About ADHD
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) affects attention, impulsivity and activity in children and adults. Diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often by a psychiatrist, neuropsychologist or specialised psychologist. Treatment may include psychoeducation, behavioural strategies, support at school or work and, if appropriate, medication.
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 the Caribbean Netherlands
Public health system · Zorg en Jeugd Caribisch Nederland (ZJCN, formerly ZVK) and Mental Health Caribbean
Residents of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba are insured through ZJCN, which contracts Mental Health Caribbean (MHC) as the mental health provider for the three islands. MHC delivers mostly outpatient care; on Bonaire a local team takes responsibility for all mental health needs without a complex referral system.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Dutch BIG-register. ZJCN aims to work with BIG-registered care providers. Check the Dutch BIG-register for health-care psychologists (GZ-psycholoog), clinical psychologists, psychotherapists and doctors such as psychiatrists. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Care contracted by ZJCN is covered for insured residents, including the option of a second opinion.
Urgent help in the Caribbean Netherlands
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 911 · Emergency (911)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl, tijdschriftvoorpsychiatrie.nl, ggztotaal.nl, caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl
Signs to look out for
Everyone gets distracted at times. ADHD may be worth assessing when difficulties with attention, organisation, impulsivity or restlessness have been present since childhood, appear in different settings such as school, work and home, and cause real problems: unfinished tasks, frequent lost items, forgetting appointments, acting without thinking, or feeling constantly restless. In adults it is often unrecognised for years.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Diagnosis requires a careful assessment by a qualified professional, such as a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist or paediatrician, depending on age and country. Treatment may combine psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for organisation and emotional regulation, parent training for children, school adaptations, and medication prescribed and monitored by a doctor when appropriate. Educational psychologists and psychopedagogues support learning.
When to seek urgent help
ADHD itself is not an emergency, but impulsivity can increase risks. Contact your local emergency services after a serious accident or injury, or if someone has thoughts of suicide or harming others. Seek prompt medical advice for any worrying side effects of medication, such as chest pain or palpitations, and do not change medication without talking to the prescribing doctor.
What you can do in the meantime
External structure helps: use calendars, alarms, lists and visible reminders, and break tasks into small steps with short breaks. Regular sleep, physical activity and meals support attention. Reduce distractions in your work or study space. For children, clear routines, specific praise and calm, consistent limits help. Look for reliable information from health organisations rather than social media alone.
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 the Caribbean Netherlands cover psychological care?
Residents of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba are insured through ZJCN, which contracts Mental Health Caribbean (MHC) as the mental health provider for the three islands. MHC delivers mostly outpatient care; on Bonaire a local team takes responsibility for all mental health needs without a complex referral system.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in the Caribbean Netherlands?
Dutch BIG-register: ZJCN aims to work with BIG-registered care providers. Check the Dutch BIG-register for health-care psychologists (GZ-psycholoog), clinical psychologists, psychotherapists and doctors such as psychiatrists.