RResidents in Japan

Seeking English-speaking Psychiatrist for Mental Disability Certificate (ASD)

  • February 19, 2026

Hi Everyone,

I have a long-term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis from the United States, supported by clinical paperwork dating back over a decade.

Now that I am living and working in Japan, I’m looking to formalize my diagnosis here to apply for a Mental Disability Certificate (精神障害者保健福祉手帳) so I can access local support resources.

However, many "English-friendly" clinics I've contacted aren't qualified to handle the specific paperwork for this certificate; the Japanese clinics that do require a level of Japanese fluency I don't yet have (and don't allow translators/interpreters).

Does anyone know of a clinic with English-speaking psychiatrists who are:

  1. Experienced in neurodevelopmental disorders (ASD/ADHD).
  2. Authorized to sign off on the shindansho (medical certificate) for the disability handbook.
  3. Willing to review and incorporate existing English psychological evaluations?

I am ideally looking for recommendations in the Kanagawa or Tokyo area.

Thanks!

by BossOfGames