About teenagers
Adolescence brings changes in identity, relationships and emotions. Therapy offers a confidential space to talk about anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, relationships or school pressure, with the involvement of the family when appropriate.
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 Eswatini
Public health system · Ministry of Health public services (National Psychiatric Referral Hospital, Manzini)
The National Psychiatric Referral Hospital in Manzini is the country's main public mental health facility. In 2024 it was overcrowded, with a single psychologist, so many patients needing psychotherapy did not receive it. A UN Women statement notes that access to mental health services is limited and that quality care comes at a cost.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Eswatini Medical and Dental Council. Under the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act 1970, it is an offence to practise as a medical practitioner without registration with the Council. The Council keeps the register of medical practitioners.
Urgent help in Eswatini
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 977 · Ambulance
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: ecoi.net, extranet.who.int
Signs to look out for
Mood swings, wanting more privacy and clashes with parents are part of adolescence. It may be time to seek help when a teenager seems persistently sad, anxious or irritable, withdraws from friends, loses interest in activities, has big changes in sleep or eating, drops in school performance, uses alcohol or drugs, self-harms, or spends most of their time isolated online.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Approaches with good evidence for teenagers include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy for depression, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) adapted for adolescents when there is self-harm, and family-based therapies. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists and family therapists usually lead the work; a child and adolescent psychiatrist may be involved when symptoms are severe or medication is being considered.
When to seek urgent help
Take any talk of suicide or self-harm seriously. If a teenager has a plan, has harmed themselves seriously, has taken an overdose or is in danger, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Seek urgent help too for signs of severe intoxication, sexual exploitation or online extortion, and do not leave them alone if at risk.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep communication open by listening more than lecturing, and choose relaxed moments, such as car journeys or meals, to talk. Respect their growing independence while keeping clear, agreed limits. Encourage sleep routines, physical activity and time away from screens. Show interest in their friends and activities. If they are reluctant to seek help, offer options and let them have a say in choosing.
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 Eswatini cover psychological care?
The National Psychiatric Referral Hospital in Manzini is the country's main public mental health facility. In 2024 it was overcrowded, with a single psychologist, so many patients needing psychotherapy did not receive it. A UN Women statement notes that access to mental health services is limited and that quality care comes at a cost.
How do I check that a forensic psychologist is licensed in Eswatini?
Eswatini Medical and Dental Council: Under the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act 1970, it is an offence to practise as a medical practitioner without registration with the Council. The Council keeps the register of medical practitioners.