix of sun, sea, and local culture. With plenty of surf schools, yoga studios, cafes, and beach bars, the South Coast is ideal for a relaxing or adventurous getaway.
Getting There
• 1–4 hours from Colombo
• Private Taxi or Public Transport
Where to Stay
• Hostel Dorm – 5–15 GBP per night
• Guesthouse/Small Hotel – 20–40 GBP per night
• Resort Hotel – 50 GBP+ per night
Things to Do
• Surfing Lessons – 12 GBP
• Surfboard Hire – 4 GBP
• Yoga Session – 8 GBP
• Whale & Dolphin Watching (Seasonal) – 35 GBP
• Visit Coconut Tree Hill – Free
From May to September, Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka’s surf capital — a laid-back coastal town known for sunshine, surf, and spectacular sunsets. Enjoy world-class waves, climb Elephant Rock for sunrise views, relax in beachfront cafes, or explore the local lagoon. Whether you’re chasing adventure or just want to unwind, Arugam Bay offers the perfect mix of chill and charm.
Getting There
• 10 hours from Colombo
• Private Taxi or Bus
Where to Stay
• Hostel Dorm – 5–10 GBP per night
• Guesthouse/Small Hotel – 15–30 GBP per night
• Beachfront Hotel – 50 GBP+ per night
Things to Do
• Surfing Lessons – 12 GBP
• Surfboard Hire – 4 GBP
• Yoga Class – 8 GBP
• Lagoon Safari (Seasonal) – 25 GBP
• Hike Elephant Rock – Free
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- Diverse visitors explore a serene Sri Lankan stupa adorned with colourful flags and lush greenery.
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- Joyful women celebrating at a scenic hilltop with lush greenery and a waterway during an adventurous day out in Sri Lanka.
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- A woman captures a peaceful moment with her smartphone, photographing a calm elephant in lush Sri Lankan wilderness under overcast skies.
Accommodation - Shared & Comfort Options Available
Volunteer House
During your time on the Sri Lanka volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House located just outside central Ambalangoda, in a quieter part of town on Sri Lanka’s south coast. The house is around a 10 minute tuk tuk journey from the main town, where you can find ATMs, supermarkets and local restaurants.
You will share the house with other PMGY volunteers from around the world, creating a friendly and social environment throughout your stay. There is free Wi-Fi and a communal area where volunteers can relax, spend time together or prepare lesson plans if teaching English. A refrigerator is also available for storing items that need to be kept chilled.
Both shared and private room options are available within the Volunteer House. All bedrooms have air conditioning, with bed linen, cupboard space and personal lockers provided. A member of the local team also lives at the house, providing onsite support and security throughout your stay.
Transport to and from your placement is provided by tuk tuk or private car, with placements typically around 5 to 30 minutes from the Volunteer House. This service is included in your Program Fee.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
Our Shared Option offers a social way to experience life at the Volunteer House. Bedrooms are separated by gender and accommodate up to 12 volunteers in bunk beds, making it easy to meet other participants and become part of the volunteer community.
Bathrooms are shared with other volunteers, with ample bathroom facilities available throughout the house. These include western style toilets and showers. Shower water is cold, which is common locally and can be particularly refreshing in Sri Lanka’s warm tropical climate.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room Upgrade 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
For volunteers who prefer more personal space, our Comfort Option provides a private bedroom while still allowing you to enjoy the communal and social experience of the Volunteer House.
Comfort rooms can accommodate a solo traveller or up to 2 participants travelling together, with either 1 or 2 single beds or a double bed depending on the room available. Bathrooms are typically shared, although some rooms have private bathrooms. There are ample bathroom facilities containing western style toilets and showers available for the private rooms. Shower water is cold, as with the rest of the Volunteer House.
Wi-Fi
Yes (Free)
People Per Room
Up To 12 (Shared) or 1 (Comfort)
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
2 Hours
Nearest ATM & Shops
10 Minute Drive
Meals
You will be served three freshly prepared meals daily at the Volunteer House. Sri Lankan cuisine features a lot of rice, with fish or chicken as the main protein options. Vegetarian meals are always available.
The meals blend local and western cuisine, and a weekly menu is provided so you can know in advance what’s on offer. For those craving western comforts, restaurants in the nearby town of Hikkaduwa serve a range of western meals.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here is an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast
Eggs, Toast, Jam, Fruit, Pancakes, Tea
Lunch
Dhal, Spinach Curry, Poppadoms, Paprika Tofu, Rice
Dinner
Vegetables, Noodles, Tomato Curry, Omelette
Program Location
FAQ's
PMGY welcomes mental health volunteers in Sri Lanka of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 18, with no upper age limit. Additionally, all volunteers need to have good English, although it does not need to be your first language. While it’s not necessary to speak the local dialect, you’ll find that learning a few local words during your time in Sri Lanka will go a long way in building connections and enriching your experience.
As a Sri Lanka mental health volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the mental health projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation! However, please note that medical and healthcare projects often require additional documentation before participation begins in-country.
Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the Sri Lanka mental health program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
For your volunteer trip to Sri Lanka, you should book your flights to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (airport code CMB) to arrive on the designated Saturday start date. This is the official arrival day for the program, ensuring a smooth and well-organised beginning to your experience as a Sri Lanka mental health volunteer.
Please check out our Chaperoned Flight options for group flights from London Heathrow on selected start dates.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Saturday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to Sri Lanka, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a Sri Lanka mental health volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
You can apply anytime for most of our programs, including the Sri Lanka mental health volunteer program. However, we highly recommend applying soon to secure your spot. Some of our programs have limited capacity, and spaces can fill quickly, especially during our peak travel period from June to August. If you plan to join us during this time, applying early is even more important to avoid disappointment!
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Based on feedback from previous Sri Lanka mental health volunteers, we’ve found that 4-6 weeks is the ideal amount of time to fully immerse yourself in the experience of volunteering in Sri Lanka. This duration provides ample opportunity to integrate into the local community, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to your chosen project. Over this time, you’ll be able to make a lasting positive impact while having plenty of time to explore Sri Lanka’s incredible sights and culture during your weekends.
Many of our Sri Lanka mental health volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
At PMGY, we understand the importance of safety, especially for first-time travellers, and we work diligently to ensure that all our programs, including those in Sri Lanka, provide a secure and enriching experience. Our programs are carefully designed to balance structure and independence perfectly. This means you’ll enjoy a guided and supportive environment while free to explore and immerse yourself in local culture. For further details, please refer to our Safety & Wellbeing page.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a Sri Lanka mental health volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a Sri Lanka mental health volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
