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.
Family therapists work with the whole family or several of its members to improve communication, resolve conflicts and go through changes such as separations, losses or a child’s difficulties. They look at relationships rather than at one person alone.
Getting mental health care in Dominica
Public health system · Ministry of Health – Acute Psychiatric Unit, Dominica China Friendship Hospital
Outpatient and non-urgent care starts at the health centre in your district, which can refer you to the Acute Psychiatric Unit at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (formerly Princess Margaret Hospital). Mental health services are being integrated into primary health care, and new mental health legislation is being drafted.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical Board of Dominica / Dominica Medical Council. Doctors must be registered before practising, and registrations are published in the official gazette. A 2026 Medical Profession Act establishes the Dominica Medical Council.
Urgent help in Dominica
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 999 · Emergency (999)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: gov.uk, paho.org, dom767.com
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 family therapist do?
A family therapist works with families as a system, seeing several members together or in different combinations. Day to day they help families improve communication, manage conflict, adapt to changes such as separation, illness, migration or the arrival of a child, and support a member who is struggling. They look at roles, rules and patterns in the relationships rather than blaming one person.
When to see a family therapist
Family therapy makes sense when tension at home is constant, when a child or teenager’s difficulties affect everyone, after a separation or blended-family transition, during a loss or serious illness, or when communication has broken down between generations. If one person has a severe mental health condition, family therapy can complement, not replace, individual treatment. Couple-only problems may suit couples therapy better.
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 Dominica cover psychological care?
Outpatient and non-urgent care starts at the health centre in your district, which can refer you to the Acute Psychiatric Unit at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (formerly Princess Margaret Hospital). Mental health services are being integrated into primary health care, and new mental health legislation is being drafted.
How do I check that a family therapist is licensed in Dominica?
Medical Board of Dominica / Dominica Medical Council: Doctors must be registered before practising, and registrations are published in the official gazette. A 2026 Medical Profession Act establishes the Dominica Medical Council.