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Psychological Support Unit
Caring for the mind is part of caring for the body.
Pregnancy, birth, illness and loss can shake anyone. Our psychological support unit (Cellule d’Écoute) offers a confidential space where patients and families can talk to a psychologist, be listened to and find ways to cope.
The unit works with every department of the hospital, from the maternity and neonatal unit to paediatrics, oncology and the HIV care centre, and can see patients during their hospital stay or as outpatients.
What we offer
- Perinatal mental health
- Grief & loss
- Support after violence
- Adolescents
- Illness & hospitalisation
- Couples & intimacy
Perinatal mental health. Support for anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after birth.
Grief & loss. Support after miscarriage, stillbirth, the loss of a child or a difficult diagnosis.
Support after violence. Care and orientation for survivors of physical or sexual violence.
Adolescents. Counselling for young people facing stress, conflict or risky behaviour.
Illness & hospitalisation. Support for patients and families living with serious or chronic illness.
Couples & intimacy. Counselling for couples and for sexual difficulties.
Baby blues or postnatal depression?
Many new mothers feel tearful, anxious or irritable in the first days after giving birth. These “baby blues” usually pass within two weeks. If sadness, exhaustion, loss of interest or worrying thoughts last longer or become intense, it may be postnatal depression, a common and treatable condition. Talk to your midwife, your doctor or our psychologists: you are not alone, and asking for help is a sign of strength.
- Persistent sadness or crying
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Loss of sleep or appetite unrelated to the baby’s needs
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby: seek help immediately
How to access the unit
Any doctor, midwife or nurse can refer you to the unit, and you can also ask for an appointment yourself at the reception. Consultations take place in a private office, and what you share remains confidential.
Who leads the service
- Psychological Support Unit – Clinical psychologists, working with all departments
Practical information
Hours. Monday to Friday, 07:30 – 15:30. Patients in hospital can be seen on the ward.
Confidential. Sessions are private and confidential.
Families. Partners and family members are welcome to take part when the patient wishes.
Urgent help. If someone is in immediate danger, go to the emergency department, which is open 24/7.
Opening hours
- Monday: 07:30 – 15:30
- Tuesday: 07:30 – 15:30
- Wednesday: 07:30 – 15:30
- Thursday: 07:30 – 15:30
- Friday: 07:30 – 15:30
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Frequently asked questions
No. You can ask for an appointment directly, although many patients are referred by their doctor or midwife.
No. Most people who come to the unit are going through a difficult period and need a space to talk and find solutions.
Yes. Our psychologists see children and adolescents, with or without their parents depending on the situation.
No. What you share is confidential, except in rare situations where someone's safety is at serious risk.
Ask a question about Psychological Support Unit
Our team replies on working days. For an emergency, do not write: call (+237) 670 607 278 or come directly to the hospital.