About alcohol addiction
Problematic drinking ranges from regular excess to dependence. Psychological support helps understand the role alcohol plays, set goals (reduction or abstinence) and prevent relapse. Stopping suddenly after heavy drinking can be dangerous: talk to a doctor first.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialised in mental health. They diagnose, prescribe and monitor medication and may also provide psychotherapy. They are usually the first choice when medication may be needed or symptoms are severe.
Getting mental health care in Iceland
Public health system · Primary health centres (heilsugæsla) and Sjúkratryggingar Íslands (Icelandic Health Insurance)
Primary health centres offer psychological services, and adults can get subsidised sessions with a psychologist contracted to Icelandic Health Insurance with a referral from a health centre (up to 12 sessions; children up to 10). Psychiatric care is provided at Landspítali and by private psychiatrists. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Directorate of Health (Embætti landlæknis). Psychiatrists need a medical licence and a specialist licence in psychiatry from the Directorate of Health.
Insurance and coverage
Icelandic Health Insurance subsidises sessions only with contracted psychologists and with a valid referral (from a health centre for adults; a health centre or diagnostic team for children), up to 12 sessions for adults and 10 for children.
Urgent help in Iceland
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 1717 · Hjálparsími Rauða krossins 1717
- 1799 · Píeta – hjálparsími
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: island.is, island.is, island.is
Signs to look out for
Drinking may be becoming a problem when you often drink more than you planned, need alcohol to relax, sleep or face social situations, feel guilty about it, or others express concern. Other signs include memory gaps, missing responsibilities, drinking in the morning, needing more to feel the effect, and feeling shaky, sweaty or anxious when you have not had a drink.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychological treatments with good evidence include motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), relapse prevention and couples or family-based approaches. Psychologists with addiction experience, psychiatrists, family doctors and specialised alcohol services often work together. A doctor can assess whether medically supervised withdrawal or medication to support reducing or stopping is appropriate. Mutual-help groups support many people alongside treatment.
When to seek urgent help
Stopping drinking suddenly after heavy, regular use can cause dangerous withdrawal, so speak to a doctor before stopping. Contact your local emergency services immediately if someone is unconscious, has trouble breathing, has a seizure, is very confused or is seeing things that are not there. Seek urgent help too for thoughts of suicide or when someone is at risk.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep a simple diary of when, where and how much you drink, and notice what triggers it. Set alcohol-free days, avoid keeping alcohol at home, and plan alternatives for difficult moments, such as a walk or a call to someone. Tell people close to you about your goal so they can support you. Reliable health sources explain low-risk guidelines and where to find help.
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses mental health problems from a medical point of view. Day to day they carry out diagnostic interviews, rule out physical causes, decide whether medication could help, prescribe it and monitor its effects and side effects. Many also offer psychotherapy or work alongside psychologists. They see adults, older people and, if specialised, children and adolescents.
When to see a psychiatrist
Consider a psychiatrist when symptoms are intense or long-lasting, when therapy alone has not been enough, when you are already taking psychiatric medication, or when there are experiences such as severe mood swings, hearing or seeing things others do not, or very disturbed sleep. If what you mainly need is talking therapy for everyday difficulties, a psychologist or psychotherapist may fit better.
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 Iceland cover psychological care?
Primary health centres offer psychological services, and adults can get subsidised sessions with a psychologist contracted to Icelandic Health Insurance with a referral from a health centre (up to 12 sessions; children up to 10). Psychiatric care is provided at Landspítali and by private psychiatrists.
How do I check that a psychiatrist is licensed in Iceland?
Directorate of Health (Embætti landlæknis): Psychiatrists need a medical licence and a specialist licence in psychiatry from the Directorate of Health.