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.
Neuropsychologists assess and rehabilitate memory, attention, language and other cognitive functions after brain injury, stroke or in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Getting mental health care in Malta
Public health system · Mental Health Services (Ministry for Health)
Public mental health care is free. Community Mental Health Teams and rehabilitation centres provide outpatient care, usually after referral by a GP, and inpatient care is at Mount Carmel Hospital, which is being replaced by an acute psychiatric unit at Mater Dei Hospital. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Malta Psychology Profession Board. The title of psychologist is protected under the Psychology Profession Act (Cap. 471); only people holding a warrant from the Board may use it. Check the Board's published register of warranted psychologists. Search the official register
- Psychotherapy Profession Board. Psychotherapists need a warrant issued by the Psychotherapy Profession Board. Search the official register
- Medical Council Malta. Psychiatrists must be registered with the Medical Council and listed in its specialist register for psychiatry. Search the official register
Urgent help in Malta
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 1579 · Mental Health Helpline 1579
- 179 · Supportline 179
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: servizz.gov.mt, servizz.gov.mt, mentalhealthservices.gov.mt, medicalcouncil.gov.mt
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 neuropsychologist do?
A neuropsychologist studies how the brain relates to thinking and behaviour. Day to day they carry out detailed assessments of memory, attention, language, planning and other cognitive functions using standardised tests, write reports, and design rehabilitation or stimulation programmes. They work with people after a stroke or brain injury, with neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental conditions, and with their families and medical teams.
When to see a neuropsychologist
A neuropsychologist can help when there are noticeable changes in memory, concentration, language or behaviour, after a head injury or stroke, with concerns about cognitive decline, or to clarify learning or attention difficulties. They are also useful to plan rehabilitation and adapt daily life. If the concern is mainly emotional, a psychologist may fit better; medical causes need a neurologist.
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 Malta cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is free. Community Mental Health Teams and rehabilitation centres provide outpatient care, usually after referral by a GP, and inpatient care is at Mount Carmel Hospital, which is being replaced by an acute psychiatric unit at Mater Dei Hospital.
How do I check that a neuropsychologist is licensed in Malta?
Malta Psychology Profession Board: The title of psychologist is protected under the Psychology Profession Act (Cap. 471); only people holding a warrant from the Board may use it. Check the Board's published register of warranted psychologists.