Mental Health

Deciding to seek help for your mental health can be a difficult step to take, but it is especially daunting when you are living in a foreign country. Language, cost and quality can all be a source of fear when deciding to talk to someone but thankfully, the mental healthcare system in The Netherlands is exceptional!

Getting a Referral

In order to see a psychiatrist (psychiater) or psychologist (psycholoog), you will need a referral from your family doctor or general practitioner (huisarts).

There are different kinds of psychological help offered such as counselling, coaching and several forms of therapy. Your doctor will help you to determine what specialist is best to see and how long the waiting lists are. Once a specialist is selected, the doctor will write a referral for you.

Language

If you don’t speak Dutch, don’t worry! Most doctors will be able to help you find a specialist that speaks English.

If you are not comfortable speaking English or Dutch, you can ask your doctor can help you find a specialist that speaks a language you are more comfortable with. It might not always be possible, but it’s not a problem to ask.

Costs

Mental healthcare is usually covered by your health insurance(apart from your mandatory deductible).

If you are worried about the costs, it is a good idea to double check with your doctor that the selected specialist is covered by health insurance before you are referred.

Online Resources

Online mental health support, or e-health, is available for anyone experiencing mild mental or social struggles, or for those dealing with depression, anxiety, or relationship tensions.

• Inter-Being:  help in English and other languages for expats, students and couples in Groningen and Amsterdam
• U-Center: Call 0800 – 222 444 6 (weekdays from 9 – 20 hrs). U- Center is an expert in treating anxiety, depression, substance abuse and trauma.
• PEP-International: has established an SOS-call back service.
• iPractice Amsterdam: Call 020-2444888 or fill the contact form on their website.