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.
Forensic psychologists apply psychology to legal matters: expert reports for courts, custody and family proceedings, assessment of damages or credibility, and support for victims. Ask about their experience as an expert witness in your country.
Getting mental health care in St. Pierre & Miquelon
Public health system · French public health system (Caisse de prévoyance sociale de Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon)
Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon has its own social security fund, the Caisse de prévoyance sociale, and public care is provided by the local hospital. It is not confirmed that the national Mon soutien psy scheme applies locally; ask the Caisse de prévoyance sociale.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- French State (title protected by law; practitioners listed in the RPPS national directory). The psychologist title is protected by French law. Check that the psychologist has an RPPS (formerly ADELI) number in the Annuaire Santé.
- Ordre des médecins (French medical council). Psychiatrists are doctors who must be registered with the Ordre des médecins. Check the registration and specialty in the Ordre's directory.
- Agence régionale de santé (registration of the protected psychotherapist title). The psychotherapist title is regulated in France and requires registration; registered psychotherapists are listed in the RPPS directory.
Urgent help in St. Pierre & Miquelon
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 15 · SAMU
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr
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 forensic psychologist do?
A forensic psychologist applies psychology to legal questions. Day to day they carry out expert assessments and write reports for courts, lawyers or individuals: for example on child custody, the psychological impact of an event, capacity, credibility issues or risk. Some also work in prisons, victim support or rehabilitation programmes. They may be asked to explain their findings at trial.
When to see a forensic psychologist
You may need a forensic psychologist when a legal process requires an independent psychological assessment: custody or visitation disputes, claims for psychological harm after an accident or assault, workplace harassment cases, or questions about a person’s capacity. If what you need is emotional support during a legal process, a therapist is more suitable, since forensic assessment is evaluative, not therapeutic.
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 St. Pierre & Miquelon cover psychological care?
Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon has its own social security fund, the Caisse de prévoyance sociale, and public care is provided by the local hospital. It is not confirmed that the national Mon soutien psy scheme applies locally; ask the Caisse de prévoyance sociale.
How do I check that a forensic psychologist is licensed in St. Pierre & Miquelon?
French State (title protected by law; practitioners listed in the RPPS national directory): The psychologist title is protected by French law. Check that the psychologist has an RPPS (formerly ADELI) number in the Annuaire Santé.