How to Choose a Psychologist in Lebanon: A Practical Guide

How to choose a psychologist in Lebanon

To choose a psychologist in Lebanon, first check that they hold a Ministry of Public Health licence, since Law 8/2017 requires it of every practising psychologist. Then ask about their training, approach, languages, fees and confidentiality. This guide, written by clinical psychologist Angela Barhouch, explains how.

Step 1: Check the licence

Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health states that Law 8/2017 requires all practising psychologists to obtain a licence from the Ministry, and it prohibits providing psychology services without one. The licence is either clinical or educational, so ask which one the person holds.

There are two public places to check. The Ministry publishes a list of licensed psychologists, though the file was last updated in February 2022, so someone licensed more recently may not appear. The Order of Psychologists in Lebanon publishes a directory of its members, which you can search by name.

Step 2: Decide between a psychologist and a psychiatrist

A clinical psychologist provides psychological assessment and psychotherapy. A psychiatrist is a physician who can prescribe medication. The Ministry of Public Health states that psychologists must abstain from prescribing, because prescribing is an exclusive right of licensed physicians.

The choice isn't always either-or, and some people see both. If you're not sure, a first assessment with either professional can help you work out what you need.

Step 3: Ask these questions before you book

Which licence do you hold, and what is the number?
What therapy do you use, and where did you train in it?
Do you work with my concern, and with this age group?
Can we work in Arabic, English or the language I prefer?
In person or online? What does the first session involve?
What is the fee, and how long does therapy usually last?
What stays confidential, and when would that change?

Why it's worth seeking help

A national survey of 2,857 adults in Lebanon, published in The Lancet in 2006 with data from 2002 and 2003, found that 17.0% had met criteria for a mental disorder in the past year, and that only 10.9% of those people had obtained treatment.

How Angela Barhouch answers these questions

Licence: Ministry of Public Health licence number 2021/3/20888, clinical category, and listed in the Order of Psychologists in Lebanon's directory
Therapy and training: CBT and DBT, with an MSc in Clinical Psychology from Kingston University, London, and CBT training at Oxford University and the Beck Institute
Ages: children from roughly 4, teenagers, adults and parents
Languages and format: Arabic and English, in person in Dekwaneh or online
First session: a full clinical assessment, with no free consultation beforehand
Fee: confirmed on WhatsApp before you book

Written by Angela Barhouch, licensed clinical psychologist and psychology instructor at the American University of Beirut. Last updated November 2026. This page is general information and doesn't replace an individual assessment.

Common questions

Is there an official list of licensed psychologists in Lebanon?

Yes. Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health publishes a list of licensed psychologists, last updated in February 2022, and the Order of Psychologists in Lebanon publishes a searchable directory of its members at lopsy.org.

Can a psychologist prescribe medication in Lebanon?

No. Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health states that psychologists must abstain from prescribing medication, which is an exclusive right of physicians licensed by the Ministry and affiliated to the Order of Physicians.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist in Lebanon?

A clinical psychologist holds a Ministry of Public Health licence to practise psychology and provides assessment and psychotherapy. A psychiatrist is a physician who can also prescribe medication.