About addiction
Addictions to substances or behaviours such as gambling, gaming or the internet involve loss of control and continuing despite harm. Treatment usually combines psychological therapy, relapse prevention and, in some cases, medical care. Professionals with experience in addictions can coordinate with specialised services.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialised in mental health. They diagnose, prescribe and monitor medication and may also provide psychotherapy. They are usually the first choice when medication may be needed or symptoms are severe.
Getting mental health care in Brazil
Public health system · Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)
Mental health care in the SUS is free and organised through primary care units (UBS) and Psychosocial Care Centres (CAPS), which can be reached directly or by referral.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM) and Regional Councils (CRM). Psychiatrists are doctors registered with a CRM; the CFM search shows registration and any registered specialty (RQE). Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Private health plans regulated by ANS must cover psychotherapy and psychiatric consultations within the plan network.
Online therapy in Brazil
Psychologists offering online services must have active CRP registration and be registered on the CFP's e-Psi platform (Resolution CFP 11/2018).
Urgent help in Brazil
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 193 · Corpo de Bombeiros
- 188 · CVV – Centro de Valorização da Vida
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: site.cfp.org.br, sites.usp.br
Signs to look out for
An addiction may be developing when you find it hard to control how much or how often you use a substance or engage in a behaviour such as gambling, gaming, shopping or online use; when you keep going despite problems with health, money, work or relationships; when you need more to get the same effect; or when you feel restless or unwell when you stop.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Effective approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, relapse-prevention programmes, contingency management and, for young people, family-based therapy. Psychologists and clinical psychologists with addiction experience, psychiatrists and specialised addiction services usually work together. For some substances, medically supervised treatment is needed. Mutual-help groups can complement professional care for many people.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services immediately in case of a suspected overdose, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, seizures, chest pain or confusion. Seek urgent help too if there are thoughts of suicide or harming others. Stopping some substances suddenly after heavy use can be dangerous, so talk to a doctor before quitting.
What you can do in the meantime
Be honest with yourself about how often and why you use, and notice the situations, emotions and people that trigger it. Tell someone you trust and consider removing easy access, such as blocking betting apps or limiting cash. Fill your time with activities that do not involve the substance or behaviour. Lapses can happen; they are a signal to seek support, not a failure.
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses mental health problems from a medical point of view. Day to day they carry out diagnostic interviews, rule out physical causes, decide whether medication could help, prescribe it and monitor its effects and side effects. Many also offer psychotherapy or work alongside psychologists. They see adults, older people and, if specialised, children and adolescents.
When to see a psychiatrist
Consider a psychiatrist when symptoms are intense or long-lasting, when therapy alone has not been enough, when you are already taking psychiatric medication, or when there are experiences such as severe mood swings, hearing or seeing things others do not, or very disturbed sleep. If what you mainly need is talking therapy for everyday difficulties, a psychologist or psychotherapist may fit better.
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 Brazil cover psychological care?
Mental health care in the SUS is free and organised through primary care units (UBS) and Psychosocial Care Centres (CAPS), which can be reached directly or by referral.
How do I check that a psychiatrist is licensed in Brazil?
Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM) and Regional Councils (CRM): Psychiatrists are doctors registered with a CRM; the CFM search shows registration and any registered specialty (RQE).
Can I have online therapy in Brazil?
Psychologists offering online services must have active CRP registration and be registered on the CFP's e-Psi platform (Resolution CFP 11/2018).