About older adults
Psychological support for older adults addresses loneliness, grief, adapting to retirement or illness, memory concerns and caring for a partner. Many professionals also offer sessions at home or online.
Speech and language therapists assess and treat difficulties with language, speech, voice, swallowing and communication in children and adults.
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
Ageing brings changes, but persistent sadness, loss of interest, anxiety, withdrawal or irritability are not an inevitable part of getting older. It may be worth seeking help after losses such as bereavement, retirement or loss of independence, when loneliness is weighing heavily, or when there are noticeable changes in memory, orientation or behaviour that worry the person or their family.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, problem-solving therapy and reminiscence or life-review therapy are effective for older adults with depression or anxiety. Neuropsychologists assess memory concerns and design cognitive stimulation. Psychologists, psychiatrists with experience in older people, occupational therapists and social workers often work together, and family carers can also receive support and guidance.
When to seek urgent help
Sudden confusion, drowsiness, difficulty speaking, weakness on one side or a fall with injury need immediate medical attention: contact your local emergency services. Seek urgent help too if an older person expresses thoughts of suicide, stops eating or drinking, or if you suspect abuse or neglect. Reviewing medication with a doctor is important when behaviour changes.
What you can do in the meantime
Staying connected matters: regular contact with family, friends, neighbours or community groups helps protect mood. Keep routines with daily activity, walks, meals and sleep, and continue hobbies or learn new ones. Check hearing and vision, since difficulties can increase isolation. Carers should also look after themselves and ask for help, as caring can be exhausting.
What does a speech therapist do?
A speech therapist assesses and treats difficulties with communication, language, speech, voice, fluency and swallowing. Day to day they might help a toddler say their first words, a child with stuttering or reading-related language problems, an adult recovering language after a stroke, a teacher with voice strain, or an older person with swallowing difficulties. They also guide families, teachers and carers.
When to see a speech therapist
Consider a speech therapist if a child’s speech or language seems delayed or hard to understand, if there is stuttering, persistent hoarseness or voice loss, difficulty finding words after a neurological event, or coughing and choking when eating. Sudden loss of speech or swallowing needs urgent medical attention first. For learning difficulties beyond language, an educational psychologist may also help.
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 speech therapist 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.