About anxiety
Anxiety becomes a problem when worry, tension or panic are frequent, hard to control and start to limit daily life. Psychological therapy, especially cognitive-behavioural approaches, has strong evidence for anxiety disorders. A first session usually explores what triggers the anxiety, how it shows up in the body and thoughts, and what goals you want to work on.
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 Moldova
Public health system · Community Mental Health Centres (Centre Comunitare de Sănătate Mintală, CCSM) within primary care, funded through mandatory health insurance (CNAM)
Community mental health services are provided by 40 accredited community mental health centres, which operate in every district and municipality as part of primary care institutions. Family doctors screen for mental disorders and refer patients to these centres, which offer psychiatric, psychological and social consultations. Hospital care is provided by three psychiatric hospitals (Chișinău, Bălți and Orhei). Services are financed through the mandatory health insurance fund (CNAM). More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- National College of Psychologists (Colegiul Național al Psihologilor), set up under Law No. 103/2025. Law No. 103/2025 on the exercise of the psychologist profession makes membership of the National College mandatory for practice, and private psychologists may work only with a certificate issued by the College. The College was still being set up in July 2026. It will keep a single public register of psychologists.
Urgent help in Moldova
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: ms.gov.md, logos-pres.md
Signs to look out for
Some anxiety is normal before an exam or a difficult conversation. It becomes worth looking at when worry feels constant and hard to switch off, when you avoid places or situations because of it, or when you notice frequent physical symptoms such as a racing heart, tight chest, dizziness, stomach upset or poor sleep. Sudden waves of intense fear, called panic attacks, are another common sign.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence for most anxiety problems, often including gradual exposure to feared situations. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches can also help. Psychologists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists usually lead treatment. A psychiatrist or family doctor may assess whether medication could be useful alongside therapy, especially when anxiety is severe or long-lasting.
When to seek urgent help
Seek medical help promptly if you have chest pain, shortness of breath or symptoms you have never had before, as these should be checked to rule out a physical cause. If anxiety comes with thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department straight away. You do not have to wait for an appointment.
What you can do in the meantime
While you look for support, try to keep regular sleep and meal times, move your body most days, and cut down on caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen anxiety. Slow breathing can help during peaks. Avoiding feared situations brings relief now but tends to make anxiety grow, so small, gradual steps are better. Talk to someone you trust and rely on trustworthy health sources.
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 Moldova cover psychological care?
Community mental health services are provided by 40 accredited community mental health centres, which operate in every district and municipality as part of primary care institutions. Family doctors screen for mental disorders and refer patients to these centres, which offer psychiatric, psychological and social consultations. Hospital care is provided by three psychiatric hospitals (Chișinău, Bălți and Orhei). Services are financed through the mandatory health insurance fund (CNAM).
How do I check that a psychologist is licensed in Moldova?
National College of Psychologists (Colegiul Național al Psihologilor), set up under Law No. 103/2025: Law No. 103/2025 on the exercise of the psychologist profession makes membership of the National College mandatory for practice, and private psychologists may work only with a certificate issued by the College. The College was still being set up in July 2026. It will keep a single public register of psychologists.