About forensic psychologists
Forensic psychologists apply psychology to legal matters: expert reports for courts, custody and family proceedings, assessment of damages or credibility, and support for victims. Ask about their experience as an expert witness in your country.
Getting mental health care in Burundi
Public health system · Public health system - Centre Neuro-Psychiatrique de Kamenge (CNPK), Bujumbura
The CNPK in Bujumbura is the national reference hospital for mental health, with branches at the Ngozi neuropsychiatric centre and the Gitega mental health centre; it offers outpatient and inpatient psychiatric and psychological care. A consultation or hospitalisation at the CNPK has been reported at 5,000 FBu. The country has only about four psychiatrists, and integration of mental health into primary care is being rolled out.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ordre des Médecins du Burundi. The Order was created by Decree No. 100/187 of 4 June 1974 and oversees medical ethics for its members. Ask the doctor about their registration with the Order.
Insurance and coverage
The state health insurance card (CAM) became mandatory in February 2025 at 3,000 FBu; mental health costs are otherwise largely paid by patients, except for members of the civil service mutual fund, and insured patients are reimbursed 80% of CNPK fees.
Urgent help in Burundi
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Urgences (ambulance, pompiers, police)
- 72 00 51 54 · Human Health Aid Burundi – ligne d'écoute
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: fluechtlingshilfe.ch, dfae.admin.ch, extranet.who.int
What does a forensic psychologist do?
A forensic psychologist applies psychology to legal questions. Day to day they carry out expert assessments and write reports for courts, lawyers or individuals: for example on child custody, the psychological impact of an event, capacity, credibility issues or risk. Some also work in prisons, victim support or rehabilitation programmes. They may be asked to explain their findings at trial.
When to see a forensic psychologist
You may need a forensic psychologist when a legal process requires an independent psychological assessment: custody or visitation disputes, claims for psychological harm after an accident or assault, workplace harassment cases, or questions about a person’s capacity. If what you need is emotional support during a legal process, a therapist is more suitable, since forensic assessment is evaluative, not therapeutic.
How is it different from other professionals?
A forensic psychologist assesses and reports for legal purposes, with a duty of objectivity towards the court rather than to support the person assessed. A clinical psychologist treats and supports the person. Usually the same professional should not be both therapist and expert witness in the same case. A forensic psychiatrist is a doctor who assesses medical and psychiatric aspects in legal contexts.
What happens in the first session
The first contact usually clarifies the legal question, who requests the report, deadlines and what documents are available. The psychologist will explain the limits of confidentiality, since the report will be shared in the legal process. Bring court documents, previous medical or psychological reports and your lawyer’s details, and ask about the methods used, timeline and whether they may testify.
How long does the process take?
A forensic assessment usually involves several interviews, psychological tests and review of documents, sometimes including interviews with other people involved. Writing the report takes additional time. The whole process may take from a few weeks to longer, depending on the complexity of the case, the number of people assessed, court deadlines and whether court testimony is required.
Online or in person?
Initial consultations and some follow-up interviews can be done online, which helps when people live far apart. However, many forensic assessments are better done in person, to administer tests properly, observe behaviour and ensure the person is not influenced by others during the interview. The applicable legal rules may also determine what format is acceptable.
How to check their qualifications
Forensic psychologists are psychologists, so check registration with the psychology licensing body or professional college of their country. Ask about specific training in forensic or legal psychology, experience with your type of case, whether they have acted as an expert witness before, and how they ensure impartiality. Their report should follow recognised professional and ethical guidelines.
What affects the price?
Forensic work is usually priced per report or per project rather than per session. Costs depend on the complexity of the case, the number of people to be assessed, the volume of documents, travel, urgency, and whether court appearance is needed. Ask for a written estimate covering each phase, and check with your lawyer whether legal aid might apply.
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 Burundi cover psychological care?
The CNPK in Bujumbura is the national reference hospital for mental health, with branches at the Ngozi neuropsychiatric centre and the Gitega mental health centre; it offers outpatient and inpatient psychiatric and psychological care. A consultation or hospitalisation at the CNPK has been reported at 5,000 FBu. The country has only about four psychiatrists, and integration of mental health into primary care is being rolled out.
How do I check that a forensic psychologist is licensed in Burundi?
Ordre des Médecins du Burundi: The Order was created by Decree No. 100/187 of 4 June 1974 and oversees medical ethics for its members. Ask the doctor about their registration with the Order.