About anxiety
Anxiety becomes a problem when worry, tension or panic are frequent, hard to control and start to limit daily life. Psychological therapy, especially cognitive-behavioural approaches, has strong evidence for anxiety disorders. A first session usually explores what triggers the anxiety, how it shows up in the body and thoughts, and what goals you want to work on.
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 Senegal
Public health system · Ministère de la Santé - Division de la Santé Mentale
Public psychiatric care is concentrated in Dakar, mainly at the psychiatry department of CHNU de Fann and the Centre Hospitalier National Psychiatrique de Thiaroye, both with child psychiatry services. A few other hospitals have psychiatry units, but many regional hospitals have none, so patients often travel to Dakar.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ordre National des Médecins du Sénégal (ONMS). Registration on the Order's roll is compulsory for doctors under Law No. 66-69 of 1966; practising without it is illegal. The Order publishes a list of doctors authorised to practise.
- Association des Psychologues du Sénégal (APSYSEN). No statutory regulator for psychologists was identified; APSYSEN, created in 2019, is a professional association, not a licensing body. Ask about the psychologist's university training.
Urgent help in Senegal
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 17 · Police secours
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: fr.allafrica.com, lesoleil.sn, seneplus.com
Signs to look out for
Some anxiety is normal before an exam or a difficult conversation. It becomes worth looking at when worry feels constant and hard to switch off, when you avoid places or situations because of it, or when you notice frequent physical symptoms such as a racing heart, tight chest, dizziness, stomach upset or poor sleep. Sudden waves of intense fear, called panic attacks, are another common sign.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence for most anxiety problems, often including gradual exposure to feared situations. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches can also help. Psychologists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists usually lead treatment. A psychiatrist or family doctor may assess whether medication could be useful alongside therapy, especially when anxiety is severe or long-lasting.
When to seek urgent help
Seek medical help promptly if you have chest pain, shortness of breath or symptoms you have never had before, as these should be checked to rule out a physical cause. If anxiety comes with thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department straight away. You do not have to wait for an appointment.
What you can do in the meantime
While you look for support, try to keep regular sleep and meal times, move your body most days, and cut down on caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen anxiety. Slow breathing can help during peaks. Avoiding feared situations brings relief now but tends to make anxiety grow, so small, gradual steps are better. Talk to someone you trust and rely on trustworthy health sources.
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 Senegal cover psychological care?
Public psychiatric care is concentrated in Dakar, mainly at the psychiatry department of CHNU de Fann and the Centre Hospitalier National Psychiatrique de Thiaroye, both with child psychiatry services. A few other hospitals have psychiatry units, but many regional hospitals have none, so patients often travel to Dakar.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in Senegal?
Ordre National des Médecins du Sénégal (ONMS): Registration on the Order's roll is compulsory for doctors under Law No. 66-69 of 1966; practising without it is illegal. The Order publishes a list of doctors authorised to practise.