About OCD
OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) involves intrusive thoughts that cause distress and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals to reduce it. Cognitive-behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention is the first-line psychological treatment.
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 Panama
Public health system · Ministerio de Salud (MINSA) and Caja de Seguro Social (CSS)
Mental health care is offered at MINSA health centres, where a consultation costs about 10 USD and appointments can take two weeks to a month. Insured patients at the CSS usually start with general medicine, are referred to psychology, and later to psychiatry if needed, which can take months. Press reports describe a shortage of specialised staff.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Consejo Técnico de Psicología. Under Ley 56 of 1975 (amended by Ley 55 of 2002), practising psychology requires a Certificado de Idoneidad Profesional issued by the Consejo Técnico de Psicología, based on a psychology degree. Ask the psychologist for their idoneidad number.
- Consejo Técnico de Salud Pública (Ministerio de Salud). Doctors and other health professionals may only practise with an idoneidad issued by the Consejo Técnico de Salud, with a separate certificate for the specialty. MINSA offers a free mobile app called Consejo Técnico to check a health professional's idoneidad.
Urgent help in Panama
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 911 · Emergencias (911)
- 147 · Línea 147 – Tu vida importa (MIDES)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: laestrella.com.pa, panama.justia.com, panama.justia.com, minsa.gob.pa
Signs to look out for
Many people have occasional intrusive thoughts or like things a certain way. OCD may be involved when unwanted thoughts, images or urges cause intense distress, and you feel driven to perform rituals, such as checking, washing, counting, seeking reassurance or mentally neutralising, to reduce the anxiety. These rituals take a lot of time, feel hard to resist and interfere with daily life.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Cognitive-behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the psychological treatment with the strongest evidence for OCD. It involves gradually facing feared thoughts or situations without performing rituals, at a pace agreed with the therapist. Clinical psychologists and psychologists trained in ERP usually lead treatment. A psychiatrist can assess whether medication may help, particularly when symptoms are severe.
When to seek urgent help
Having an intrusive thought about harm does not mean you want to act on it; this is common in OCD. However, if you feel hopeless, have thoughts of ending your life, or rituals prevent you from eating, drinking or caring for yourself, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. Sudden onset of OCD symptoms in a child should be checked by a doctor.
What you can do in the meantime
Learn from reliable sources how OCD works: trying to push thoughts away or seeking reassurance usually makes them stronger. Try to delay a ritual by a few minutes, or shorten it slightly, and notice that anxiety tends to fall on its own. Ask family members to support you without joining in rituals. Look after sleep and stress, which can intensify symptoms.
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 Panama cover psychological care?
Mental health care is offered at MINSA health centres, where a consultation costs about 10 USD and appointments can take two weeks to a month. Insured patients at the CSS usually start with general medicine, are referred to psychology, and later to psychiatry if needed, which can take months. Press reports describe a shortage of specialised staff.
How do I check that a clinical psychologist is licensed in Panama?
Consejo Técnico de Psicología: Under Ley 56 of 1975 (amended by Ley 55 of 2002), practising psychology requires a Certificado de Idoneidad Profesional issued by the Consejo Técnico de Psicología, based on a psychology degree. Ask the psychologist for their idoneidad number.