Moving to Brazil is exciting — the culture, the people, the food. But it can also be overwhelming. The language barrier, cultural differences, homesickness, and the challenge of building a new life in a foreign country can take a real toll on your mental health.
If you're an expat living in Brazil and considering therapy, you probably have questions: How does therapy work here? Can I find a therapist who speaks English? Is it covered by insurance?
This guide covers everything you need to know.
Mental Health Challenges Expats Often Face
Living abroad comes with unique emotional challenges that people back home may not fully understand:
Culture shock. Even if you love Brazil, the adjustment period is real. Different social norms, bureaucracy, and the pace of life can feel disorienting.
Loneliness and isolation. Being away from your support network — family, old friends, familiar places — can feel incredibly lonely, especially in the beginning.
Identity shifts. Who are you when you're not in your home country? Many expats struggle with a sense of lost identity or purpose.
Relationship strain. Whether you moved with a partner or left one behind, the stress of expat life can put pressure on relationships.
Anxiety and uncertainty. Visa issues, job concerns, the question of "should I stay or go back?" — these create a constant undercurrent of anxiety.
How Therapy Works in Brazil
Brazil has a strong psychology culture. In fact, Brazil has the most psychologists per capita in the world. Here's what you need to know:
Regulation. All psychologists in Brazil must be registered with the CRP (Regional Council of Psychology). My registration is CRP 02/30050 — you can verify it online for your peace of mind.
Sessions. Typically 45 minutes, once a week. The frequency can be adjusted based on your needs.
Approach. I work with CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), which is evidence-based, practical, and goal-oriented.
Online sessions. If you're not in Recife or prefer the convenience of remote sessions, online therapy is fully regulated and available. All you need is a stable internet connection and a private space.
Cost. Most expats pay out of pocket, as international insurance coverage for therapy in Brazil varies. I can provide receipts for reimbursement if your insurance offers that option.
Why Language Matters in Therapy
You might be able to order food in Portuguese, navigate daily life, even have conversations with colleagues. But therapy is different.
Therapy requires you to express your deepest emotions, describe subtle feelings, and explore complex thoughts. Doing this in a second language adds an extra layer of difficulty that can actually block the therapeutic process.
Having sessions in your native language (or a language you're truly comfortable in) means:
- You can express exactly what you feel, without searching for words
- Nuances and cultural context are understood
- You can focus on the process, not the translation
- The therapeutic relationship develops more naturally
What to Expect in Your First Session
The first session is about getting to know each other. I'll ask about what brought you to therapy, your current situation, and what you hope to achieve. There's no pressure to share everything at once — we go at your pace.
By the end of the first session, we'll have a clearer picture of the path forward.
About Me
My name is Raissa Guerra, and I'm a psychologist based in Recife, Brazil, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Fluent in English, I have experience working with expats and international clients.
Beyond my professional training, I bring a unique personal perspective to my practice: I've been living with Type 1 Diabetes since I was 4 years old, which gives me a deep understanding of the emotional impact of chronic health conditions.
Both in-person sessions in Recife and online sessions for clients anywhere in Brazil or abroad are available.
You can write to me in English — I'll respond in English.