About bullying
Bullying at school or online can cause anxiety, isolation, low mood and school refusal. Psychological support helps the child or teenager and the family, and professionals can coordinate with the school. If there is immediate risk, involve the school and, if needed, the authorities.
Educational psychologists are psychologists who work on learning, development and well-being at school: assessment of learning difficulties, ADHD or high abilities, support plans and guidance for families and teachers.
Getting mental health care in Albania
Public health system · Public health service: family doctors, Community Mental Health Centres and psychiatric hospitals, covered by the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund
Family doctors provide first-line mental health care and refer patients to Community Mental Health Centres (about 10 nationwide) or to inpatient psychiatric units in Tirana, Shkodër, Elbasan and Vlorë. Patients who follow the referral system can use secondary services free of charge, and listed psychotropic medicines are reimbursed. Psychologists work in some public mental health centres, but their numbers are small. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Order of Psychologists of Albania (Urdhri i Psikologut). Under Law No. 40/2016, every psychologist practising in Albania must be registered with the Order and hold a licence, which is renewed in five-year cycles. Check the psychologist's name in the Order's public register. Search the official register
- Order of Physicians of Albania (Urdhri i Mjekëve). Under Law No. 123/2014, the Order of Physicians grants and withdraws individual licences to practise medicine and keeps the register of its members. Ask the psychiatrist for their Order licence.
Insurance and coverage
The Compulsory Health Insurance Fund covers referred mental health services and reimbursable psychotropic medicines. Medicines not on the reimbursement list are paid out of pocket.
Urgent help in Albania
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 127 · Ambulancia (Urgjenca)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: gov.uk, urdhriipsikologut.al, regjistri.urdhriipsikologut.al, qsut.gov.al
Signs to look out for
Bullying is repeated, intentional harm by others, whether physical, verbal, social exclusion or online. Signs in a child or teenager may include not wanting to go to school, unexplained injuries or damaged belongings, changes in mood or sleep, headaches or stomach aches, dropping grades, losing friends, or becoming anxious after using their phone. Many young people do not tell adults straight away.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Effective responses combine action at school, with whole-school anti-bullying programmes and clear protocols, and emotional support for the young person. Psychologists, child and adolescent psychologists and educational psychologists can help with anxiety, low mood, self-esteem and social skills, often using cognitive-behavioural approaches. Family guidance helps parents respond calmly. Support may also be offered to those who bully.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child or teenager has been seriously assaulted, is being threatened with violence, or expresses thoughts of suicide or self-harm, which should always be taken seriously. Seek urgent help too when there is sexual harassment, extortion or sharing of intimate images online, and keep evidence such as screenshots.
What you can do in the meantime
Listen calmly, believe the young person and tell them it is not their fault. Avoid confronting the other child or family directly; instead, document what happened and contact the school to agree on a plan. Help them stay connected to friends and activities outside school. Review privacy settings together for online bullying, and keep checking in regularly.
What does a educational psychologist do?
An educational psychologist supports children and young people’s learning, development and well-being in educational settings. Day to day they assess learning, attention, behaviour and emotional difficulties, observe pupils in class, write reports with recommendations, and work with families and teachers on support plans. Some also guide students on study habits, school transitions and career choices, or train school staff.
When to see a educational psychologist
It makes sense to consult an educational psychologist when a child struggles to read, write or do maths despite effort, has trouble concentrating, shows changes in behaviour at school, may have high abilities, or faces bullying or school refusal. If there are significant emotional problems at home as well, or a possible mental health condition, a clinical or child psychologist may also be needed.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Albania cover psychological care?
Family doctors provide first-line mental health care and refer patients to Community Mental Health Centres (about 10 nationwide) or to inpatient psychiatric units in Tirana, Shkodër, Elbasan and Vlorë. Patients who follow the referral system can use secondary services free of charge, and listed psychotropic medicines are reimbursed. Psychologists work in some public mental health centres, but their numbers are small.
How do I check that a educational psychologist is licensed in Albania?
Order of Psychologists of Albania (Urdhri i Psikologut): Under Law No. 40/2016, every psychologist practising in Albania must be registered with the Order and hold a licence, which is renewed in five-year cycles. Check the psychologist's name in the Order's public register.