About couples therapy
Couples therapy helps partners improve communication, handle conflict, rebuild trust after a crisis or make decisions together, including separation. Sessions are usually joint, sometimes with individual meetings. It is not about deciding who is right but about understanding the patterns between you.
Clinical psychologists are psychologists with specialist training in assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health problems, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions. In some countries it is a regulated health specialty; Therapy247 checks the registration.
Getting mental health care in China
Public health system · Public hospital system
Psychiatric and psychological care is mainly provided in psychiatric hospitals and psychiatry or psychology departments of general hospitals. The Mental Health Law in force since 2013 limits psychotherapy to medical institutions.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- National Health Commission (physician licensing). Psychiatrists are licensed physicians registered with health authorities.
- National Health Commission (health professional qualification exam). Psychotherapists in medical institutions hold a psychotherapist qualification obtained through the national health professional qualification exam. The former national psychological counsellor certificate stopped being issued in 2017.
Urgent help in China
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 120 · Ambulance
- 12356 · 12356 全国统一心理援助热线
- 4001619995 · 希望24热线 Hope Line
- 4008211215 · Lifeline China
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: apa.org, china-briefing.com
Signs to look out for
All couples argue. It may be time to seek help when the same arguments repeat without resolution, conversations quickly turn into criticism or silence, you feel lonely within the relationship, affection or sex have faded and that worries you, trust has been broken, or a big change such as a baby, illness or a move has unbalanced things. Considering separation is also a reason to talk.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Couples therapy approaches with good evidence include emotionally focused therapy, integrative behavioural couple therapy, cognitive-behavioural couples therapy and the Gottman method. Couples therapists, psychologists and psychotherapists with couples training usually lead the work, and a sex therapist can help when sexual concerns are central. Therapy can help couples reconnect, or separate with less damage, especially when children are involved.
When to seek urgent help
If there is physical violence, threats, sexual coercion, or you feel afraid of your partner, your safety comes first: contact your local emergency services if you are in immediate danger, and seek specialised support for domestic violence. Couples therapy is not recommended in these situations. Seek urgent help too if anyone has thoughts of suicide or harming others.
What you can do in the meantime
Choose calm moments to talk about difficult topics, rather than in the middle of an argument. Try to describe how you feel and what you need, instead of criticising. Take a break if things escalate and agree to come back to it. Make time for small moments of connection. Reading reliable information on relationships together can also open useful conversations.
What does a clinical psychologist do?
A clinical psychologist assesses, diagnoses and treats mental health problems in children, adults or older people. Day to day they conduct clinical interviews, use validated questionnaires and tests, formulate what keeps the problem going, and deliver evidence-based therapies. They often work in hospitals, community mental health teams or private practice, and coordinate with psychiatrists, family doctors and social services.
When to see a clinical psychologist
A clinical psychologist is a good choice for moderate to severe or persistent difficulties: anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive problems, trauma, eating disorders, personality difficulties, or when a formal diagnosis or report is needed. If medication may be needed or there is a risk to safety, a psychiatrist should also be involved. For coaching or personal growth, other professionals 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 China cover psychological care?
Psychiatric and psychological care is mainly provided in psychiatric hospitals and psychiatry or psychology departments of general hospitals. The Mental Health Law in force since 2013 limits psychotherapy to medical institutions.
How do I check that a clinical psychologist is licensed in China?
National Health Commission (physician licensing): Psychiatrists are licensed physicians registered with health authorities.