About psychologists
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
Getting mental health care in Uruguay
Under Ley 19.529 and Decreto 305/011, every SNIS provider (ASSE or the mutualistas) must offer psychological care in three modes: free group interventions for specific groups, psychotherapy with a set co-payment (for example for people aged 15 to 30, health workers, teachers and people after a suicide attempt), and longer treatment with a lower co-payment for severe conditions.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
What happens in the first session
The first session is mostly a conversation: what brings you here, since when, how it affects your life, and what you would like to change. The psychologist may ask about your history, health and support network, and explain how they work. It helps to bring a short list of concerns, any previous reports, and questions about their approach, confidentiality, session length and fees.