About children
Child psychologists adapt therapy to each age, often using play and drawing, and work closely with parents. Common reasons for consultation include anxiety, fears, behaviour, learning difficulties and family changes. For minors, consent from those with parental responsibility is required.
Therapist is the everyday word for a professional who offers talking therapy: depending on the country it can be a psychologist, a psychotherapist, a licensed counsellor, a marriage and family therapist or a clinical social worker. Profiles show each therapist’s actual title, training and registration.
Getting mental health care in Czechia
Public health system · Public health insurance (veřejné zdravotní pojištění)
Care by clinical psychologists contracted with a health insurer is covered by public health insurance and can be accessed directly without a doctor's referral; psychiatric care is also covered. Capacity is limited and many clinical psychologists work without insurer contracts.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ministry of Health (specialised training in clinical psychology and psychotherapy). Within healthcare, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist are attested specialisations under Ministry of Health rules; outside healthcare the title psychologist is not regulated. The national register of health workers is not public, so ask to see the attestation.
- Česká lékařská komora (Czech Medical Chamber). Every practising doctor must be a member of the Chamber, which publishes a searchable list of members by name, specialty and district. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Since 2026 public insurance (VZP) also covers up to 26 modules per year of digital cognitive behavioural therapy.
Urgent help in Czechia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 116 123 · Linka první psychické pomoci
- 608 902 410 · Modrá linka
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: mzd.gov.cz, lkcr.cz, vzp.cz, is.muni.cz
Signs to look out for
Children often show distress through behaviour and the body rather than words. It may be worth consulting a professional when a child has persistent fears or worries, frequent tantrums, sleep or eating changes, regression such as bedwetting again, headaches or stomach aches without a medical cause, withdrawal, school difficulties, or after a difficult event such as a separation, a loss or a move.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Therapy with children usually involves parents closely. Evidence-based approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy adapted to age, parent training programmes, play-based therapy, family therapy and trauma-focused CBT after difficult experiences. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists and family therapists are the main professionals; speech therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists or child psychiatrists may be involved depending on needs.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child is in danger, has been harmed, may have swallowed something toxic, or talks about wanting to die or hurt themselves, even at a young age. If you suspect abuse or neglect, seek help from child protection services or emergency services. Sudden changes in consciousness, speech or movement need immediate medical attention.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep predictable routines for sleep, meals and play, and limit screens, especially before bed. Spend some unhurried time each day with your child, following their lead in play. Name emotions together and stay calm when they are upset. Explain changes in simple, honest terms appropriate to their age. Look after your own well-being too, since children are sensitive to adult stress.
What does a therapist do?
A therapist helps you talk through what is worrying you and find practical ways to feel and cope better. In sessions they listen, ask questions, help you notice patterns in your thoughts, emotions and relationships, and agree goals with you. Depending on their training they may use cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, systemic, psychodynamic or other evidence-based approaches, with individuals, couples, families or groups.
When to see a therapist
It makes sense to look for a therapist when stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship problems, a difficult change or the effects of past experiences start to weigh on your daily life, or when you simply want space to understand yourself better. If symptoms are severe, you may need medication or there are signs of a medical cause, involve your doctor or a psychiatrist as well.
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 Czechia cover psychological care?
Care by clinical psychologists contracted with a health insurer is covered by public health insurance and can be accessed directly without a doctor's referral; psychiatric care is also covered. Capacity is limited and many clinical psychologists work without insurer contracts.
How do I check that a therapist is licensed in Czechia?
Ministry of Health (specialised training in clinical psychology and psychotherapy): Within healthcare, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist are attested specialisations under Ministry of Health rules; outside healthcare the title psychologist is not regulated. The national register of health workers is not public, so ask to see the attestation.