About children
Child psychologists adapt therapy to each age, often using play and drawing, and work closely with parents. Common reasons for consultation include anxiety, fears, behaviour, learning difficulties and family changes. For minors, consent from those with parental responsibility is required.
Educational psychologists are psychologists who work on learning, development and well-being at school: assessment of learning difficulties, ADHD or high abilities, support plans and guidance for families and teachers.
Getting mental health care in Vietnam
Public health system · Public hospital system and Social Health Insurance
Mental health care is mainly provided by national psychiatric hospitals (Hanoi and Bien Hoa), provincial psychiatric hospitals and some district hospitals, with community follow-up mostly for schizophrenia and epilepsy. Depression and anxiety are treated mainly at central and provincial level. Health insurance covers most of the population, but clinical psychology services are not officially covered.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Practising licence under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment (Law No. 15/2023/QH15). Since 1 January 2024 clinical psychologists need a practising licence, valid for 5 years, and may practise in licensed hospitals or clinical psychology facilities. Ask for the practising licence.
- Practising licence under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment (Law No. 15/2023/QH15). Doctors, including psychiatrists, must hold a medical practising licence. Ask for the practising licence.
Insurance and coverage
Social health insurance covers about 90% of the population and psychiatric treatment, but clinical psychology services are not officially covered.
Urgent help in Vietnam
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: gov.uk, vietnamnews.vn, english.luatvietnam.vn, english.luatvietnam.vn
Signs to look out for
Children often show distress through behaviour and the body rather than words. It may be worth consulting a professional when a child has persistent fears or worries, frequent tantrums, sleep or eating changes, regression such as bedwetting again, headaches or stomach aches without a medical cause, withdrawal, school difficulties, or after a difficult event such as a separation, a loss or a move.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Therapy with children usually involves parents closely. Evidence-based approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy adapted to age, parent training programmes, play-based therapy, family therapy and trauma-focused CBT after difficult experiences. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists and family therapists are the main professionals; speech therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists or child psychiatrists may be involved depending on needs.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child is in danger, has been harmed, may have swallowed something toxic, or talks about wanting to die or hurt themselves, even at a young age. If you suspect abuse or neglect, seek help from child protection services or emergency services. Sudden changes in consciousness, speech or movement need immediate medical attention.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep predictable routines for sleep, meals and play, and limit screens, especially before bed. Spend some unhurried time each day with your child, following their lead in play. Name emotions together and stay calm when they are upset. Explain changes in simple, honest terms appropriate to their age. Look after your own well-being too, since children are sensitive to adult stress.
What does a educational psychologist do?
An educational psychologist supports children and young people’s learning, development and well-being in educational settings. Day to day they assess learning, attention, behaviour and emotional difficulties, observe pupils in class, write reports with recommendations, and work with families and teachers on support plans. Some also guide students on study habits, school transitions and career choices, or train school staff.
When to see a educational psychologist
It makes sense to consult an educational psychologist when a child struggles to read, write or do maths despite effort, has trouble concentrating, shows changes in behaviour at school, may have high abilities, or faces bullying or school refusal. If there are significant emotional problems at home as well, or a possible mental health condition, a clinical or child psychologist may also be needed.
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 Vietnam cover psychological care?
Mental health care is mainly provided by national psychiatric hospitals (Hanoi and Bien Hoa), provincial psychiatric hospitals and some district hospitals, with community follow-up mostly for schizophrenia and epilepsy. Depression and anxiety are treated mainly at central and provincial level. Health insurance covers most of the population, but clinical psychology services are not officially covered.
How do I check that a educational psychologist is licensed in Vietnam?
Practising licence under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment (Law No. 15/2023/QH15): Since 1 January 2024 clinical psychologists need a practising licence, valid for 5 years, and may practise in licensed hospitals or clinical psychology facilities. Ask for the practising licence.