How do I find a child psychologist or therapist in Bali?

The easiest starting point is usually the doctor you already see. If you've been finding a pediatrician in Bali, ask them directly for a referral: most pediatricians who work with expat families keep a short list of child psychologists or counselors they trust, and they'll know which ones actually speak your language well versus just listing it on a website. International clinics in the Canggu, Sanur, Umalas, and Ubud areas are the most likely to have a child psychologist or play therapist on staff or on call, since that's where most of the expat and long-term family population is concentrated.

If your child is enrolled at an international school, the school counselor is worth contacting even if you don't plan to use the school's own services. Counselors at these schools deal with transitions, anxiety, and behavioral concerns constantly and usually keep an informal referral network of local therapists, some of whom work in English, Bahasa Indonesia, or other languages depending on your family's needs. Word of mouth in expat parent groups (Facebook groups for specific areas, or WhatsApp groups tied to a school or long-term villa community) is another reliable channel, since other parents will tell you honestly whether a therapist worked well for a child with a similar issue to yours. If in-person options near you are limited, ask whether the therapist offers video sessions, and don't rule out a therapist based elsewhere in Indonesia or in your home country who works over telehealth, since licensing and language fit often matter more than physical location.

Take your time matching the therapist's approach and language to your child rather than booking the first name you find, and ask upfront about their experience with your child's specific age group or concern. If your child is dealing with a big life change, like relocating to Bali or traveling here with additional support needs, mention that context in the first call so the therapist can tell you honestly whether it's their area of practice. For anything beyond routine adjustment, whether that's ongoing anxiety, a developmental concern, or a sudden change in your child's behavior, consult a doctor or clinic first so a medical cause can be ruled out and you get a proper referral rather than guessing on your own.