About trauma
After a traumatic experience it is common to have intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance or to avoid reminders. When these persist, trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR or trauma-focused CBT can help. Look for a professional with specific training in trauma.
Clinical psychologists are psychologists with specialist training in assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health problems, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions. In some countries it is a regulated health specialty; Therapy247 checks the registration.
Getting mental health care in Sudan
Public health system · Federal Ministry of Health public health system
Before the war, specialist mental health services were very limited and concentrated in Khartoum, and the conflict has put many hospitals out of service. Some psychiatric services have reopened, such as at Al-Tijani Al-Mahi Hospital in Omdurman, and WHO-supported mental health and psychosocial support is offered in some primary care centres and mobile clinics.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Sudan Medical Council. The Sudan Medical Council keeps the register of qualified doctors and runs licensing exams; it resumed registration services from Port Sudan in 2025. Ask for the doctor's Medical Council registration.
Urgent help in Sudan
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 999 · الشرطة (Police)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, emro.who.int, allafrica.com, smcsdn.com
Signs to look out for
After a frightening or overwhelming event, it is normal to feel shaken for a while. It is worth seeking help when, weeks later, you still have intrusive memories or nightmares, feel constantly on guard, startle easily, avoid anything that reminds you of what happened, feel numb or disconnected, or notice that it is affecting your sleep, relationships or work. Trauma can also stem from repeated experiences in childhood.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Trauma-focused therapies have strong evidence, especially trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure and EMDR. Psychologists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists with specific trauma training are the main professionals. For complex trauma, therapy often starts by building safety and emotional regulation. A psychiatrist can assess whether medication may help with symptoms such as sleep problems or severe anxiety.
When to seek urgent help
If you are in danger now, or the person who harmed you is still a threat, contact your local emergency services. Seek urgent help too if you have thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself, or if you feel completely disconnected from reality. After a physical or sexual assault, medical care is important even if there are no visible injuries.
What you can do in the meantime
Be patient with yourself: your reactions are a response to something abnormal. Try to keep simple routines, sleep and meals, and spend time with people who make you feel safe. Grounding techniques, such as noticing what you can see and hear around you, can help when memories intrude. Avoid using alcohol or drugs to numb feelings, and choose when and with whom you share your story.
What does a clinical psychologist do?
A clinical psychologist assesses, diagnoses and treats mental health problems in children, adults or older people. Day to day they conduct clinical interviews, use validated questionnaires and tests, formulate what keeps the problem going, and deliver evidence-based therapies. They often work in hospitals, community mental health teams or private practice, and coordinate with psychiatrists, family doctors and social services.
When to see a clinical psychologist
A clinical psychologist is a good choice for moderate to severe or persistent difficulties: anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive problems, trauma, eating disorders, personality difficulties, or when a formal diagnosis or report is needed. If medication may be needed or there is a risk to safety, a psychiatrist should also be involved. For coaching or personal growth, other professionals 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 Sudan cover psychological care?
Before the war, specialist mental health services were very limited and concentrated in Khartoum, and the conflict has put many hospitals out of service. Some psychiatric services have reopened, such as at Al-Tijani Al-Mahi Hospital in Omdurman, and WHO-supported mental health and psychosocial support is offered in some primary care centres and mobile clinics.
How do I check that a clinical psychologist is licensed in Sudan?
Sudan Medical Council: The Sudan Medical Council keeps the register of qualified doctors and runs licensing exams; it resumed registration services from Port Sudan in 2025. Ask for the doctor's Medical Council registration.