About phobias
A phobia is an intense, persistent fear of a specific object or situation (flying, animals, heights, blood…) that leads to avoidance. Gradual exposure therapy is highly effective and often requires a limited number of sessions.
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 Iraq
Public health system · Ministry of Health public health services
Public mental health care is run by the Ministry of Health, whose 2015 National Mental Health Strategy aims to integrate mental health into primary health care with a community-based approach. WHO and the ministry train non-specialist staff in primary health care centres to identify and manage common mental disorders (mhGAP). Specialist inpatient care is concentrated in a few psychiatric hospitals in Baghdad (Ibn Rushd and Al-Rashad) and psychiatric units in general hospitals, and there is a recognised shortage of psychiatrists. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Iraqi Medical Association (Doctors' Syndicate, Niqabat al-Atibba). Doctors, including psychiatrists, are registered with the Iraqi Medical Association. Ask the psychiatrist for their syndicate registration.
Urgent help in Iraq
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 122 · Ambulance
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: emro.who.int, emro.who.int, odihpn.org, shafaq.com
Signs to look out for
Fear is normal in dangerous situations. A phobia is an intense, persistent fear of something specific, such as flying, heights, animals, needles, blood or enclosed spaces, that is out of proportion to the real risk. It becomes a problem when you go out of your way to avoid it, feel panic when facing it, or when avoidance limits your work, travel, health care or relationships.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Specific phobias respond very well to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with gradual exposure, in which you face the feared situation step by step with support. Exposure can be done in real life, through imagination or, in some cases, with virtual reality. Some phobias can improve with relatively short, intensive treatment. Psychologists and clinical psychologists usually lead this work.
When to seek urgent help
Phobias are rarely emergencies, but a fear of needles, doctors or hospitals should not stop you from getting necessary care; tell health staff so they can help. Contact your local emergency services if fear prevents you from seeking urgent treatment, or if intense panic comes with chest pain or symptoms you have not had before. Seek urgent help for any thoughts of self-harm.
What you can do in the meantime
Avoidance keeps fear alive, so small, planned steps towards what you fear can help, for example looking at pictures before approaching the real thing. Practise slow breathing to manage physical symptoms. Learn reliable facts about the real risk. Ask a supportive person to accompany you, and acknowledge each step forward. If fear is very intense, it is better to do this with a professional.
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 Iraq cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is run by the Ministry of Health, whose 2015 National Mental Health Strategy aims to integrate mental health into primary health care with a community-based approach. WHO and the ministry train non-specialist staff in primary health care centres to identify and manage common mental disorders (mhGAP). Specialist inpatient care is concentrated in a few psychiatric hospitals in Baghdad (Ibn Rushd and Al-Rashad) and psychiatric units in general hospitals, and there is a recognised shortage of psychiatrists.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in Iraq?
Iraqi Medical Association (Doctors' Syndicate, Niqabat al-Atibba): Doctors, including psychiatrists, are registered with the Iraqi Medical Association. Ask the psychiatrist for their syndicate registration.