About addiction
Addictions to substances or behaviours such as gambling, gaming or the internet involve loss of control and continuing despite harm. Treatment usually combines psychological therapy, relapse prevention and, in some cases, medical care. Professionals with experience in addictions can coordinate with specialised services.
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 the Pitcairn Islands
Public health system · Government of the Pitcairn Islands, Pitcairn Island Health Centre
About 40 people live on Pitcairn. The health centre has a doctor on rotation from overseas and a local nurse, and primary care includes mental health and wellbeing. Hospital or specialist care requires off-island referral, normally to New Zealand or Tahiti, approved by the Administrator and partly subsidised by the government under its health care funding policy. More information
Insurance and coverage
Approved new settlers must hold private health insurance covering off-island treatment and evacuation; normally resident islanders get subsidised off-island care under the government funding policy.
Urgent help in the Pitcairn Islands
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 984 0141 · Pitcairn Police Officer
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: who.int, government.pn
Signs to look out for
An addiction may be developing when you find it hard to control how much or how often you use a substance or engage in a behaviour such as gambling, gaming, shopping or online use; when you keep going despite problems with health, money, work or relationships; when you need more to get the same effect; or when you feel restless or unwell when you stop.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Effective approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, relapse-prevention programmes, contingency management and, for young people, family-based therapy. Psychologists and clinical psychologists with addiction experience, psychiatrists and specialised addiction services usually work together. For some substances, medically supervised treatment is needed. Mutual-help groups can complement professional care for many people.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services immediately in case of a suspected overdose, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, seizures, chest pain or confusion. Seek urgent help too if there are thoughts of suicide or harming others. Stopping some substances suddenly after heavy use can be dangerous, so talk to a doctor before quitting.
What you can do in the meantime
Be honest with yourself about how often and why you use, and notice the situations, emotions and people that trigger it. Tell someone you trust and consider removing easy access, such as blocking betting apps or limiting cash. Fill your time with activities that do not involve the substance or behaviour. Lapses can happen; they are a signal to seek support, not a failure.
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 the Pitcairn Islands cover psychological care?
About 40 people live on Pitcairn. The health centre has a doctor on rotation from overseas and a local nurse, and primary care includes mental health and wellbeing. Hospital or specialist care requires off-island referral, normally to New Zealand or Tahiti, approved by the Administrator and partly subsidised by the government under its health care funding policy.