About eating disorders
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia or binge eating are serious and treatable. Care is usually multidisciplinary: psychological therapy, medical follow-up and nutritional support. If there is significant weight loss or physical symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
Clinical psychologists are psychologists with specialist training in assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health problems, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions. In some countries it is a regulated health specialty; Therapy247 checks the registration.
Getting mental health care in Nepal
Public health system · Public health system (Ministry of Health and Population)
Since 2018, treatment of depression, psychosis, alcohol use disorder and epilepsy is part of the Basic Health Service Package and free at primary level, delivered by health workers trained with the WHO mhGAP programme in health posts and municipal primary care centres. Complex cases are referred to psychiatry units in provincial and medical college hospitals; the only dedicated mental hospital has about 50 beds. Medicines and trained staff are still scarce in rural areas. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC). Clinical psychologists must be registered with the NHPC, which requires an MPhil in clinical psychology and a licensing exam. Counselling and other non-clinical psychology roles have no licensing body, so ask for the NHPC registration number.
Urgent help in Nepal
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: who.int, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, gavi.org, kathmandupost.com
Signs to look out for
Concern about food or weight becomes worrying when it takes up a lot of thought and affects daily life: strict dieting or skipping meals, episodes of eating large amounts with loss of control, vomiting or using laxatives or excessive exercise to compensate, rapid weight changes, avoiding eating in front of others, or intense fear of gaining weight. Eating disorders affect people of all sizes, genders and ages.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Eating disorders are best treated by a team that combines psychological, medical and nutritional care. Approaches with good evidence include enhanced cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT-E), family-based treatment for children and adolescents, and specialist supportive clinical management. Clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors and dietitians with eating disorder experience usually work together. Early help tends to make recovery easier.
When to seek urgent help
Eating disorders can have serious physical effects. Contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department for fainting, chest pain, a very slow or irregular heartbeat, severe weakness, confusion, vomiting blood, or if someone is unable to eat or drink at all. Seek urgent help too for thoughts of suicide. Regular medical check-ups are important during treatment.
What you can do in the meantime
Try to eat regular meals and avoid long periods without food, even if it feels hard. Reduce exposure to content that promotes dieting or body comparison, and avoid weighing yourself frequently. Tell someone you trust. If you are supporting someone, express concern calmly, focusing on feelings rather than food or weight, and encourage them to seek professional help.
What does a clinical psychologist do?
A clinical psychologist assesses, diagnoses and treats mental health problems in children, adults or older people. Day to day they conduct clinical interviews, use validated questionnaires and tests, formulate what keeps the problem going, and deliver evidence-based therapies. They often work in hospitals, community mental health teams or private practice, and coordinate with psychiatrists, family doctors and social services.
When to see a clinical psychologist
A clinical psychologist is a good choice for moderate to severe or persistent difficulties: anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive problems, trauma, eating disorders, personality difficulties, or when a formal diagnosis or report is needed. If medication may be needed or there is a risk to safety, a psychiatrist should also be involved. For coaching or personal growth, other professionals may fit better.
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 Nepal cover psychological care?
Since 2018, treatment of depression, psychosis, alcohol use disorder and epilepsy is part of the Basic Health Service Package and free at primary level, delivered by health workers trained with the WHO mhGAP programme in health posts and municipal primary care centres. Complex cases are referred to psychiatry units in provincial and medical college hospitals; the only dedicated mental hospital has about 50 beds. Medicines and trained staff are still scarce in rural areas.
How do I check that a clinical psychologist is licensed in Nepal?
Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC): Clinical psychologists must be registered with the NHPC, which requires an MPhil in clinical psychology and a licensing exam. Counselling and other non-clinical psychology roles have no licensing body, so ask for the NHPC registration number.