Depression Psychologists in Colombo

Effective psychological treatments include behavioural activation and cognitive-behavioural therapy ¹. Interpersonal psychotherapy and problem-solving therapy are also used. In the World Health Organization's words: ‘Psychological treatments are the first treatments for depression.’ ‘They can be combined with antidepressant medicines in moderate and severe depression.’

Effective treatment exists for mild, moderate and severe depression. A depressive episode means low mood, or loss of interest in things you enjoyed. It lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.

Low mood after a loss or a hard year is not automatically a disorder, though support can help. Ask a practitioner what they would suggest, and why.

Everyone on this page is listed under the professional title psychologist. Psychologists apply the study of the mind and behaviour to assist people through difficulty. Clinical psychologists work with people of all ages, with families, carers, teams and communities.

Assessment belongs to a psychologist's training, and sits alongside therapy. Clinical, counselling and educational psychology are different training routes. Each route emphasises different work.

Which titles are registered varies by country. Where the title is registered, the register says what it covers. Ask a psychologist which route they trained through, and what they work with most.

National Institute of Mental Health Sri Lanka Navodaya Psychological Treatment Service. Phone +94 11 2578556. All curative services at public health institutions are funded by the state and free to citizens. Members of the public can book the Navodaya day service. You need a clinical assessment, and appointments must be booked three working days ahead.

The title you will see is Clinical Psychologist. The Sri Lanka Medical Council keeps the register.

See the Sri Lanka page.