About addiction
Addictions to substances or behaviours such as gambling, gaming or the internet involve loss of control and continuing despite harm. Treatment usually combines psychological therapy, relapse prevention and, in some cases, medical care. Professionals with experience in addictions can coordinate with specialised services.
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 North Macedonia
Public health system · Public health system (Ministry of Health and Health Insurance Fund): community mental health centres and hospital psychiatry
Public mental health care is delivered through community mental health centres and hospital-based psychiatric services, with referral between primary, secondary and tertiary care. The national strategy for 2018-2025 aimed to decentralise care and reduce reliance on psychiatric hospitals. According to WHO Mental Health Atlas 2020 data, insurance fully covers mental health services and psychotropic medicines. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Chamber of Psychologists of North Macedonia (Комора на психолози). Only psychologists who hold a general and/or special licence issued by the Chamber may provide psychological services. A general licence requires a year of practice, a professional exam and entry in the Register of Psychologists, and a special licence requires additional specialised training. The Chamber publishes a list of licensed psychologists. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
According to WHO Mental Health Atlas 2020 data, insurance fully covers mental health services and psychotropic medicines in the public system.
Urgent help in North Macedonia
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: who.int, borgenproject.org, komoranapsiholozi.mk, lkm.org.mk
Signs to look out for
An addiction may be developing when you find it hard to control how much or how often you use a substance or engage in a behaviour such as gambling, gaming, shopping or online use; when you keep going despite problems with health, money, work or relationships; when you need more to get the same effect; or when you feel restless or unwell when you stop.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Effective approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, relapse-prevention programmes, contingency management and, for young people, family-based therapy. Psychologists and clinical psychologists with addiction experience, psychiatrists and specialised addiction services usually work together. For some substances, medically supervised treatment is needed. Mutual-help groups can complement professional care for many people.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services immediately in case of a suspected overdose, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, seizures, chest pain or confusion. Seek urgent help too if there are thoughts of suicide or harming others. Stopping some substances suddenly after heavy use can be dangerous, so talk to a doctor before quitting.
What you can do in the meantime
Be honest with yourself about how often and why you use, and notice the situations, emotions and people that trigger it. Tell someone you trust and consider removing easy access, such as blocking betting apps or limiting cash. Fill your time with activities that do not involve the substance or behaviour. Lapses can happen; they are a signal to seek support, not a failure.
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 North Macedonia cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is delivered through community mental health centres and hospital-based psychiatric services, with referral between primary, secondary and tertiary care. The national strategy for 2018-2025 aimed to decentralise care and reduce reliance on psychiatric hospitals. According to WHO Mental Health Atlas 2020 data, insurance fully covers mental health services and psychotropic medicines.
How do I check that a psychologist is licensed in North Macedonia?
Chamber of Psychologists of North Macedonia (Комора на психолози): Only psychologists who hold a general and/or special licence issued by the Chamber may provide psychological services. A general licence requires a year of practice, a professional exam and entry in the Register of Psychologists, and a special licence requires additional specialised training. The Chamber publishes a list of licensed psychologists.