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.
Forensic psychologists apply psychology to legal matters: expert reports for courts, custody and family proceedings, assessment of damages or credibility, and support for victims. Ask about their experience as an expert witness in your country.
Getting mental health care in Somalia
Public health system · Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services (with WHO support)
Somalia has very few mental health facilities and, according to WHO, only a handful of psychiatrists, with almost no community-based services. The Ministry and WHO are training primary care and regional hospital staff in the WHO mhGAP programme so that more health facilities can offer basic mental health care. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- National Health Professionals Council (NHPC). The NHPC, set up under a 2020 law, registers and licenses health professionals in Somalia; Somaliland has its own separate council. Ask the doctor for their NHPC licence.
Urgent help in Somalia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 999 · Ambulance
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: emro.who.int, emro.who.int, unsom.unmissions.org, dawan.africa
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 forensic psychologist do?
A forensic psychologist applies psychology to legal questions. Day to day they carry out expert assessments and write reports for courts, lawyers or individuals: for example on child custody, the psychological impact of an event, capacity, credibility issues or risk. Some also work in prisons, victim support or rehabilitation programmes. They may be asked to explain their findings at trial.
When to see a forensic psychologist
You may need a forensic psychologist when a legal process requires an independent psychological assessment: custody or visitation disputes, claims for psychological harm after an accident or assault, workplace harassment cases, or questions about a person’s capacity. If what you need is emotional support during a legal process, a therapist is more suitable, since forensic assessment is evaluative, not therapeutic.
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 Somalia cover psychological care?
Somalia has very few mental health facilities and, according to WHO, only a handful of psychiatrists, with almost no community-based services. The Ministry and WHO are training primary care and regional hospital staff in the WHO mhGAP programme so that more health facilities can offer basic mental health care.
How do I check that a forensic psychologist is licensed in Somalia?
National Health Professionals Council (NHPC): The NHPC, set up under a 2020 law, registers and licenses health professionals in Somalia; Somaliland has its own separate council. Ask the doctor for their NHPC licence.