About alcohol addiction
Problematic drinking ranges from regular excess to dependence. Psychological support helps understand the role alcohol plays, set goals (reduction or abstinence) and prevent relapse. Stopping suddenly after heavy drinking can be dangerous: talk to a doctor first.
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
Getting mental health care in Sweden
Public health system · Regional healthcare (regionerna) via vårdcentral
Psychological treatment is available through the vårdcentral (primary care) and regional psychiatry, paid for by the region where you are registered. You pay the regional patient fee, usually around 100 SEK per psychologist visit, and visits count toward the outpatient high-cost cap (högkostnadsskydd); care is free for under-18s. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Socialstyrelsen (National Board of Health and Welfare), HOSP register. Psykolog, psykoterapeut and läkare are protected titles that require a licence (legitimation) from Socialstyrelsen; words like certifierad or diplomerad do not mean licensed. Check a licence by contacting Socialstyrelsen, which keeps the HOSP register.
Insurance and coverage
Private sessions are paid in full by the patient; some home or employer insurance policies and occupational health services cover a limited number of sessions.
Urgent help in Sweden
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 90101 · Mind Självmordslinjen
- 08-702 16 80 · Jourhavande medmänniska
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: 1177.se, 1177.se, socialstyrelsen.se
Signs to look out for
Drinking may be becoming a problem when you often drink more than you planned, need alcohol to relax, sleep or face social situations, feel guilty about it, or others express concern. Other signs include memory gaps, missing responsibilities, drinking in the morning, needing more to feel the effect, and feeling shaky, sweaty or anxious when you have not had a drink.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychological treatments with good evidence include motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), relapse prevention and couples or family-based approaches. Psychologists with addiction experience, psychiatrists, family doctors and specialised alcohol services often work together. A doctor can assess whether medically supervised withdrawal or medication to support reducing or stopping is appropriate. Mutual-help groups support many people alongside treatment.
When to seek urgent help
Stopping drinking suddenly after heavy, regular use can cause dangerous withdrawal, so speak to a doctor before stopping. Contact your local emergency services immediately if someone is unconscious, has trouble breathing, has a seizure, is very confused or is seeing things that are not there. Seek urgent help too for thoughts of suicide or when someone is at risk.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep a simple diary of when, where and how much you drink, and notice what triggers it. Set alcohol-free days, avoid keeping alcohol at home, and plan alternatives for difficult moments, such as a walk or a call to someone. Tell people close to you about your goal so they can support you. Reliable health sources explain low-risk guidelines and where to find help.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
When to see a psychologist
It makes sense to see a psychologist when anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship problems, a loss or a difficult change start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, or when you simply want to understand yourself better. If symptoms are very severe, you may need medication, or there are signs of a medical cause, a psychiatrist or your doctor should be involved too.
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 Sweden cover psychological care?
Psychological treatment is available through the vårdcentral (primary care) and regional psychiatry, paid for by the region where you are registered. You pay the regional patient fee, usually around 100 SEK per psychologist visit, and visits count toward the outpatient high-cost cap (högkostnadsskydd); care is free for under-18s.
How do I check that a psychologist is licensed in Sweden?
Socialstyrelsen (National Board of Health and Welfare), HOSP register: Psykolog, psykoterapeut and läkare are protected titles that require a licence (legitimation) from Socialstyrelsen; words like certifierad or diplomerad do not mean licensed. Check a licence by contacting Socialstyrelsen, which keeps the HOSP register.