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.
Psychotherapists are professionals trained in one or more models of psychotherapy (psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural…). The protected title and requirements vary by country; profiles show each professional’s training and registration.
Getting mental health care in Bolivia
Public health system · Sistema Único de Salud (SUS)
Bolivia's Sistema Único de Salud is defined as a universal and free public health system run by the Ministerio de Salud y Deportes. Mental health care is still limited and mostly delivered through general health services and departmental programmes. In 2025 the Ministry published the country's first Plan Plurinacional de Salud Mental (2026-2030), aimed at community-based care integrated into primary care.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ministerio de Salud y Deportes and Colegio Médico de Bolivia. Under the Ley del Ejercicio Profesional Médico (Ley 3131 of 2005), doctors must be registered (matriculado) with the Ministry of Health and enrolled in the Colegio Médico de Bolivia. Ask a psychiatrist for their matrícula number and specialist title.
- Colegio de Psicólogos de Bolivia (departmental colegios). A law regulating the practice of psychology, including registration with the Colegio de Psicólogos de Bolivia, was approved by the Senate in the 2023-2024 session, but its final enactment could not be confirmed. Ask the psychologist for their university degree and Colegio membership.
- Colegio Profesional de Trabajadores Sociales de Bolivia. Ley 1692 of 2025 requires a professional degree in social work to practise and a registration (matrícula) number on every professional act.
Urgent help in Bolivia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 118 · Ambulancia
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: extranet.who.int, paho.org, lexivox.org, lexivox.org
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 psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist helps people understand and change emotional, relational and behavioural patterns through a structured therapeutic relationship. Their work is shaped by one or more models, such as cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic or integrative therapy. They meet individuals, couples, families or groups, usually in regular sessions, and spend time outside sessions on notes, preparation and their own supervision.
When to see a psychotherapist
Psychotherapy suits people who want to work in depth on recurring difficulties: anxiety, low mood, relationship patterns, self-esteem, the effects of past experiences or major life transitions. It can also help when you feel stuck without a clear diagnosis. If you need a formal diagnosis, a specific psychological assessment or medication, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may need to be involved.
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 Bolivia cover psychological care?
Bolivia's Sistema Único de Salud is defined as a universal and free public health system run by the Ministerio de Salud y Deportes. Mental health care is still limited and mostly delivered through general health services and departmental programmes. In 2025 the Ministry published the country's first Plan Plurinacional de Salud Mental (2026-2030), aimed at community-based care integrated into primary care.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in Bolivia?
Ministerio de Salud y Deportes and Colegio Médico de Bolivia: Under the Ley del Ejercicio Profesional Médico (Ley 3131 of 2005), doctors must be registered (matriculado) with the Ministry of Health and enrolled in the Colegio Médico de Bolivia. Ask a psychiatrist for their matrícula number and specialist title.