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.
Educational psychologists are psychologists who work on learning, development and well-being at school: assessment of learning difficulties, ADHD or high abilities, support plans and guidance for families and teachers.
Getting mental health care in Trinidad & Tobago
Public health system · Regional Health Authorities (Ministry of Health)
Public psychiatric care is provided free of charge through the Regional Health Authorities, including community mental health clinics and St Ann's Psychiatric Hospital. Access is usually through a health centre or hospital.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists (voluntary professional association). No law licenses psychologists or psychotherapists and there is no government register. Membership of the association, which requires a master's-level qualification for full members, is voluntary; ask about qualifications and membership.
- Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago. Psychiatrists are doctors who must be registered with the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago. Search the official register
Urgent help in Trinidad & Tobago
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 811 · Ambulance
- 800-5588 · Lifeline (Trinidad and Tobago)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: ttparliament.org, mbtt.org
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 educational psychologist do?
An educational psychologist supports children and young people’s learning, development and well-being in educational settings. Day to day they assess learning, attention, behaviour and emotional difficulties, observe pupils in class, write reports with recommendations, and work with families and teachers on support plans. Some also guide students on study habits, school transitions and career choices, or train school staff.
When to see a educational psychologist
It makes sense to consult an educational psychologist when a child struggles to read, write or do maths despite effort, has trouble concentrating, shows changes in behaviour at school, may have high abilities, or faces bullying or school refusal. If there are significant emotional problems at home as well, or a possible mental health condition, a clinical or child psychologist may also be needed.
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 Trinidad & Tobago cover psychological care?
Public psychiatric care is provided free of charge through the Regional Health Authorities, including community mental health clinics and St Ann's Psychiatric Hospital. Access is usually through a health centre or hospital.
How do I check that a educational psychologist is licensed in Trinidad & Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists (voluntary professional association): No law licenses psychologists or psychotherapists and there is no government register. Membership of the association, which requires a master's-level qualification for full members, is voluntary; ask about qualifications and membership.