About social psychologists
Social psychologists study and intervene in how groups, communities and social context influence behaviour: coexistence, discrimination, community programmes and group processes in organisations.
Getting mental health care in Italy
Public health system · Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN)
Public mental health care is provided by local Centri di Salute Mentale (CSM) and consultori, usually with a GP referral and a co-payment (ticket). The means-tested Bonus psicologo contributes up to 50 euros per session.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Consiglio Nazionale Ordine degli Psicologi (CNOP) and regional Ordini. Practising as a psychologist requires registration in the Albo degli Psicologi; psychotherapists must have an additional annotation after a recognised specialisation. Search the official register
- FNOMCeO and provincial Ordini dei Medici. Psychiatrists are doctors registered with their provincial Ordine; the FNOMCeO portal lets you search registered doctors. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
The 2025 Bonus psicologo, applied for via INPS, covered up to 1,500 euros depending on ISEE income, paid at a maximum of 50 euros per session to participating psychotherapists.
Urgent help in Italy
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 02 2327 2327 · Telefono Amico Italia
- 06 77208977 · Samaritans Onlus
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: tg24.sky.it, psy.it
What does a social psychologist do?
A social psychologist studies how other people, groups and social context shape our thoughts, feelings and behaviour. In applied practice they work on topics such as prejudice, group conflict, community well-being, health behaviour, social inclusion and organisational culture. They design and evaluate programmes, facilitate groups, train teams and advise organisations, schools, local services or community projects.
When to see a social psychologist
A social psychologist can help a school, company, association or community facing group conflict, discrimination, low participation or the need to design a prevention or awareness programme. They are also useful for mediation and group facilitation. If what you need is personal therapy for anxiety, low mood or relationship problems, a psychologist or clinical psychologist is usually the right choice.
How is it different from other professionals?
A social psychologist focuses on group and social processes rather than individual treatment. A clinical psychologist assesses and treats mental health problems in individuals. A work psychologist applies psychology specifically to jobs and organisations. A social worker supports people and families in accessing resources and rights. Social psychologists often collaborate with all of them in community and prevention projects.
What happens in the first session
A first meeting is usually a needs analysis: what is happening, who is involved, what has been tried and what change you want to see. The psychologist may propose interviews, surveys or observation before designing an intervention. Bring relevant data, previous reports and a clear contact person, and ask about methodology, timeline, how results are evaluated and how confidentiality is protected.
How long does the process take?
Projects vary widely: a workshop may last a few hours, while a community or organisational programme can run for months, with phases of assessment, intervention and evaluation. Group sessions are scheduled according to the participants and goals. Duration depends on the size of the group, the complexity of the issue, available resources and the commitment of those involved.
Online or in person?
Online formats work well for training, surveys, planning meetings and some group facilitation, and make it easier to include people in different locations. In-person work is often preferable for community interventions, conflict mediation and activities where trust, informal contact and observing group dynamics matter. Many projects use a mix of both.
How to check their qualifications
Social psychologists are psychologists, so check that they hold a psychology degree and, where practice is regulated, that they are registered with the licensing body or professional college of their country. Ask about postgraduate training in social, community or group psychology, previous projects similar to yours, references, and how they evaluate the impact of their work.
What affects the price?
Pricing is often per project, per workshop or per hour, rather than per session. It depends on the scope, the number of participants, preparation and evaluation time, travel, the professional’s experience and the modality. Ask for a written proposal with phases and deliverables, and check whether public funding or grants could support community projects.
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 Italy cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is provided by local Centri di Salute Mentale (CSM) and consultori, usually with a GP referral and a co-payment (ticket). The means-tested Bonus psicologo contributes up to 50 euros per session.
How do I check that a social psychologist is licensed in Italy?
Consiglio Nazionale Ordine degli Psicologi (CNOP) and regional Ordini: Practising as a psychologist requires registration in the Albo degli Psicologi; psychotherapists must have an additional annotation after a recognised specialisation.