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.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialised in mental health. They diagnose, prescribe and monitor medication and may also provide psychotherapy. They are usually the first choice when medication may be needed or symptoms are severe.
Getting mental health care in Paraguay
Public health system · Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social (MSPBS)
Public mental health care is free. The Hospital Psiquiátrico in Asunción offers emergency care and outpatient appointments, and the Ministry is decentralising psychological and psychiatric care to hospitals and family health units under the Mental Health Law 7018/2022 and the National Mental Health Policy 2024-2030. Demand is high and waiting times are not well documented.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social (Dirección de Registro y Control de Profesiones). A professional registration with the Ministry of Health is mandatory to practise medicine; the Ministry offers an online check of a doctor's registration, specialty and validity.
Urgent help in Paraguay
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)
- 155 · Línea 155 – Línea de crisis en salud mental (Ministerio de Salud)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: bacn.gov.py, abc.com.py, paho.org, hoy.com.py
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 psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses mental health problems from a medical point of view. Day to day they carry out diagnostic interviews, rule out physical causes, decide whether medication could help, prescribe it and monitor its effects and side effects. Many also offer psychotherapy or work alongside psychologists. They see adults, older people and, if specialised, children and adolescents.
When to see a psychiatrist
Consider a psychiatrist when symptoms are intense or long-lasting, when therapy alone has not been enough, when you are already taking psychiatric medication, or when there are experiences such as severe mood swings, hearing or seeing things others do not, or very disturbed sleep. If what you mainly need is talking therapy for everyday difficulties, a psychologist or psychotherapist may fit better.
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 Paraguay cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is free. The Hospital Psiquiátrico in Asunción offers emergency care and outpatient appointments, and the Ministry is decentralising psychological and psychiatric care to hospitals and family health units under the Mental Health Law 7018/2022 and the National Mental Health Policy 2024-2030. Demand is high and waiting times are not well documented.
How do I check that a psychiatrist is licensed in Paraguay?
Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social (Dirección de Registro y Control de Profesiones): A professional registration with the Ministry of Health is mandatory to practise medicine; the Ministry offers an online check of a doctor's registration, specialty and validity.