About behavioral problems
Tantrums, defiance or aggressive behaviour that are frequent and intense can strain family life. Interventions usually involve the parents, with practical strategies for routines, limits and communication, and work with the child adapted to their age.
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 Poland
Public health system · Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia (NFZ)
Since 17 September 2025 an NFZ-funded visit to a psychologist no longer needs a referral. Adult Mental Health Centres (Centra Zdrowia Psychicznego) offer free help without referral or prior registration. Waiting times for psychologists and psychotherapy vary widely by region. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Krajowa Izba Psychologów (National Chamber of Psychologists), under the Act of 23 January 2026 on the psychologist profession. The 2026 act creates a public Register of Psychologists kept by regional councils and published by the National Chamber; the right to practise starts on entry in the register. Most provisions are reported to apply from 2028.
- Naczelna Izba Lekarska (Supreme Medical Chamber). Doctors must hold the right to practise; check the Central Register of Doctors and the psychiatry specialisation. Search the official register
Urgent help in Poland
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 116 123 · Telefon zaufania 116 123
- 800 70 2222 · Centrum Wsparcia
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: api.sejm.gov.pl, gov.pl, gazetaprawna.pl, gov.pl
Signs to look out for
All children test limits and have tantrums at times. It may be worth seeking help when defiance, aggression, intense tantrums, lying, breaking rules or destructive behaviour are frequent, last for months, happen in several settings such as home and school, and cause problems with family life, learning or friendships. Sudden changes in behaviour can also signal stress, anxiety or difficulties elsewhere.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Parent training programmes based on behavioural principles have strong evidence for children’s behaviour problems. Family therapy and cognitive-behavioural approaches for the child or teenager, including emotional regulation and problem-solving skills, also help. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists, family therapists and educational psychologists usually lead the work. An assessment can identify contributing factors such as ADHD, learning difficulties or anxiety.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child or teenager is seriously hurting themselves or others, has a weapon, is missing, or talks about suicide. Seek urgent help too if you suspect drug use with signs of intoxication. If you feel you might lose control and harm your child, step away safely and seek support immediately; asking for help is responsible.
What you can do in the meantime
Notice and praise specific good behaviour, and spend a little one-to-one time each day doing something your child enjoys. Keep rules few, clear and consistent between adults, with calm, predictable consequences. Avoid shouting and physical punishment, which tend to worsen behaviour. Look after your own stress and sleep, and talk to the school to work together.
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 Poland cover psychological care?
Since 17 September 2025 an NFZ-funded visit to a psychologist no longer needs a referral. Adult Mental Health Centres (Centra Zdrowia Psychicznego) offer free help without referral or prior registration. Waiting times for psychologists and psychotherapy vary widely by region.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in Poland?
Krajowa Izba Psychologów (National Chamber of Psychologists), under the Act of 23 January 2026 on the psychologist profession: The 2026 act creates a public Register of Psychologists kept by regional councils and published by the National Chamber; the right to practise starts on entry in the register. Most provisions are reported to apply from 2028.