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.
Forensic psychologists apply psychology to legal matters: expert reports for courts, custody and family proceedings, assessment of damages or credibility, and support for victims. Ask about their experience as an expert witness in your country.
Getting mental health care in Uzbekistan
Public health system · State health system (Ministry of Health)
Mental health care is delivered mainly through state psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric dispensaries and outpatient clinics overseen by the Ministry of Health, concentrated in cities. A 2023 decree created a unified management system for psychiatric care and set out to integrate mental health into primary care using the WHO mhGAP programme. GPs can refer patients to a psychiatrist. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Law No. 989 on Providing Psychological Assistance to the Population (standards approved by the Ministry of Health). Since February 2025 only people with a higher education degree in psychology may provide psychological services, and unqualified practice carries administrative penalties. Private practice requires a qualification certificate from the professional association; ask to see the psychologist's diploma and certificate.
Urgent help in Uzbekistan
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 103 · Ambulance
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, gazeta.uz, kun.uz, tashkenttimes.uz
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 forensic psychologist do?
A forensic psychologist applies psychology to legal questions. Day to day they carry out expert assessments and write reports for courts, lawyers or individuals: for example on child custody, the psychological impact of an event, capacity, credibility issues or risk. Some also work in prisons, victim support or rehabilitation programmes. They may be asked to explain their findings at trial.
When to see a forensic psychologist
You may need a forensic psychologist when a legal process requires an independent psychological assessment: custody or visitation disputes, claims for psychological harm after an accident or assault, workplace harassment cases, or questions about a person’s capacity. If what you need is emotional support during a legal process, a therapist is more suitable, since forensic assessment is evaluative, not therapeutic.
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 Uzbekistan cover psychological care?
Mental health care is delivered mainly through state psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric dispensaries and outpatient clinics overseen by the Ministry of Health, concentrated in cities. A 2023 decree created a unified management system for psychiatric care and set out to integrate mental health into primary care using the WHO mhGAP programme. GPs can refer patients to a psychiatrist.
How do I check that a forensic psychologist is licensed in Uzbekistan?
Law No. 989 on Providing Psychological Assistance to the Population (standards approved by the Ministry of Health): Since February 2025 only people with a higher education degree in psychology may provide psychological services, and unqualified practice carries administrative penalties. Private practice requires a qualification certificate from the professional association; ask to see the psychologist's diploma and certificate.