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.
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 Cambodia
Public health system · Ministry of Health - National Programme for Mental Health (referral hospitals)
Mental health care is provided mainly through outpatient services at provincial referral hospitals, with very few psychiatric inpatient beds and around 60 psychiatrists nationwide. Many provinces have no psychiatrist, and NGOs such as TPO Cambodia provide part of the community mental health care.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical Council of Cambodia. All physicians, including psychiatrists, must register with the Medical Council (through its capital and provincial offices) before practising. Psychologists are not covered by any of the five health professional councils.
Urgent help in Cambodia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 119 · Ambulance
- 017222372 · TPO Cambodia Suicide Prevention Helpline
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, thejakartapost.com, phnompenhpost.com, phnompenhpost.com
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 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 Cambodia cover psychological care?
Mental health care is provided mainly through outpatient services at provincial referral hospitals, with very few psychiatric inpatient beds and around 60 psychiatrists nationwide. Many provinces have no psychiatrist, and NGOs such as TPO Cambodia provide part of the community mental health care.
How do I check that a therapist is licensed in Cambodia?
Medical Council of Cambodia: All physicians, including psychiatrists, must register with the Medical Council (through its capital and provincial offices) before practising. Psychologists are not covered by any of the five health professional councils.