About behavioral problems
Tantrums, defiance or aggressive behaviour that are frequent and intense can strain family life. Interventions usually involve the parents, with practical strategies for routines, limits and communication, and work with the child adapted to their age.
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 the Gambia
Public health system · Ministry of Health public health services
The country has one psychiatric hospital, Tanka Tanka (inpatient and outpatient), and one psychiatric outpatient clinic, both in and around the capital. A community mental health team visits health facilities in rural areas on a schedule. Services are scarce, and patients may have to buy medication themselves.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical and Dental Council of The Gambia. The Medical and Dental Practitioners Act established the Council, which registers and disciplines medical and dental practitioners. Ask a psychiatrist for their Council registration.
Urgent help in the Gambia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 116 · Ambulance
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, extranet.who.int
Signs to look out for
All children test limits and have tantrums at times. It may be worth seeking help when defiance, aggression, intense tantrums, lying, breaking rules or destructive behaviour are frequent, last for months, happen in several settings such as home and school, and cause problems with family life, learning or friendships. Sudden changes in behaviour can also signal stress, anxiety or difficulties elsewhere.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Parent training programmes based on behavioural principles have strong evidence for children’s behaviour problems. Family therapy and cognitive-behavioural approaches for the child or teenager, including emotional regulation and problem-solving skills, also help. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists, family therapists and educational psychologists usually lead the work. An assessment can identify contributing factors such as ADHD, learning difficulties or anxiety.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child or teenager is seriously hurting themselves or others, has a weapon, is missing, or talks about suicide. Seek urgent help too if you suspect drug use with signs of intoxication. If you feel you might lose control and harm your child, step away safely and seek support immediately; asking for help is responsible.
What you can do in the meantime
Notice and praise specific good behaviour, and spend a little one-to-one time each day doing something your child enjoys. Keep rules few, clear and consistent between adults, with calm, predictable consequences. Avoid shouting and physical punishment, which tend to worsen behaviour. Look after your own stress and sleep, and talk to the school to work together.
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 the Gambia cover psychological care?
The country has one psychiatric hospital, Tanka Tanka (inpatient and outpatient), and one psychiatric outpatient clinic, both in and around the capital. A community mental health team visits health facilities in rural areas on a schedule. Services are scarce, and patients may have to buy medication themselves.
How do I check that a psychologist is licensed in the Gambia?
Medical and Dental Council of The Gambia: The Medical and Dental Practitioners Act established the Council, which registers and disciplines medical and dental practitioners. Ask a psychiatrist for their Council registration.