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.
Neuropsychologists assess and rehabilitate memory, attention, language and other cognitive functions after brain injury, stroke or in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Getting mental health care in St. Lucia
Public health system · Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs – National Mental Wellness Centre
Public psychiatric care is centred on the National Mental Wellness Centre in Castries, an 84-bed facility opened in 2010. Reviews have noted a shortage of community-based mental health services, and the government has created a Director of Mental Health post to update mental health policy and legislation.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical and Dental Council (under the Health Practitioners Act). Doctors must be entered in the Register of Medical and Dental Practitioners kept by the Medical and Dental Council. Some provisions of the Health Practitioners Act were listed as not yet in force through a commencement order.
- Allied Health Council (under the Health Practitioners Act). Allied health practitioners listed in the Act's schedule must be on the Register of Allied Health Practitioners to practise. Ask the practitioner or the Ministry of Health whether their profession is on the schedule and whether they are registered.
Urgent help in St. Lucia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 911 · Emergency (911)
- 203 · Saint Lucia National Health Helpline – Mental, Social and Emotional Issues
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: attorneygeneralchambers.com, archive.stlucia.gov.lc, thevoiceslu.com
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 neuropsychologist do?
A neuropsychologist studies how the brain relates to thinking and behaviour. Day to day they carry out detailed assessments of memory, attention, language, planning and other cognitive functions using standardised tests, write reports, and design rehabilitation or stimulation programmes. They work with people after a stroke or brain injury, with neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental conditions, and with their families and medical teams.
When to see a neuropsychologist
A neuropsychologist can help when there are noticeable changes in memory, concentration, language or behaviour, after a head injury or stroke, with concerns about cognitive decline, or to clarify learning or attention difficulties. They are also useful to plan rehabilitation and adapt daily life. If the concern is mainly emotional, a psychologist may fit better; medical causes need a neurologist.
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 St. Lucia cover psychological care?
Public psychiatric care is centred on the National Mental Wellness Centre in Castries, an 84-bed facility opened in 2010. Reviews have noted a shortage of community-based mental health services, and the government has created a Director of Mental Health post to update mental health policy and legislation.
How do I check that a neuropsychologist is licensed in St. Lucia?
Medical and Dental Council (under the Health Practitioners Act): Doctors must be entered in the Register of Medical and Dental Practitioners kept by the Medical and Dental Council. Some provisions of the Health Practitioners Act were listed as not yet in force through a commencement order.