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.
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
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 psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
When to see a psychologist
It makes sense to see a psychologist when anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship problems, a loss or a difficult change start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, or when you simply want to understand yourself better. If symptoms are very severe, you may need medication, or there are signs of a medical cause, a psychiatrist or your doctor should be involved too.
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 psychologist is licensed in China?
National Health Commission (physician licensing): Psychiatrists are licensed physicians registered with health authorities.