About trauma
After a traumatic experience it is common to have intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance or to avoid reminders. When these persist, trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR or trauma-focused CBT can help. Look for a professional with specific training in trauma.
Psychotherapists are professionals trained in one or more models of psychotherapy (psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural…). The protected title and requirements vary by country; profiles show each professional’s training and registration.
Getting mental health care in the British Virgin Islands
Public health system · BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Community Mental Health and Behavioral Health Unit
The BVIHSA runs community mental health and substance abuse services and a Behavioral Health Unit at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital offering psychiatry, counselling and psychotherapy. Patients can self-refer by requesting a consultation or be referred by a GP. National Health Insurance (NHI) includes mental health services in its defined benefit package. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- BVI Allied Health Professionals Council (Ministry of Health and Social Development). Psychologists practising in the Virgin Islands register with the Allied Health Professionals Council. Ask the practitioner for their local registration.
- BVI Medical and Dental Council. Doctors, including psychiatrists, must be registered with the Medical and Dental Council to practise in the territory.
Insurance and coverage
National Health Insurance covers mental health services as part of its benefit package, with limits that may apply; many expatriates add private cover.
Urgent help in the British Virgin Islands
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 911 · Emergency (911 / 999)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: bvihsa.vg, vinhi.vg
Signs to look out for
After a frightening or overwhelming event, it is normal to feel shaken for a while. It is worth seeking help when, weeks later, you still have intrusive memories or nightmares, feel constantly on guard, startle easily, avoid anything that reminds you of what happened, feel numb or disconnected, or notice that it is affecting your sleep, relationships or work. Trauma can also stem from repeated experiences in childhood.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Trauma-focused therapies have strong evidence, especially trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure and EMDR. Psychologists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists with specific trauma training are the main professionals. For complex trauma, therapy often starts by building safety and emotional regulation. A psychiatrist can assess whether medication may help with symptoms such as sleep problems or severe anxiety.
When to seek urgent help
If you are in danger now, or the person who harmed you is still a threat, contact your local emergency services. Seek urgent help too if you have thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself, or if you feel completely disconnected from reality. After a physical or sexual assault, medical care is important even if there are no visible injuries.
What you can do in the meantime
Be patient with yourself: your reactions are a response to something abnormal. Try to keep simple routines, sleep and meals, and spend time with people who make you feel safe. Grounding techniques, such as noticing what you can see and hear around you, can help when memories intrude. Avoid using alcohol or drugs to numb feelings, and choose when and with whom you share your story.
What does a psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist helps people understand and change emotional, relational and behavioural patterns through a structured therapeutic relationship. Their work is shaped by one or more models, such as cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic or integrative therapy. They meet individuals, couples, families or groups, usually in regular sessions, and spend time outside sessions on notes, preparation and their own supervision.
When to see a psychotherapist
Psychotherapy suits people who want to work in depth on recurring difficulties: anxiety, low mood, relationship patterns, self-esteem, the effects of past experiences or major life transitions. It can also help when you feel stuck without a clear diagnosis. If you need a formal diagnosis, a specific psychological assessment or medication, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may need to 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 the British Virgin Islands cover psychological care?
The BVIHSA runs community mental health and substance abuse services and a Behavioral Health Unit at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital offering psychiatry, counselling and psychotherapy. Patients can self-refer by requesting a consultation or be referred by a GP. National Health Insurance (NHI) includes mental health services in its defined benefit package.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in the British Virgin Islands?
BVI Allied Health Professionals Council (Ministry of Health and Social Development): Psychologists practising in the Virgin Islands register with the Allied Health Professionals Council. Ask the practitioner for their local registration.