About teenagers
Adolescence brings changes in identity, relationships and emotions. Therapy offers a confidential space to talk about anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, relationships or school pressure, with the involvement of the family when appropriate.
Educational psychologists are psychologists who work on learning, development and well-being at school: assessment of learning difficulties, ADHD or high abilities, support plans and guidance for families and teachers.
Getting mental health care in Chile
Public health system · Fonasa and GES (Garantías Explícitas en Salud)
Depression in people aged 15 and over is a GES-guaranteed condition: Fonasa users are treated in primary care (CESFAM) and community mental health centres, with treatment starting after diagnosis and specialist consultation within 30 days of referral. Fonasa groups A to D pay nothing for GES depression care; Isapre members pay 20%. Depression has the longest waiting lists in the system. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Superintendencia de Salud, Registro Nacional de Prestadores Individuales de Salud (RNPI). The RNPI shows whether a psychologist or doctor (including psychiatrists and their specialty) is legally qualified to practise in Chile; search by name or RUT and download a certificate for free.
Insurance and coverage
GES depression treatment is covered for both Fonasa and Isapre members, with 0% copay for Fonasa A-D and 20% for Isapre.
Urgent help in Chile
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 131 · Ambulancia (SAMU)
- *4141 · *4141 Línea de Prevención del Suicidio (MINSAL)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: superdesalud.gob.cl, superdesalud.gob.cl, chileatiende.gob.cl
Signs to look out for
Mood swings, wanting more privacy and clashes with parents are part of adolescence. It may be time to seek help when a teenager seems persistently sad, anxious or irritable, withdraws from friends, loses interest in activities, has big changes in sleep or eating, drops in school performance, uses alcohol or drugs, self-harms, or spends most of their time isolated online.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Approaches with good evidence for teenagers include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy for depression, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) adapted for adolescents when there is self-harm, and family-based therapies. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists and family therapists usually lead the work; a child and adolescent psychiatrist may be involved when symptoms are severe or medication is being considered.
When to seek urgent help
Take any talk of suicide or self-harm seriously. If a teenager has a plan, has harmed themselves seriously, has taken an overdose or is in danger, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Seek urgent help too for signs of severe intoxication, sexual exploitation or online extortion, and do not leave them alone if at risk.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep communication open by listening more than lecturing, and choose relaxed moments, such as car journeys or meals, to talk. Respect their growing independence while keeping clear, agreed limits. Encourage sleep routines, physical activity and time away from screens. Show interest in their friends and activities. If they are reluctant to seek help, offer options and let them have a say in choosing.
What does a educational psychologist do?
An educational psychologist supports children and young people’s learning, development and well-being in educational settings. Day to day they assess learning, attention, behaviour and emotional difficulties, observe pupils in class, write reports with recommendations, and work with families and teachers on support plans. Some also guide students on study habits, school transitions and career choices, or train school staff.
When to see a educational psychologist
It makes sense to consult an educational psychologist when a child struggles to read, write or do maths despite effort, has trouble concentrating, shows changes in behaviour at school, may have high abilities, or faces bullying or school refusal. If there are significant emotional problems at home as well, or a possible mental health condition, a clinical or child psychologist may also be needed.
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 Chile cover psychological care?
Depression in people aged 15 and over is a GES-guaranteed condition: Fonasa users are treated in primary care (CESFAM) and community mental health centres, with treatment starting after diagnosis and specialist consultation within 30 days of referral. Fonasa groups A to D pay nothing for GES depression care; Isapre members pay 20%. Depression has the longest waiting lists in the system.
How do I check that a educational psychologist is licensed in Chile?
Superintendencia de Salud, Registro Nacional de Prestadores Individuales de Salud (RNPI): The RNPI shows whether a psychologist or doctor (including psychiatrists and their specialty) is legally qualified to practise in Chile; search by name or RUT and download a certificate for free.