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.
Family therapists work with the whole family or several of its members to improve communication, resolve conflicts and go through changes such as separations, losses or a child’s difficulties. They look at relationships rather than at one person alone.
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
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 family therapist do?
A family therapist works with families as a system, seeing several members together or in different combinations. Day to day they help families improve communication, manage conflict, adapt to changes such as separation, illness, migration or the arrival of a child, and support a member who is struggling. They look at roles, rules and patterns in the relationships rather than blaming one person.
When to see a family therapist
Family therapy makes sense when tension at home is constant, when a child or teenager’s difficulties affect everyone, after a separation or blended-family transition, during a loss or serious illness, or when communication has broken down between generations. If one person has a severe mental health condition, family therapy can complement, not replace, individual treatment. Couple-only problems may suit couples therapy 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 family therapist is licensed in China?
National Health Commission (physician licensing): Psychiatrists are licensed physicians registered with health authorities.