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.
Clinical psychologists are psychologists with specialist training in assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health problems, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions. In some countries it is a regulated health specialty; Therapy247 checks the registration.
Getting mental health care in Kuwait
Public health system · Ministry of Health public health services
Around 68 public primary care clinics offer mental health care by family doctors with extra mental health training, for conditions such as mild to moderate depression, anxiety, burnout and sleep problems. You can get a referral from a GP or book online through the Ministry of Health portal, and you are directed to the clinic for your registered home address. Severe or urgent cases are referred to psychiatrists at the Kuwait Center for Mental Health.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ministry of Health. Ministerial Decision 225 of 2026 requires psychotherapists, psychological specialists and counsellors in the public and private sectors to hold a Ministry of Health professional licence, with recognised degrees and supervised clinical training. Treatments without scientific evidence (such as Reiki, NLP or energy healing) are banned, and only doctors may prescribe medication.
Urgent help in Kuwait
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergency
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: kuwaittimes.com, kuwaittimes.com, gulfnews.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 clinical psychologist do?
A clinical psychologist assesses, diagnoses and treats mental health problems in children, adults or older people. Day to day they conduct clinical interviews, use validated questionnaires and tests, formulate what keeps the problem going, and deliver evidence-based therapies. They often work in hospitals, community mental health teams or private practice, and coordinate with psychiatrists, family doctors and social services.
When to see a clinical psychologist
A clinical psychologist is a good choice for moderate to severe or persistent difficulties: anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive problems, trauma, eating disorders, personality difficulties, or when a formal diagnosis or report is needed. If medication may be needed or there is a risk to safety, a psychiatrist should also be involved. For coaching or personal growth, other professionals 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 Kuwait cover psychological care?
Around 68 public primary care clinics offer mental health care by family doctors with extra mental health training, for conditions such as mild to moderate depression, anxiety, burnout and sleep problems. You can get a referral from a GP or book online through the Ministry of Health portal, and you are directed to the clinic for your registered home address. Severe or urgent cases are referred to psychiatrists at the Kuwait Center for Mental Health.
How do I check that a clinical psychologist is licensed in Kuwait?
Ministry of Health: Ministerial Decision 225 of 2026 requires psychotherapists, psychological specialists and counsellors in the public and private sectors to hold a Ministry of Health professional licence, with recognised degrees and supervised clinical training. Treatments without scientific evidence (such as Reiki, NLP or energy healing) are banned, and only doctors may prescribe medication.