Psychologist

Who this page is for

For foreigners living in Georgia who are looking for a psychologist or psychotherapist, and for families settling into a new life after the move.

And for travellers who hit a hard patch while they are here and need someone to talk to.

Our role

We are not psychologists, we do not diagnose and we do not provide therapy.

We look for a licensed or properly trained specialist, check their language and experience, and arrange the meeting. We take no commission from specialists.

If you are feeling very bad right now

If you are thinking about harming yourself or ending your life, or someone else is in danger, call 112 right now.

If you can, call someone close to you and do not stay alone.

Afterwards we help with interpreting, contact with a clinic and every next step.

Psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist

A psychologist or psychotherapist works through conversation and does not prescribe medication.

A psychiatrist is a doctor: they diagnose and prescribe medication when needed.

The two often work together, and we help you work out whom you need to start with.

Language matters most

In therapy every word matters, and talking about feelings is easiest in your mother tongue.

So we look first for a specialist who speaks your language.

If there is none, we look for someone who works fluently in a second language you share.

An interpreter in therapy

Therapy through an interpreter is possible, but it changes the rhythm and closeness of the conversation.

In that case the interpreter commits to confidentiality and only translates.

Online therapy in your language is often better than in-person therapy with an interpreter - we weigh this up together.

Qualifications

We check the specialist's education, specialisation and practical experience.

We ask whether they receive supervision and which code of ethics they follow.

Popularity on social media is not a sign of qualification.

Approach

There are different approaches to therapy: some are more structured and short, others deeper and longer.

Which one suits you depends on your needs and your character.

We ask the specialist to explain simply at the first meeting how they work.

The first meeting

The first meeting is about getting acquainted: do you understand each other, and do you feel safe.

If it does not feel right, that is normal, and we look for another specialist.

Changing specialist is not a failure on your part or theirs.

In person or online

For some people meeting in person feels warmer and helps them stay focused.

Online sessions are convenient if you travel often or the specialist who speaks your language is in another city.

Some people use both, and that is fine.

Your previous therapist

If you already have a therapist in another country, continuing online is often the best option.

In some countries a therapist's licence only applies within that country, and the therapist will tell you about this.

A local specialist can then be a back-up or additional support.

Adapting to a new country

The first months often start with enthusiasm, and then tiredness and homesickness set in.

This is a normal part of cultural adaptation, not a sign of weakness.

Talking to a specialist often makes this period shorter and lighter.

Loneliness

In a foreign country without friends and family, loneliness is often unexpectedly strong.

Besides therapy, community, language classes and group activities help.

We are glad to point you to expat communities and meet-ups in your city.

Anxiety and panic

A new environment, paperwork and uncertainty often intensify anxiety.

A panic attack is frightening, but there are ways to cope with it.

With first-time heart symptoms a doctor rules out a physical cause, and we arrange that.

Sleep

Insomnia is often the result of stress, a change of time zone or new noise.

Long-term insomnia affects mood and health.

A specialist and, if needed, a doctor help you find the cause.

Burnout

Remote work in another time zone and losing the edges of the working day lead to burnout.

Exhaustion, emptiness and cynicism are common signs of burnout.

Therapy helps you find a balance that actually works.

Grief far from home

Losing someone close while you are far from home is especially hard.

Sometimes it is impossible to travel to the funeral, and the grief stays unfinished.

Talking to a specialist gives great support at such a time, and we arrange a visit quickly.

Difficult experiences

Some foreigners came to Georgia after war, persecution or other difficult experiences.

In that case we look for a specialist experienced in working with trauma.

You set the pace, and nobody needs anything you do not want to tell.

Couples

A move is often easier for one partner than the other, and that creates tension.

Couples therapy helps both sides be heard.

We look for a specialist who works in a language both partners understand.

Families

A family move changes the children's school, friends and family roles.

Family therapy helps everyone say what is hard for them.

Sometimes a few joint meetings are enough.

Children and teenagers

Children often express a move through behaviour rather than words.

Specialists with specific training work with children and teenagers.

Therapy for a minor usually needs a parent's consent, and the specialist explains the rules.

School and adaptation

At a new school, the language, the rules and the friends all change at once.

Some international schools have their own psychologist, and we check this when choosing a school.

We set up contact between the school and a family psychologist with the parent's consent.

Alcohol and other dependencies

Stress and loneliness sometimes lead to excessive use of alcohol or other substances.

It is hard to talk about, but help is available.

We look for a specialist who works with dependency, without judgement.

Continuing medication

If you take psychiatric medication, we advise against stopping it abruptly.

Bring a supply, the prescription and your doctor's report.

We arrange a visit to a psychiatrist here so that your treatment continues without interruption.

Seeing a psychiatrist

Seeing a psychiatrist often causes the most fear, though it is an ordinary doctor's appointment.

The psychiatrist listens, assesses and advises whether medication is needed.

We arrange the visit with an interpreter if the psychiatrist does not speak your language.

Confidentiality

What is said in therapy stays in therapy - that is the specialist's ethical duty.

The exceptions are only a risk to life and cases defined by law, and the specialist explains them at the start.

We know only what is needed for the arrangements, and we share it with no one.

Your employer

Some employers offer psychological support to their staff.

Even then, the content of your conversations is not reported to the employer.

We clarify the payment and reporting rules before any agreement.

Where you meet

The office should be in a quiet and discreet place.

For an online session, a space at home where nobody can overhear you is just as important.

Some people use headphones and a closed room for this, others their car.

Frequency and length

How often and for how long therapy continues depends on your goal.

For some a few meetings are enough, while others continue for months.

You agree this with the specialist in the first meetings and can review it at any time.

Cancelling and rescheduling

Specialists have their own cancellation rules.

We clarify them at the start so there are no surprises.

When you travel, sessions often move online.

Stigma

In some cultures people do not talk openly about seeing a psychologist.

Talking to a psychologist is looking after your health, just like seeing a doctor.

Whom you tell about it is entirely your decision.

Without judgement

We look for a specialist who works without judgement, whatever your origin, beliefs or private life.

If something in a specialist's behaviour troubles you, tell us and we will find someone else.

Feeling safe is an essential condition for therapy.

Physical health

Sometimes tiredness, mood swings or anxiety are linked to a physical cause.

A psychologist sometimes suggests seeing a doctor or having tests.

We arrange a check-up or a doctor's visit through the health section.

Pregnancy and after birth

Pregnancy and a baby's first months far from home are especially hard emotionally.

Postnatal depression is common and responds to treatment.

We look for a specialist who works with parents during this period.

Older relatives

Some foreigners bring elderly parents here, and adapting is especially hard for them.

Losing their language, friends and usual rhythm deepens loneliness.

We look for a specialist who works with older people in their language.

Groups

In some cities there are support groups for foreigners, in various languages.

A group does not replace individual therapy, but it eases the sense of loneliness.

We check which groups are currently running and in what format.

Movement and the body

Regular movement - walking, swimming, yoga - has a positive effect on mood and sleep.

It does not replace therapy, but it often complements it well.

We cover yoga and sport options on other pages in the health section.

Nature and rest

For many people a few days out of the city - in the mountains, by the sea or in the wine region - brings their strength back.

A break like that does not replace therapy, but it often reinforces it.

We offer calm, unhurried routes in the tours section.

News from home

Bad news from home, especially in times of war or crisis, is often felt more heavily from a distance.

Endless news-reading intensifies anxiety and ruins sleep.

A specialist helps you find a balance between staying informed and looking after yourself.

Bureaucratic stress

Paperwork, residence, banks and taxes are often the main source of stress in a new country.

Our other sections help you with this side in practical terms.

When the practical load gets lighter, your emotional state often improves too.

Learning the language

Even a few words of the local language reduce the feeling of being a stranger.

A language class is also a good way to make new acquaintances, and it gives the day a regular rhythm and structure.

We choose Georgian classes and tutors when needed, according to your level and schedule.

Preparing for the first meeting

Some people find it helps to write down beforehand what troubles them and what they expect from therapy.

It is not essential - the specialist will ask you questions.

If you take psychiatric medication, write down its name and dose.

When someone close needs help

Sometimes you are looking for help not for yourself but for a friend or family member.

You cannot make an adult go to therapy, but you can find the options for them.

Supporting someone close is draining, and you may need to talk to someone too.

A traveller in a hard moment

Sometimes a hard period starts during a trip, when you are far from home.

We can often arrange a short online or in-person consultation within a day or two.

If you would rather go home, we help you change your ticket and organise the journey.

Insurance

Travel insurance rarely covers sessions with a psychologist.

Some health or corporate policies cover part of the cost, on their own terms.

We read the policy terms in advance and prepare documents if needed.

Payment

The specialist sets the session fee, and you pay the specialist directly.

We neither take nor pass on any money.

Some specialists offer a package of sessions - we clarify the terms in advance.

When therapy ends

The end of therapy is planned together with the specialist.

Sometimes the last meetings become less frequent so the transition is gentle.

Coming back later is always possible.

Common mistakes

Waiting a long time until things get very heavy.

Giving up altogether after one uncomfortable first meeting.

Stopping psychiatric medication abruptly on arrival in a new country.

What we need from you

Which language you want to speak and which format you prefer.

Briefly, what is troubling you - only as much as you are comfortable sharing.

Which city you are in and what times suit you.

Cost

The specialist sets the session fee.

An interpreter, if needed, is a separate item.

Our coordination is agreed in advance, and we take nothing from specialists.