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 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). Psychologist is a licensed health profession: using the title and practising requires a licence from the Directorate of Health. Search the official register
- 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
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 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 psychotherapist is licensed in Iceland?
Directorate of Health (Embætti landlæknis): Psychologist is a licensed health profession: using the title and practising requires a licence from the Directorate of Health.