Psychology and Counselling Services

We conduct standardized assessments to understand each patient’s needs and guide treatment. Assessments may include:

• Clinical interviews
• Behavioral observation

Standardized tools such as KABC-2, CTONI-2, Neuropsychological Assessment Battery, ABAS-3, MMPI-2, MCMI-III, and other screening instruments.

These assessments help clarify difficulties, support diagnosis, and plan individualized treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, behavioral challenges, and work or relationship stress.

We provide a wide range of therapies:

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions for depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, stress, grief, and adjustment difficulties.
• Family Therapy: Improves communication, resolves conflict, and strengthens support for loved ones with mental health or substance use challenges.
• Group Therapy & Psycho-Education: Focused on mood disorders, addiction recovery, stress management, and peer support.

Psychotrauma Unit

The Psychotrauma Unit at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital provides specialized assessment and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced traumatic and distressing events. These include war and conflict, forced displacement, violence, abuse, accidents, and other life-threatening situations.

Our team offers individual, family, and group therapy using evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviors Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and experiential methods such as guided imagery and role play.

• CBT helps clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
• DBT builds skills in emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
• ACT supports acceptance of difficult thoughts and values-based action.
• Experiential approaches allow safe exploration of emotions and experiences.

Our goal is to reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life through compassionate, professional, and culturally sensitive care.

We provide hands-on training for mental health trainees, interns, in-service health workers, and the general public. Our programs cover:

• Addiction management
• Psychotrauma management
• Child and adolescent mental health care
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

These trainings build practical skills, enhance awareness, and strengthen mental health capacity across Uganda and the region.

The team of Psychologists and counsellors together with the other members of the Community and Recovery team conducts community outreaches in schools, workplaces, refugee settlements, community centers, and faith-based settings. Activities include mental health screening, brief counselling, referrals, and follow-up support.

We also participate in TV and radio health talks on depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, substance use, child and adolescent mental health, and stress management.

We have played a central role in national epidemic control efforts, including Ebola, Marburg, and COVID-19, providing mental health and psychosocial support to affected communities.

Our services are suitable for clients experiencing:

• Anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, psychosis
• PTSD and dissociative problems
• Psychosomatic complaints
• Addiction problems (chemical and behavioral)
• Marital, relationship, financial, and interpersonal challenges
• Personality-related problems or personality disorders

Through clinical care, training, research, public education, and active national response efforts, the Psychology and Counselling Unit at Butabika Hospital continues to support recovery, resilience, and wellbeing for individuals, families, and communities across Uganda.

We offer evidence-based psychological therapies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other structured trauma interventions to help clients process traumatic experiences, reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and regain a sense of safety, stability, and control.

Our multidisciplinary team has extensive experience supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, and other neighboring countries. This reflects our central role in providing regional trauma care, particularly for communities affected by conflict and displacement.

Our services include:

• Individual trauma therapy
• Group trauma therapy
• Family support and counselling
• Psychoeducation for clients and caregivers
• Crisis intervention
• Referrals for medical, legal, and social support where needed

Through compassionate and professional care, the Psych trauma Unit is committed to restoring hope, resilience, and improved functioning for individuals and families recovering from severe adversity.