About trauma
After a traumatic experience it is common to have intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance or to avoid reminders. When these persist, trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR or trauma-focused CBT can help. Look for a professional with specific training in trauma.
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
After a frightening or overwhelming event, it is normal to feel shaken for a while. It is worth seeking help when, weeks later, you still have intrusive memories or nightmares, feel constantly on guard, startle easily, avoid anything that reminds you of what happened, feel numb or disconnected, or notice that it is affecting your sleep, relationships or work. Trauma can also stem from repeated experiences in childhood.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Trauma-focused therapies have strong evidence, especially trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure and EMDR. Psychologists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists with specific trauma training are the main professionals. For complex trauma, therapy often starts by building safety and emotional regulation. A psychiatrist can assess whether medication may help with symptoms such as sleep problems or severe anxiety.
When to seek urgent help
If you are in danger now, or the person who harmed you is still a threat, contact your local emergency services. Seek urgent help too if you have thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself, or if you feel completely disconnected from reality. After a physical or sexual assault, medical care is important even if there are no visible injuries.
What you can do in the meantime
Be patient with yourself: your reactions are a response to something abnormal. Try to keep simple routines, sleep and meals, and spend time with people who make you feel safe. Grounding techniques, such as noticing what you can see and hear around you, can help when memories intrude. Avoid using alcohol or drugs to numb feelings, and choose when and with whom you share your story.
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.