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.
Psychotherapists are professionals trained in one or more models of psychotherapy (psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural…). The protected title and requirements vary by country; profiles show each professional’s training and registration.
Getting mental health care in Norway
Public health system · Norwegian public health service (fastlege and specialist mental health care)
Your regular GP (fastlege) assesses what help you need and can refer you to specialised mental health services. After a referral you have the right to choose where you are treated for planned care, and you can compare waiting times. Patient co-payments (egenandel) apply in the public system. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet). Psychologist is a protected title, and using it without an authorisation or licence from Helsedirektoratet is illegal. Check the person in the public Health Personnel Register (HPR). Note whether they hold a full authorisation or a time-limited licence. Search the official register
- Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet). Doctors are authorised by Helsedirektoratet. The Health Personnel Register (HPR) also shows specialist approvals such as psychiatry. Search the official register
Urgent help in Norway
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 113 · Ambulancia (medisinsk nødtelefon)
- 116 123 · Mental Helse Hjelpetelefonen
- 22 40 00 40 · Kirkens SOS
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: helsenorge.no, helsedirektoratet.no, register.helsedirektoratet.no
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 psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist helps people understand and change emotional, relational and behavioural patterns through a structured therapeutic relationship. Their work is shaped by one or more models, such as cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic or integrative therapy. They meet individuals, couples, families or groups, usually in regular sessions, and spend time outside sessions on notes, preparation and their own supervision.
When to see a psychotherapist
Psychotherapy suits people who want to work in depth on recurring difficulties: anxiety, low mood, relationship patterns, self-esteem, the effects of past experiences or major life transitions. It can also help when you feel stuck without a clear diagnosis. If you need a formal diagnosis, a specific psychological assessment or medication, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may need to be involved.
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 Norway cover psychological care?
Your regular GP (fastlege) assesses what help you need and can refer you to specialised mental health services. After a referral you have the right to choose where you are treated for planned care, and you can compare waiting times. Patient co-payments (egenandel) apply in the public system.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in Norway?
Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet): Psychologist is a protected title, and using it without an authorisation or licence from Helsedirektoratet is illegal. Check the person in the public Health Personnel Register (HPR). Note whether they hold a full authorisation or a time-limited licence.