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.
Therapist is the everyday word for a professional who offers talking therapy: depending on the country it can be a psychologist, a psychotherapist, a licensed counsellor, a marriage and family therapist or a clinical social worker. Profiles show each therapist’s actual title, training and registration.
Getting mental health care in Jersey
Public health system · Health and Community Services – Adult Mental Health Services and Jersey Talking Therapies
You can be referred by your GP or another health professional, or refer yourself to Adult Mental Health Services by phone. Jersey Talking Therapies is a free, confidential service for adults aged 18 and over that accepts online self-referral. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Jersey Care Commission. Clinical psychologists and psychotherapists must be registered locally with the Jersey Care Commission; registered psychotherapists must also be registered with the UK HCPC. Counsellors are not covered by local registration. A new Health and Social Care Professionals Register Law was adopted in 2026. Search the official register
- Jersey medical practitioners register (Government of Jersey). Doctors must be on Jersey's register of medical practitioners; you can also check their UK GMC registration. Search the official register
Urgent help in Jersey
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 116 123 · Samaritans
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: gov.je, gov.je, statesassembly.je
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 therapist do?
A therapist helps you talk through what is worrying you and find practical ways to feel and cope better. In sessions they listen, ask questions, help you notice patterns in your thoughts, emotions and relationships, and agree goals with you. Depending on their training they may use cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, systemic, psychodynamic or other evidence-based approaches, with individuals, couples, families or groups.
When to see a therapist
It makes sense to look for a therapist when stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship problems, a difficult change or the effects of past experiences start to weigh on your daily life, or when you simply want space to understand yourself better. If symptoms are severe, you may need medication or there are signs of a medical cause, involve your doctor or a psychiatrist as well.
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 Jersey cover psychological care?
You can be referred by your GP or another health professional, or refer yourself to Adult Mental Health Services by phone. Jersey Talking Therapies is a free, confidential service for adults aged 18 and over that accepts online self-referral.
How do I check that a therapist is licensed in Jersey?
Jersey Care Commission: Clinical psychologists and psychotherapists must be registered locally with the Jersey Care Commission; registered psychotherapists must also be registered with the UK HCPC. Counsellors are not covered by local registration. A new Health and Social Care Professionals Register Law was adopted in 2026.