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.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialised in mental health. They diagnose, prescribe and monitor medication and may also provide psychotherapy. They are usually the first choice when medication may be needed or symptoms are severe.
Getting mental health care in Thailand
Public health system · Universal Coverage Scheme (Gold Card / 30-baht scheme), National Health Security Office
The Universal Coverage Scheme covers care at the hospital or health unit where you are registered, with referral for specialist treatment. Psychiatric treatment is included with a referral, while psychotherapy is generally not covered unless referred.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical Council of Thailand. Psychiatrists are physicians registered with the Medical Council of Thailand, which maintains the register of doctors.
Insurance and coverage
The Universal Coverage Scheme includes psychiatric treatment with a referral but generally not psychotherapy.
Urgent help in Thailand
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 1669 · Ambulance
- 1323 · สายด่วนสุขภาพจิต 1323
- 021136789 · The Samaritans of Thailand
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: en.wikipedia.org, expatica.com, therapyroute.com, thetreatmentregistry.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 psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses mental health problems from a medical point of view. Day to day they carry out diagnostic interviews, rule out physical causes, decide whether medication could help, prescribe it and monitor its effects and side effects. Many also offer psychotherapy or work alongside psychologists. They see adults, older people and, if specialised, children and adolescents.
When to see a psychiatrist
Consider a psychiatrist when symptoms are intense or long-lasting, when therapy alone has not been enough, when you are already taking psychiatric medication, or when there are experiences such as severe mood swings, hearing or seeing things others do not, or very disturbed sleep. If what you mainly need is talking therapy for everyday difficulties, a psychologist or psychotherapist 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 Thailand cover psychological care?
The Universal Coverage Scheme covers care at the hospital or health unit where you are registered, with referral for specialist treatment. Psychiatric treatment is included with a referral, while psychotherapy is generally not covered unless referred.
How do I check that a psychiatrist is licensed in Thailand?
Medical Council of Thailand: Psychiatrists are physicians registered with the Medical Council of Thailand, which maintains the register of doctors.