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.
Family therapists work with the whole family or several of its members to improve communication, resolve conflicts and go through changes such as separations, losses or a child’s difficulties. They look at relationships rather than at one person alone.
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 family therapist do?
A family therapist works with families as a system, seeing several members together or in different combinations. Day to day they help families improve communication, manage conflict, adapt to changes such as separation, illness, migration or the arrival of a child, and support a member who is struggling. They look at roles, rules and patterns in the relationships rather than blaming one person.
When to see a family therapist
Family therapy makes sense when tension at home is constant, when a child or teenager’s difficulties affect everyone, after a separation or blended-family transition, during a loss or serious illness, or when communication has broken down between generations. If one person has a severe mental health condition, family therapy can complement, not replace, individual treatment. Couple-only problems may suit couples therapy 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 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 family 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.