About insomnia
Chronic insomnia means difficulty falling or staying asleep several nights a week for months. Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first treatment and works on habits, schedules and the thoughts that keep sleeplessness going.
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 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
Signs to look out for
Everyone sleeps badly sometimes, especially during stress. Insomnia may need attention when you regularly struggle to fall asleep, wake up often or very early and cannot get back to sleep, or wake unrefreshed, for several weeks, and it affects your mood, concentration, energy or safety during the day. Worrying about sleep itself often becomes part of the problem.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. It includes sleep scheduling, stimulus control, work on unhelpful beliefs about sleep and relaxation techniques. Psychologists and clinical psychologists trained in CBT-I usually provide it, individually, in groups or through guided digital programmes. A doctor should rule out physical causes and other sleep disorders.
When to seek urgent help
Seek prompt medical attention if you stop breathing or gasp during sleep, fall asleep while driving or in dangerous situations, or go several nights with almost no sleep alongside unusual energy, racing thoughts or confusion. If lack of sleep comes with hopelessness or thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep a regular wake-up time every day, including weekends, and only go to bed when you feel sleepy. If you cannot sleep after a while, get up and do something calm in dim light until you feel drowsy. Limit caffeine after midday, alcohol and heavy meals at night. Reduce screens before bed and get daylight and movement during the day.
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 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 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.