About teenagers
Adolescence brings changes in identity, relationships and emotions. Therapy offers a confidential space to talk about anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, relationships or school pressure, with the involvement of the family when appropriate.
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 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
Mood swings, wanting more privacy and clashes with parents are part of adolescence. It may be time to seek help when a teenager seems persistently sad, anxious or irritable, withdraws from friends, loses interest in activities, has big changes in sleep or eating, drops in school performance, uses alcohol or drugs, self-harms, or spends most of their time isolated online.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Approaches with good evidence for teenagers include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy for depression, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) adapted for adolescents when there is self-harm, and family-based therapies. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists and family therapists usually lead the work; a child and adolescent psychiatrist may be involved when symptoms are severe or medication is being considered.
When to seek urgent help
Take any talk of suicide or self-harm seriously. If a teenager has a plan, has harmed themselves seriously, has taken an overdose or is in danger, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Seek urgent help too for signs of severe intoxication, sexual exploitation or online extortion, and do not leave them alone if at risk.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep communication open by listening more than lecturing, and choose relaxed moments, such as car journeys or meals, to talk. Respect their growing independence while keeping clear, agreed limits. Encourage sleep routines, physical activity and time away from screens. Show interest in their friends and activities. If they are reluctant to seek help, offer options and let them have a say in choosing.
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 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 psychotherapist 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.