About bullying
Bullying at school or online can cause anxiety, isolation, low mood and school refusal. Psychological support helps the child or teenager and the family, and professionals can coordinate with the school. If there is immediate risk, involve the school and, if needed, the authorities.
Educational psychologists are psychologists who work on learning, development and well-being at school: assessment of learning difficulties, ADHD or high abilities, support plans and guidance for families and teachers.
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
Bullying is repeated, intentional harm by others, whether physical, verbal, social exclusion or online. Signs in a child or teenager may include not wanting to go to school, unexplained injuries or damaged belongings, changes in mood or sleep, headaches or stomach aches, dropping grades, losing friends, or becoming anxious after using their phone. Many young people do not tell adults straight away.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Effective responses combine action at school, with whole-school anti-bullying programmes and clear protocols, and emotional support for the young person. Psychologists, child and adolescent psychologists and educational psychologists can help with anxiety, low mood, self-esteem and social skills, often using cognitive-behavioural approaches. Family guidance helps parents respond calmly. Support may also be offered to those who bully.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child or teenager has been seriously assaulted, is being threatened with violence, or expresses thoughts of suicide or self-harm, which should always be taken seriously. Seek urgent help too when there is sexual harassment, extortion or sharing of intimate images online, and keep evidence such as screenshots.
What you can do in the meantime
Listen calmly, believe the young person and tell them it is not their fault. Avoid confronting the other child or family directly; instead, document what happened and contact the school to agree on a plan. Help them stay connected to friends and activities outside school. Review privacy settings together for online bullying, and keep checking in regularly.
What does a educational psychologist do?
An educational psychologist supports children and young people’s learning, development and well-being in educational settings. Day to day they assess learning, attention, behaviour and emotional difficulties, observe pupils in class, write reports with recommendations, and work with families and teachers on support plans. Some also guide students on study habits, school transitions and career choices, or train school staff.
When to see a educational psychologist
It makes sense to consult an educational psychologist when a child struggles to read, write or do maths despite effort, has trouble concentrating, shows changes in behaviour at school, may have high abilities, or faces bullying or school refusal. If there are significant emotional problems at home as well, or a possible mental health condition, a clinical or child psychologist may also be needed.
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 educational 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.