About LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ affirmative professionals offer a safe, respectful space to explore identity, relationships, coming out, minority stress or discrimination, without pathologising sexual orientation or gender identity.
Social psychologists study and intervene in how groups, communities and social context influence behaviour: coexistence, discrimination, community programmes and group processes in organisations.
Getting mental health care in Cameroon
Public health system · Ministry of Public Health
The Jamot Hospital in Yaoundé is the national reference hospital for mental disorders, and its psychiatric department is being renovated. Cameroon has a mental health policy and plan, but no dedicated mental health budget, and psychiatric services are generally lacking in rural areas, where nurses, psychologists and general practitioners provide most care.
Urgent help in Cameroon
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 117 · Police secours
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: hsd-fmsb.org, doaj.org, camer.be
Signs to look out for
Being LGBTQ+ is not a mental health problem. However, discrimination, rejection, hiding who you are or living in an unsupportive environment can create stress that affects well-being. It may help to seek support if you feel anxious or low, isolated, unsafe, conflicted about your identity, struggling with coming out, facing family rejection, or affected by harassment or violence.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Look for affirmative therapy: psychologists, psychotherapists and other professionals who respect your identity and have training in sexual and gender diversity. Evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and family therapy can be adapted to address minority stress. So-called conversion therapies are harmful and rejected by professional bodies. Peer and community groups can complement professional support.
When to seek urgent help
If you are in immediate danger, have been assaulted, or are being threatened because of your identity, contact your local emergency services. Seek urgent help too if you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or if you have been thrown out of your home and have nowhere safe to go. Specialised LGBTQ+ organisations in many places can offer support and guidance.
What you can do in the meantime
Connect with people and spaces where you can be yourself, whether friends, community groups or trusted online communities. You decide when, how and to whom you come out; your safety comes first. Look for reliable, affirming information sources. Look after sleep, movement and routines, and limit exposure to hostile content online. Ask potential therapists directly about their experience with LGBTQ+ clients.
What does a social psychologist do?
A social psychologist studies how other people, groups and social context shape our thoughts, feelings and behaviour. In applied practice they work on topics such as prejudice, group conflict, community well-being, health behaviour, social inclusion and organisational culture. They design and evaluate programmes, facilitate groups, train teams and advise organisations, schools, local services or community projects.
When to see a social psychologist
A social psychologist can help a school, company, association or community facing group conflict, discrimination, low participation or the need to design a prevention or awareness programme. They are also useful for mediation and group facilitation. If what you need is personal therapy for anxiety, low mood or relationship problems, a psychologist or clinical psychologist is usually the right choice.
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 Cameroon cover psychological care?
The Jamot Hospital in Yaoundé is the national reference hospital for mental disorders, and its psychiatric department is being renovated. Cameroon has a mental health policy and plan, but no dedicated mental health budget, and psychiatric services are generally lacking in rural areas, where nurses, psychologists and general practitioners provide most care.