Our Services and Programmes
The PEMA Secretariat provides services across a continuum of care — from prevention and early support, to crisis response, treatment and rehabilitation, and reintegration and aftercare.
Prevention and Engagement
Treatement and Rehabilitation
Reintegration and Aftercare
Prevention & Engagement
Promote Mental Health
Society-wide initiatives at individual, family, community, and structural levels.
Prevent Mental Health Conditions and Suicide
Develop and execute a life-course approach to prevent mental health conditions and suicide, focusing on addressing risk factors from the perinatal phase through childhood, adulthood, and into old age, emphasizing early detection and timely interventions. Emphasize universal, selective, and indicated preventive interventions aimed at reducing vulnerability at different stages.
Enable Systematic Coordination
Establish and maintain robust, coordinated frameworks and mechanisms at national and community levels to promote health and well-being. Integrate services across health, education, social, and community sectors to ensure a holistic approach to mental health care.
Enhance Community Resilience
Build resilience and well-being within communities by supporting local initiatives, providing resources for mental health support, and ensuring access to mental health services. Strengthen community engagement and participation in mental health promotion and prevention efforts.
Research and Communication
Research and communication will support progress through evidence-based planning in Research and Development (R&D), establish a clear strategy for engaging stakeholders, and manage the publishing platforms for The PEMA Secretariat, enhancing organizational effectiveness and community participation.
Community Resilience
Local initiatives and access to support.
Community Programmes and Services
Local counselling, peer support, youth interventions, mental health education.
Outreach Services
Mobile/telehealth follow-up and support for hard-to-reach populations.
Reintegration & Aftercare
Reintegration and Aftercare Centre
Structured post-treatment and post-incarceration support to help people rebuild stability through skills development, enterprise opportunities, and productive engagement. The centre aims to support dignity, self-reliance, and reduce relapse and reoffending risk
Skilling and Livelihood Support
Vocational training and employment-oriented opportunities for incarcerated individuals, people recovering from substance use disorders, and mental health service users, delivered with national skills, education, and employment partners.
Transition Homes
Temporary, structured housing in a safe, substance-free environment for people completing treatment. Transition homes provide stability, peer support, and life-skills support as a bridge to independent living.
Sober Recreational Facilities
Safe spaces for people in recovery to take part in healthy, substance-free social and recreational activities that support wellbeing, peer connection, and positive coping.
Community Programmes and Services
Local mental health and wellbeing support including counselling, peer support, youth-focused interventions, mental health education, and stress management integrated into community outreach.
Outreach Services
Mobile and community-based support for underserved and hard-to-reach populations, including follow-up care after treatment completion and continued engagement through telehealth and outreach teams.
BRAVE Programme
A national framework for reintegration and aftercare for vulnerable populations, including incarcerated individuals, people with substance use disorders, and those with mental health conditions. BRAVE consolidates recovery-oriented reintegration initiatives to promote dignity and self-reliance.
Call 1098 (24/7) – protection and psychosocial support
If in immediate danger, call 1010 (Royal Bhutan Police)
Email: helpline@thepema.gov.bt (support)
Email: enquiry@thepema.gov.bt (enquiries)
Also available via official social media channels.
Treatment & Rehabilitation
Psychiatric Services (PEMA Centre)
Specialised mental health services including detoxification support, counselling, mental health consultations, child and adolescent mental health services, day treatment, and aftercare programmes.
Hospital-based SUD Treatment and Care
Structured outpatient treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) so individuals can continue work and family responsibilities while receiving clinical management, counselling, relapse prevention, and continuing care after residential rehabilitation.
Prison-based SUD Treatment and Care
Structured rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders, combining peer-led support, a 12-Step approach, and a modified therapeutic community model to support recovery and preparation for reintegration
The PEMA Rehab (Residential)
A residential, 24-hour rehabilitation programme for substance use disorders. The programme provides holistic care including clinical treatment, counselling, peer support, mindfulness-based interventions, and complementary therapies in a structured setting.
Peer Support Services
Ongoing recovery support through structured group sessions and shared lived experience. Peer support strengthens coping skills, motivation, and relapse prevention, and is integrated into hospitalbased and residential rehabilitation services.
Your health is our topmost priority
THE PEMA Helpline (1098)
A confidential, 24/7 helpline for protection and psychosocial support. It supports women, children, and anyone experiencing distress, and can guide you to the most appropriate services in your area.
Counselling Services
A supportive space to talk through challenges, relationships, stress, or life changes with a trained counsellor. Online counselling is available through email, Zoom, WhatsApp, Telegram, and telephone. Walk-in counselling is available by appointment.
Child Protection Services
Support for children in difficult circumstances, including those in conflict with the law, survivors of violence, and those affected by emergencies through comprehensive child protection services. These include safety planning, family-based interventions, child protection in emergencies, and specialized support during parental separation and child custody proceedings.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Support
Support for survivors of gender-based violence, including protection services and referrals for counselling and reintegration support. Services are designed to be sensitive, confidential, and survivor-centred.
Case Management Support
Case managers listen to your situation, help you understand your options, and connect you to services such as safe housing, legal support, or counselling. Case management is available for protection-related concerns and difficult circumstances.
PEMA Home (Short-term Shelter for Children)
A short-term, safe care facility for children in difficult circumstances. The Home prioritises immediate safety, emotional wellbeing, and timely reunification with family. It provides temporary care, typically for up to two weeks, with exceptions made on a case-by-case basis.
Adoption Services
Support for domestic and intercountry adoption, guided by the Child Adoption Act of Bhutan 2012 and related rules, regulations, and guidelines. The child’s best interests guide every decision.
Alternative Care Services
Support to ensure children grow up in safe, nurturing, and supportive environments, guided by the Child Care and Protection Act and the Guidelines for Alternative Care of Children (2018).