About addiction
Addictions to substances or behaviours such as gambling, gaming or the internet involve loss of control and continuing despite harm. Treatment usually combines psychological therapy, relapse prevention and, in some cases, medical care. Professionals with experience in addictions can coordinate with specialised services.
Psychotherapists are professionals trained in one or more models of psychotherapy (psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural…). The protected title and requirements vary by country; profiles show each professional’s training and registration.
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
An addiction may be developing when you find it hard to control how much or how often you use a substance or engage in a behaviour such as gambling, gaming, shopping or online use; when you keep going despite problems with health, money, work or relationships; when you need more to get the same effect; or when you feel restless or unwell when you stop.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Effective approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, relapse-prevention programmes, contingency management and, for young people, family-based therapy. Psychologists and clinical psychologists with addiction experience, psychiatrists and specialised addiction services usually work together. For some substances, medically supervised treatment is needed. Mutual-help groups can complement professional care for many people.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services immediately in case of a suspected overdose, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, seizures, chest pain or confusion. Seek urgent help too if there are thoughts of suicide or harming others. Stopping some substances suddenly after heavy use can be dangerous, so talk to a doctor before quitting.
What you can do in the meantime
Be honest with yourself about how often and why you use, and notice the situations, emotions and people that trigger it. Tell someone you trust and consider removing easy access, such as blocking betting apps or limiting cash. Fill your time with activities that do not involve the substance or behaviour. Lapses can happen; they are a signal to seek support, not a failure.
What does a psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist helps people understand and change emotional, relational and behavioural patterns through a structured therapeutic relationship. Their work is shaped by one or more models, such as cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic or integrative therapy. They meet individuals, couples, families or groups, usually in regular sessions, and spend time outside sessions on notes, preparation and their own supervision.
When to see a psychotherapist
Psychotherapy suits people who want to work in depth on recurring difficulties: anxiety, low mood, relationship patterns, self-esteem, the effects of past experiences or major life transitions. It can also help when you feel stuck without a clear diagnosis. If you need a formal diagnosis, a specific psychological assessment or medication, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may need to be involved.
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 psychotherapist 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.