About depression
Persistent sadness, loss of interest, tiredness, sleep changes or difficulty concentrating for weeks can be signs of depression. Psychotherapy is an effective treatment, alone or combined with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact emergency services or a crisis line straight away.
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 Cape Verde
Public health system · Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS)
Specialist psychiatric care in the public Serviço Nacional de Saúde is mainly provided at the Trindade unit of the Hospital Universitário Agostinho Neto in Praia, the national reference service, and patients are usually referred there. Health centres have psychologists and social workers, and psychiatrists visit some primary care sites. Mental health in primary care is still limited.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ordem dos Psicólogos de Cabo Verde (OPCV). The Ordem dos Psicólogos de Cabo Verde was created by Lei n.º 128/IX/2021 as the professional body for psychologists. Ask a psychologist for their OPCV membership. No public online register was found.
Urgent help in Cape Verde
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 130 · Ambulância
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: scielo.br, afro.who.int, boe.incv.cv
Signs to look out for
Everyone has low days, especially after a setback. It is worth seeking help when sadness, emptiness or irritability last most of the day for weeks, when you lose interest in things you used to enjoy, or when you notice changes in sleep, appetite, energy or concentration. Feeling worthless, guilty or that nothing will improve, and withdrawing from people, are also common signs.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), behavioural activation, interpersonal therapy and some psychodynamic approaches have good evidence. Psychologists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists provide therapy; a psychiatrist or family doctor can assess whether medication is appropriate, which is often considered for moderate or severe depression. Combining therapy with medical follow-up is common and can work well.
When to seek urgent help
If you are thinking about suicide, have a plan, or feel you might act on thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department now. If you are worried about someone else, stay with them if it is safe and seek help immediately. Telling someone close to you how you feel is an important first step.
What you can do in the meantime
Small steps matter: try to get up at a similar time each day, go outside, move a little, eat regular meals and do one manageable activity that used to bring you some satisfaction, even if you do not feel like it. Avoid using alcohol to cope. Stay in touch with at least one person you trust, and be patient with yourself while you seek professional support.
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 Cape Verde cover psychological care?
Specialist psychiatric care in the public Serviço Nacional de Saúde is mainly provided at the Trindade unit of the Hospital Universitário Agostinho Neto in Praia, the national reference service, and patients are usually referred there. Health centres have psychologists and social workers, and psychiatrists visit some primary care sites. Mental health in primary care is still limited.
How do I check that a psychologist is licensed in Cape Verde?
Ordem dos Psicólogos de Cabo Verde (OPCV): The Ordem dos Psicólogos de Cabo Verde was created by Lei n.º 128/IX/2021 as the professional body for psychologists. Ask a psychologist for their OPCV membership. No public online register was found.