About behavioral problems
Tantrums, defiance or aggressive behaviour that are frequent and intense can strain family life. Interventions usually involve the parents, with practical strategies for routines, limits and communication, and work with the child adapted to their age.
Forensic psychologists apply psychology to legal matters: expert reports for courts, custody and family proceedings, assessment of damages or credibility, and support for victims. Ask about their experience as an expert witness in your country.
Getting mental health care in Mali
Public health system · Public health system - Psychiatry department, CHU du Point G (Bamako)
The psychiatry department of the CHU du Point G in Bamako is the main public mental health service in Mali, with about 130 beds, outpatient consultations three days a week and a daily emergency duty service. Specialist care outside Bamako is scarce; some rural general practitioners have been trained in mental health, and traditional healers are often the first point of contact.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ordre des Médecins du Mali. The Order, created by Law No. 2017-030 of 14 July 2017, groups all physicians practising in Mali, including psychiatrists. Ask the doctor for proof of registration with the Order.
Urgent help in Mali
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 17 · Police secours
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: panafrican-med-journal.com, panafrican-med-journal.com, extranet.who.int
Signs to look out for
All children test limits and have tantrums at times. It may be worth seeking help when defiance, aggression, intense tantrums, lying, breaking rules or destructive behaviour are frequent, last for months, happen in several settings such as home and school, and cause problems with family life, learning or friendships. Sudden changes in behaviour can also signal stress, anxiety or difficulties elsewhere.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Parent training programmes based on behavioural principles have strong evidence for children’s behaviour problems. Family therapy and cognitive-behavioural approaches for the child or teenager, including emotional regulation and problem-solving skills, also help. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists, family therapists and educational psychologists usually lead the work. An assessment can identify contributing factors such as ADHD, learning difficulties or anxiety.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child or teenager is seriously hurting themselves or others, has a weapon, is missing, or talks about suicide. Seek urgent help too if you suspect drug use with signs of intoxication. If you feel you might lose control and harm your child, step away safely and seek support immediately; asking for help is responsible.
What you can do in the meantime
Notice and praise specific good behaviour, and spend a little one-to-one time each day doing something your child enjoys. Keep rules few, clear and consistent between adults, with calm, predictable consequences. Avoid shouting and physical punishment, which tend to worsen behaviour. Look after your own stress and sleep, and talk to the school to work together.
What does a forensic psychologist do?
A forensic psychologist applies psychology to legal questions. Day to day they carry out expert assessments and write reports for courts, lawyers or individuals: for example on child custody, the psychological impact of an event, capacity, credibility issues or risk. Some also work in prisons, victim support or rehabilitation programmes. They may be asked to explain their findings at trial.
When to see a forensic psychologist
You may need a forensic psychologist when a legal process requires an independent psychological assessment: custody or visitation disputes, claims for psychological harm after an accident or assault, workplace harassment cases, or questions about a person’s capacity. If what you need is emotional support during a legal process, a therapist is more suitable, since forensic assessment is evaluative, not therapeutic.
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 Mali cover psychological care?
The psychiatry department of the CHU du Point G in Bamako is the main public mental health service in Mali, with about 130 beds, outpatient consultations three days a week and a daily emergency duty service. Specialist care outside Bamako is scarce; some rural general practitioners have been trained in mental health, and traditional healers are often the first point of contact.
How do I check that a forensic psychologist is licensed in Mali?
Ordre des Médecins du Mali: The Order, created by Law No. 2017-030 of 14 July 2017, groups all physicians practising in Mali, including psychiatrists. Ask the doctor for proof of registration with the Order.