About older adults
Psychological support for older adults addresses loneliness, grief, adapting to retirement or illness, memory concerns and caring for a partner. Many professionals also offer sessions at home or online.
Speech and language therapists assess and treat difficulties with language, speech, voice, swallowing and communication in children and adults.
Getting mental health care in Ivory Coast
Public health system · Programme national de santé mentale (PNSM), Ministère de la Santé
The Hôpital psychiatrique de Bingerville, open since 1962, is the main public specialist mental health hospital and offers psychiatric consultations. The national mental health programme follows a 2023-2025 strategic plan and aims to decentralise mental health services to all levels of the health system; a project runs community mental health care in 15 health centres of Greater Abidjan. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ordre national des médecins de Côte d'Ivoire. All doctors authorised to practise, including psychiatrists, must be entered on the roll of the Ordre des médecins (governed by Law 2021-555). Ask for the doctor's order registration.
- No professional order (Ministry of Health, DEPPS). There is no order for psychologists; the Ministry of Health's DEPPS directorate has been compiling a directory of psychology professionals. Check the psychologist's university degree.
Urgent help in Ivory Coast
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 110 · Police secours (aussi 111 ou 170)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: news.abidjan.net, prph4.expertisefrance.fr, loidici.biz, afrique-sur7.fr
Signs to look out for
Ageing brings changes, but persistent sadness, loss of interest, anxiety, withdrawal or irritability are not an inevitable part of getting older. It may be worth seeking help after losses such as bereavement, retirement or loss of independence, when loneliness is weighing heavily, or when there are noticeable changes in memory, orientation or behaviour that worry the person or their family.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, problem-solving therapy and reminiscence or life-review therapy are effective for older adults with depression or anxiety. Neuropsychologists assess memory concerns and design cognitive stimulation. Psychologists, psychiatrists with experience in older people, occupational therapists and social workers often work together, and family carers can also receive support and guidance.
When to seek urgent help
Sudden confusion, drowsiness, difficulty speaking, weakness on one side or a fall with injury need immediate medical attention: contact your local emergency services. Seek urgent help too if an older person expresses thoughts of suicide, stops eating or drinking, or if you suspect abuse or neglect. Reviewing medication with a doctor is important when behaviour changes.
What you can do in the meantime
Staying connected matters: regular contact with family, friends, neighbours or community groups helps protect mood. Keep routines with daily activity, walks, meals and sleep, and continue hobbies or learn new ones. Check hearing and vision, since difficulties can increase isolation. Carers should also look after themselves and ask for help, as caring can be exhausting.
What does a speech therapist do?
A speech therapist assesses and treats difficulties with communication, language, speech, voice, fluency and swallowing. Day to day they might help a toddler say their first words, a child with stuttering or reading-related language problems, an adult recovering language after a stroke, a teacher with voice strain, or an older person with swallowing difficulties. They also guide families, teachers and carers.
When to see a speech therapist
Consider a speech therapist if a child’s speech or language seems delayed or hard to understand, if there is stuttering, persistent hoarseness or voice loss, difficulty finding words after a neurological event, or coughing and choking when eating. Sudden loss of speech or swallowing needs urgent medical attention first. For learning difficulties beyond language, an educational psychologist may also help.
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 Ivory Coast cover psychological care?
The Hôpital psychiatrique de Bingerville, open since 1962, is the main public specialist mental health hospital and offers psychiatric consultations. The national mental health programme follows a 2023-2025 strategic plan and aims to decentralise mental health services to all levels of the health system; a project runs community mental health care in 15 health centres of Greater Abidjan.
How do I check that a speech therapist is licensed in Ivory Coast?
Ordre national des médecins de Côte d'Ivoire: All doctors authorised to practise, including psychiatrists, must be entered on the roll of the Ordre des médecins (governed by Law 2021-555). Ask for the doctor's order registration.