About stress
Stress is a normal response to demands, but when it is intense or lasts too long it can affect sleep, mood, relationships and physical health. Therapy helps identify the sources of stress, learn regulation techniques and set limits, so that pressure becomes manageable again.
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
Stress is a natural reaction to pressure and can even help in short bursts. It becomes a problem when you feel tense or overwhelmed most of the time, cannot relax even on days off, sleep badly, are irritable, find it hard to concentrate, or notice headaches, muscle tension or stomach problems. Relying more on alcohol, food or screens to unwind is another warning sign.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychologists can help identify the sources of stress, change unhelpful thinking patterns and build coping skills. Cognitive-behavioural approaches, problem-solving therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) have evidence for reducing stress. When work is the main source, an occupational psychologist can also help. A doctor should check persistent physical symptoms.
When to seek urgent help
Seek prompt medical attention for chest pain, severe headaches, fainting or other sudden physical symptoms, even if you think they are due to stress. If stress has become unbearable and you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department without delay.
What you can do in the meantime
Look at what you can change and what you cannot. Protect your sleep, take short breaks during the day, move regularly and set aside time for activities that genuinely restore you. Practise saying no or negotiating deadlines when possible. Relaxation or breathing exercises can help, as can talking things through with people you trust. Limit alcohol and caffeine.
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.