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.
Social workers support people and families in difficult situations: access to social and health resources, dependency, family conflicts, addictions or social exclusion. They coordinate with public services and other professionals.
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
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 social worker do?
A social worker supports individuals, families and communities facing social, economic or relational difficulties. Day to day they assess needs, inform people about their rights and available resources, help with applications, coordinate with health, education, housing and legal services, and accompany people through crises. Some offer counselling or family intervention, especially in mental health, child protection, ageing and disability settings.
When to see a social worker
A social worker can help when practical problems add to emotional strain: caring for a dependent relative, financial or housing difficulties, isolation, a separation affecting children, a disability, or navigating services after a diagnosis. They are also key when there is risk of abuse or neglect. For psychological therapy itself, a psychologist or psychotherapist is usually more appropriate.
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 social worker 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.