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.
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
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 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.