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.
Educational therapists (psychopedagogues) support children, teenagers and adults with learning difficulties such as dyslexia or attention problems, study techniques and school guidance, in coordination with families and schools.
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
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 educational therapist do?
An educational therapist, known in Spanish as a psicopedagogo, helps children, teenagers and adults learn more effectively. Day to day they identify how a person learns, assess difficulties with reading, writing, maths, organisation or study skills, and design practical intervention plans. They work individually with students and coordinate closely with families and schools, adapting materials and strategies to each learner.
When to see a educational therapist
It can help when a student works hard but grades do not reflect it, struggles with reading or writing, finds it hard to organise or plan, needs support after a diagnosis such as dyslexia or ADHD, or is changing school stage. If there are significant emotional or behavioural problems, or a formal psychological diagnosis is needed, an educational or clinical psychologist should 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 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 therapist 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.