About trauma
After a traumatic experience it is common to have intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance or to avoid reminders. When these persist, trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR or trauma-focused CBT can help. Look for a professional with specific training in trauma.
Forensic psychologists apply psychology to legal matters: expert reports for courts, custody and family proceedings, assessment of damages or credibility, and support for victims. Ask about their experience as an expert witness in your country.
Getting mental health care in Ethiopia
Public health system · Federal Ministry of Health public health system
St. Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa is the country's oldest and largest mental health provider, with psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. The Ministry of Health is expanding mental health services to public hospitals and health centres, but many facilities still do not offer them and access in rural areas is very limited. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ministry of Health, Health and Health-related Institutions and Professionals Regulatory Lead Executive Office. Health professionals are licensed by the Ministry of Health, which runs the national licensing examination for health professions. Ask for the practitioner's Ministry of Health professional licence.
Urgent help in Ethiopia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 991 · Federal Police
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: moh.gov.et, afro.who.int, ethiopianbusinessreview.net, moh.gov.et
Signs to look out for
After a frightening or overwhelming event, it is normal to feel shaken for a while. It is worth seeking help when, weeks later, you still have intrusive memories or nightmares, feel constantly on guard, startle easily, avoid anything that reminds you of what happened, feel numb or disconnected, or notice that it is affecting your sleep, relationships or work. Trauma can also stem from repeated experiences in childhood.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Trauma-focused therapies have strong evidence, especially trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure and EMDR. Psychologists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists with specific trauma training are the main professionals. For complex trauma, therapy often starts by building safety and emotional regulation. A psychiatrist can assess whether medication may help with symptoms such as sleep problems or severe anxiety.
When to seek urgent help
If you are in danger now, or the person who harmed you is still a threat, contact your local emergency services. Seek urgent help too if you have thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself, or if you feel completely disconnected from reality. After a physical or sexual assault, medical care is important even if there are no visible injuries.
What you can do in the meantime
Be patient with yourself: your reactions are a response to something abnormal. Try to keep simple routines, sleep and meals, and spend time with people who make you feel safe. Grounding techniques, such as noticing what you can see and hear around you, can help when memories intrude. Avoid using alcohol or drugs to numb feelings, and choose when and with whom you share your story.
What does a forensic psychologist do?
A forensic psychologist applies psychology to legal questions. Day to day they carry out expert assessments and write reports for courts, lawyers or individuals: for example on child custody, the psychological impact of an event, capacity, credibility issues or risk. Some also work in prisons, victim support or rehabilitation programmes. They may be asked to explain their findings at trial.
When to see a forensic psychologist
You may need a forensic psychologist when a legal process requires an independent psychological assessment: custody or visitation disputes, claims for psychological harm after an accident or assault, workplace harassment cases, or questions about a person’s capacity. If what you need is emotional support during a legal process, a therapist is more suitable, since forensic assessment is evaluative, not therapeutic.
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 Ethiopia cover psychological care?
St. Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa is the country's oldest and largest mental health provider, with psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. The Ministry of Health is expanding mental health services to public hospitals and health centres, but many facilities still do not offer them and access in rural areas is very limited.
How do I check that a forensic psychologist is licensed in Ethiopia?
Ministry of Health, Health and Health-related Institutions and Professionals Regulatory Lead Executive Office: Health professionals are licensed by the Ministry of Health, which runs the national licensing examination for health professions. Ask for the practitioner's Ministry of Health professional licence.