About quit smoking
Quitting smoking is easier with support. Psychological programmes work on habits, triggers and cravings and can be combined with medical treatment. Planning a quit date and preparing for difficult moments increases the chances of success.
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
Getting mental health care in Liberia
Public health system · Ministry of Health – Mental Health Unit
Public mental health care is delivered mainly through primary care clinics, where nurses, physician assistants and midwives trained as mental health clinicians work in every county. Specialist care is very limited, with one psychiatric hospital (E.S. Grant) and very few psychiatrists.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC). The LMDC licenses all medical doctors practising in Liberia and in 2025 published its first national registry of licensed doctors with licence numbers, status and expiry dates, which the public is urged to check.
Urgent help in Liberia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 911 · Liberia National Police emergency
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: who.int, moh.gov.lr, cartercenter.org, cartercenter.org
Signs to look out for
Many people who smoke want to stop but find it hard. Signs that nicotine has a strong hold include smoking soon after waking, feeling irritable, anxious or unable to concentrate without it, failing despite several attempts, and smoking even when ill. Professional support makes particular sense if you have tried alone before, smoke to manage stress or low mood, or have a health condition.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Combining behavioural support with medical treatment increases the chances of quitting compared with trying alone. Psychologists use cognitive-behavioural techniques, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention to work on habits, triggers and cravings, individually or in groups. A doctor or pharmacist can advise whether nicotine replacement or other medication is suitable for you. Many health services run stop-smoking programmes.
When to seek urgent help
Quitting smoking is not usually an emergency, but contact your local emergency services immediately for chest pain, severe breathlessness or signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or difficulty speaking. If quitting brings a sharp drop in mood or thoughts of harming yourself, seek help urgently. People with mental health conditions should involve their doctor when stopping, as some treatments may need adjusting.
What you can do in the meantime
Choose a quit date and prepare: remove cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays, identify your triggers and plan what you will do instead. Cravings usually pass within minutes, so distraction, water, a short walk or slow breathing can help. Tell people around you so they can support you, and avoid alcohol early on. A slip is not the end; learn from it and continue.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
When to see a psychologist
It makes sense to see a psychologist when anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship problems, a loss or a difficult change start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, or when you simply want to understand yourself better. If symptoms are very severe, you may need medication, or there are signs of a medical cause, a psychiatrist or your doctor should be involved too.
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 Liberia cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is delivered mainly through primary care clinics, where nurses, physician assistants and midwives trained as mental health clinicians work in every county. Specialist care is very limited, with one psychiatric hospital (E.S. Grant) and very few psychiatrists.
How do I check that a psychologist is licensed in Liberia?
Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC): The LMDC licenses all medical doctors practising in Liberia and in 2025 published its first national registry of licensed doctors with licence numbers, status and expiry dates, which the public is urged to check.