About family therapy
Family therapy works with several members together to improve communication, resolve conflicts and support everyone through changes such as separations, illness or adolescence.
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
Every family goes through tension. Family therapy may help when conflict is constant or very intense, communication has broken down, a child’s difficulties are straining everyone, members feel stuck in the same patterns, or the family is struggling to adapt to a change such as a separation, a new partner, illness, migration, a loss or a child leaving home.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Systemic family therapy looks at relationships and patterns rather than blaming one person. Approaches with evidence include structural and strategic family therapy, family-based treatment for adolescent eating disorders, multisystemic and functional family therapy for behaviour problems, and parent training. Family therapists, psychologists and social workers with systemic training usually lead the work, sometimes alongside individual therapy.
When to seek urgent help
If there is violence at home, a child or adult is being harmed, or someone is afraid for their safety, contact your local emergency services or specialised protection services. Safety comes before family therapy. Seek urgent help too if any family member talks about suicide, has harmed themselves seriously, or is at risk of harming others.
What you can do in the meantime
Set aside calm times to talk, and try to listen to understand rather than to reply. Agree on a few household rules together and keep them consistent. Avoid involving children in adult conflicts. Make room for enjoyable shared moments, even short ones. If tensions run high, take breaks before continuing a discussion. Each person looking after their own well-being also helps the family.
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.