About behavioral problems
Tantrums, defiance or aggressive behaviour that are frequent and intense can strain family life. Interventions usually involve the parents, with practical strategies for routines, limits and communication, and work with the child adapted to their age.
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
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
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
All children test limits and have tantrums at times. It may be worth seeking help when defiance, aggression, intense tantrums, lying, breaking rules or destructive behaviour are frequent, last for months, happen in several settings such as home and school, and cause problems with family life, learning or friendships. Sudden changes in behaviour can also signal stress, anxiety or difficulties elsewhere.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Parent training programmes based on behavioural principles have strong evidence for children’s behaviour problems. Family therapy and cognitive-behavioural approaches for the child or teenager, including emotional regulation and problem-solving skills, also help. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists, family therapists and educational psychologists usually lead the work. An assessment can identify contributing factors such as ADHD, learning difficulties or anxiety.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child or teenager is seriously hurting themselves or others, has a weapon, is missing, or talks about suicide. Seek urgent help too if you suspect drug use with signs of intoxication. If you feel you might lose control and harm your child, step away safely and seek support immediately; asking for help is responsible.
What you can do in the meantime
Notice and praise specific good behaviour, and spend a little one-to-one time each day doing something your child enjoys. Keep rules few, clear and consistent between adults, with calm, predictable consequences. Avoid shouting and physical punishment, which tend to worsen behaviour. Look after your own stress and sleep, and talk to the school to work together.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
When to see a psychologist
It makes sense to see a psychologist when anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship problems, a loss or a difficult change start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, or when you simply want to understand yourself better. If symptoms are very severe, you may need medication, or there are signs of a medical cause, a psychiatrist or your doctor should be involved too.
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 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.