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.
Social workers support people and families in difficult situations: access to social and health resources, dependency, family conflicts, addictions or social exclusion. They coordinate with public services and other professionals.
Getting mental health care in Guinea
Public health system · Public health system - Psychiatry department, CHU Donka (Conakry)
Guinea has a single public psychiatry department, at Donka hospital in Conakry, and only about five psychiatrists; no psychologists work in the public sector. Some health centres, notably those supported by Fraternité Médicale Guinée, offer basic mental health care by trained general practitioners. Care and medicines are paid out of pocket.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ordre National des Médecins de Guinée. Doctors are governed by the Order and the 1996 code of medical ethics, which prohibits illegal practice of medicine. Ask for proof of registration with the Order.
Insurance and coverage
Only about 5% of the population has health insurance, and psychiatric care and medicines are not covered by any national insurance or state scheme.
Urgent help in Guinea
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 122 · Gendarmerie nationale – numéro vert d'urgence
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: osar.ch, panafrican-med-journal.com, extranet.who.int, guineenews.org
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 social worker do?
A social worker supports individuals, families and communities facing social, economic or relational difficulties. Day to day they assess needs, inform people about their rights and available resources, help with applications, coordinate with health, education, housing and legal services, and accompany people through crises. Some offer counselling or family intervention, especially in mental health, child protection, ageing and disability settings.
When to see a social worker
A social worker can help when practical problems add to emotional strain: caring for a dependent relative, financial or housing difficulties, isolation, a separation affecting children, a disability, or navigating services after a diagnosis. They are also key when there is risk of abuse or neglect. For psychological therapy itself, a psychologist or psychotherapist is usually more appropriate.
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 Guinea cover psychological care?
Guinea has a single public psychiatry department, at Donka hospital in Conakry, and only about five psychiatrists; no psychologists work in the public sector. Some health centres, notably those supported by Fraternité Médicale Guinée, offer basic mental health care by trained general practitioners. Care and medicines are paid out of pocket.
How do I check that a social worker is licensed in Guinea?
Ordre National des Médecins de Guinée: Doctors are governed by the Order and the 1996 code of medical ethics, which prohibits illegal practice of medicine. Ask for proof of registration with the Order.