About children
Child psychologists adapt therapy to each age, often using play and drawing, and work closely with parents. Common reasons for consultation include anxiety, fears, behaviour, learning difficulties and family changes. For minors, consent from those with parental responsibility is required.
Speech and language therapists assess and treat difficulties with language, speech, voice, swallowing and communication in children and adults.
Getting mental health care in Portugal
Public health system · Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS)
Psychologists work in SNS primary care centres (centros de saúde) and hospitals, accessed through the family doctor. Waiting times are long: the Ordem dos Psicólogos reported waits of about six months for a first psychology appointment. University students can obtain free sessions through the government cheque-psicólogo programme.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP). Registration with the OPP is a legal requirement to practise psychology, privately or in the SNS. Search by name or cédula number in the OPP member search. Search the official register
- Ordem dos Médicos. Doctors, including psychiatrists, must be registered with the Ordem dos Médicos. Search the official register
Urgent help in Portugal
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: ordemdospsicologos.pt, dn.pt
Signs to look out for
Children often show distress through behaviour and the body rather than words. It may be worth consulting a professional when a child has persistent fears or worries, frequent tantrums, sleep or eating changes, regression such as bedwetting again, headaches or stomach aches without a medical cause, withdrawal, school difficulties, or after a difficult event such as a separation, a loss or a move.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Therapy with children usually involves parents closely. Evidence-based approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy adapted to age, parent training programmes, play-based therapy, family therapy and trauma-focused CBT after difficult experiences. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists and family therapists are the main professionals; speech therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists or child psychiatrists may be involved depending on needs.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child is in danger, has been harmed, may have swallowed something toxic, or talks about wanting to die or hurt themselves, even at a young age. If you suspect abuse or neglect, seek help from child protection services or emergency services. Sudden changes in consciousness, speech or movement need immediate medical attention.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep predictable routines for sleep, meals and play, and limit screens, especially before bed. Spend some unhurried time each day with your child, following their lead in play. Name emotions together and stay calm when they are upset. Explain changes in simple, honest terms appropriate to their age. Look after your own well-being too, since children are sensitive to adult stress.
What does a speech therapist do?
A speech therapist assesses and treats difficulties with communication, language, speech, voice, fluency and swallowing. Day to day they might help a toddler say their first words, a child with stuttering or reading-related language problems, an adult recovering language after a stroke, a teacher with voice strain, or an older person with swallowing difficulties. They also guide families, teachers and carers.
When to see a speech therapist
Consider a speech therapist if a child’s speech or language seems delayed or hard to understand, if there is stuttering, persistent hoarseness or voice loss, difficulty finding words after a neurological event, or coughing and choking when eating. Sudden loss of speech or swallowing needs urgent medical attention first. For learning difficulties beyond language, an educational psychologist may also help.
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 Portugal cover psychological care?
Psychologists work in SNS primary care centres (centros de saúde) and hospitals, accessed through the family doctor. Waiting times are long: the Ordem dos Psicólogos reported waits of about six months for a first psychology appointment. University students can obtain free sessions through the government cheque-psicólogo programme.
How do I check that a speech therapist is licensed in Portugal?
Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP): Registration with the OPP is a legal requirement to practise psychology, privately or in the SNS. Search by name or cédula number in the OPP member search.