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 Qatar
Public health system · Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Mental Health Service
PHCC health centres treat mild to moderate problems such as depression and anxiety, and no referral is needed: you book with a physician at any health centre, who can refer you to a psychology support clinic. HMC's Mental Health Service provides specialist inpatient, outpatient and community care on referral from a doctor or other accredited professional, usually with an appointment within two weeks. Sidra Medicine serves children, adolescents and perinatal patients on referral. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP), Ministry of Public Health. DHP licenses physicians and allied health practitioners, including clinical psychologists, who practise under a defined scope of practice. You can check a practitioner by name or licence number in DHP's public register. Search the official register
Urgent help in Qatar
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: sehanafsia.moph.gov.qa, dhp.moph.gov.qa
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 Qatar cover psychological care?
PHCC health centres treat mild to moderate problems such as depression and anxiety, and no referral is needed: you book with a physician at any health centre, who can refer you to a psychology support clinic. HMC's Mental Health Service provides specialist inpatient, outpatient and community care on referral from a doctor or other accredited professional, usually with an appointment within two weeks. Sidra Medicine serves children, adolescents and perinatal patients on referral.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in Qatar?
Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP), Ministry of Public Health: DHP licenses physicians and allied health practitioners, including clinical psychologists, who practise under a defined scope of practice. You can check a practitioner by name or licence number in DHP's public register.