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 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 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 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 social worker is licensed in China?
National Health Commission (physician licensing): Psychiatrists are licensed physicians registered with health authorities.