The challenge
In Romania, the need for mental health care is both urgent and unmet. An estimated 40% of the population report needing psychological support—yet stigma, high costs, and long wait times in the public system prevent many from accessing the help they need.
This mental health gap hits vulnerable groups the hardest. Survivors of abuse, low-income individuals, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and young people struggling with anxiety, trauma, or emotional instability often face insurmountable barriers to care. For many, therapy simply isn’t an option.
Despite rising demand, Romania continues to face a national shortage of licensed therapists and allocates one of the lowest shares of public health funding to mental health in the EU. For those without the means to pay privately, the system leaves them behind, trapping individuals in cycles of distress, loneliness, and untreated psychological suffering.
Turning challenge into opportunity
Centrul Social de Psihoterapie is Romania’s first psychotherapy center dedicated entirely to providing free, high-quality mental health services for people who cannot otherwise access them. With locations in Bucharest and Cluj, the center has created a trusted space where therapy is available to anyone, regardless of background, identity, or ability to pay.
Its model is rooted in long-term, trauma-informed care. Licensed therapists offer one-on-one psychotherapy, group therapy, and specialized programs for survivors of domestic violence, individuals with chronic illness, LGBTQ+ youth, and families experiencing emotional instability. The center also provides interpretation services for individuals with hearing impairments and written therapy options for people with physical disabilities, removing common barriers to care.
Beyond the therapy room, Centrul Social de Psihoterapie leads public awareness efforts to reduce stigma, foster mental health literacy, and normalize help-seeking across generations. Through its growing network of professionals and community partnerships, it is setting a new standard for accessible, inclusive, and dignified care in Romania.
Founder
Razvan Popa
Geography
Romania
Organizational type
Thematic area
Time of investment
2025
Co-investors
Tangible impact
7500+
free psychotherapy sessions delivered to date
100+
licensed therapists engaged in active service
95%
of therapy participants report significant emotional improvement
250+
workshops and psychoeducation events held annually
“The support from The Inner Foundation is a turning point for our organization. It empowers us to strengthen and expand a model of care that places dignity, empathy, and accessibility at the core of mental health support.
In a country where psychological services are still out of reach for many, this partnership allows us to break down barriers and bring high-quality psychotherapy to some of the most marginalized and underserved communities.
More than just financial backing, this support affirms the value of our mission and gives us the confidence and resources to grow responsibly, innovate boldly, and advocate more powerfully for systemic change in mental health care.”
– Razvan Popa, Founder & President
