Belgium – Mental Health

How is mental health generally viewed and talked about in Belgium?

Belgium’s approach to mental health is shaped by its multilingual, multicultural make-up, and attitudes have evolved considerably over recent decades. Across Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels communities, public recognition of mental health as a genuine healthcare matter has grown substantially. Nevertheless, as with much of Europe, stigma remains a challenge — research consistently shows that more stigmatising attitudes toward mental illness reduce the likelihood that individuals will seek professional help. Belgium is not immune to these patterns.

Belgium’s long history of immigration means that societal attitudes toward mental health care reflect a wide spectrum of cultural backgrounds. For those arriving from countries where therapy is a routine topic in everyday life, some corners of Belgian society may feel comparatively guarded — though cities, and Brussels in particular, tend to be considerably more open, partly because of the large international workforce affiliated with EU institutions and global corporations.

Belgium holds a distinctive and progressive place in the history of community-based mental health care. The town of Geel, home to roughly 41,000 people, is widely recognised in mental health history: records indicate that a church was established there in 1349, and the town subsequently became a destination for people from across the world seeking mental health support. This longstanding tradition of incorporating people with mental health conditions into the fabric of everyday community life forms a meaningful thread in Belgium’s cultural identity.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted governments across the world to increase investment in psychological care. Belgium launched a new mental health master plan in January 2022, signalling an institutional commitment to reducing stigma and broadening access to services. For expats, this means the system is actively developing — resources are being redirected toward community-based, accessible care rather than concentrating primarily on hospital settings.

Newcomers from countries where mental health is discussed openly in public life may notice that frank conversations about psychological difficulties are somewhat less common in everyday Belgian social contexts. That said, in cities such as Brussels and Leuven, therapy services routinely operate in multiple languages, and a number of practitioners offer English-language sessions tailored to the international community. Within professional clinical environments, seeking help is treated as entirely normal and without stigma.

What mental health services are publicly available in Belgium, and how does the system work?

The Belgian healthcare model rests on a compulsory health insurance framework funded through social security contributions. Access to care is broadly open, and patients may choose their own GP or specialist. In contrast to systems such as the UK’s NHS — where a GP referral is typically needed before accessing specialist mental health services — Belgium permits a greater degree of direct access to care providers.

Mental healthcare in Belgium spans a wide range, from independent psychologists through to hospital-based psychiatric services. Because referrals are not required, expats have more autonomy in selecting a practitioner suited to their needs. That said, waiting lists within the public sector for particular conditions can be very lengthy.

Belgian health insurance covers various categories of mental healthcare — both inpatient and outpatient — based on individual circumstances. The most current details on covered services are published by the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) at www.inami.fgov.be.

To access public reimbursements, you must be registered with a mutuelle/ziekenfonds (a mutual health insurance fund). This is the body through which healthcare costs are reclaimed. Every resident in Belgium, including those newly arrived, is required to affiliate with one of these funds. Approximately 75% of the official INAMI/RIZIV tariff is reimbursed, with the outstanding balance potentially covered by supplementary insurance — often available through the mutual fund itself.

Psychologist consultations can be reimbursed under qualifying conditions, a scheme initially introduced for adults dealing with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or problematic alcohol use. This has since been extended. Mental health care in Belgium is now open to all, regardless of age or the nature of the mental health concern, following decisions by RIZIV/INAMI and the Federal Minister for Public Health.

Waiting times within the public ambulatory mental health system are a recognised difficulty. According to 2022 figures, the average time before a first face-to-face appointment at an ambulatory mental health centre was 41 days — broadly in line with delays seen across other publicly funded European systems. For those with more pressing or ongoing needs, private practitioners are a common alternative. The official healthybelgium.be portal provides updated figures and regional breakdowns.

Belgium maintains 11 regional networks dedicated to youth mental health, each bringing together psychologists, psychiatrists, care facilities, and other professionals. These networks offer services ranging from short-term therapy and crisis intervention through to long-term and specialist care for children with complex needs. As of 2025, sessions delivered through these networks are largely free of charge, with young people entitled to up to 10 individual or group sessions annually for basic psychological support and up to 20 sessions for more intensive care.

Is private therapy or counselling available in Belgium, and what does it cost?

Given the limited availability and extended waiting times in publicly funded mental health services, private therapists and psychiatrists represent a widely used alternative in Belgium, particularly among the expat population. Belgium also has a number of nonprofit mental health organisations that bridge the gap for those unable to wait for public services or who find private costs prohibitive.

As of 2025, a typical private therapy session in Belgium costs between €80 and €120. The precise fee will vary depending on the practitioner’s qualifications, experience, and location. Brussels tends to sit at the upper end of this range. These figures are indicative — always confirm current pricing directly with the practitioner before booking.

Private psychologists and psychotherapists work across a variety of settings, including independent practices and private clinics. Some practitioners offer a sliding-scale fee arrangement, particularly those connected to community-based organisations. It is entirely reasonable to ask a prospective therapist about their pricing structure and whether reduced rates are available.

To confirm that a psychologist is properly credentialled, you can consult the Belgian Commission of Psychologists (COMPSY) or search the Belgian Federation of Psychologists (BFP) directory. Registered clinical psychologists in Belgium must meet training and professional standards established under Belgian law. They form part of a broader group of healthcare professionals — alongside psychiatrists and GPs — most directly involved in supporting mental health and psychological well-being.

It is worth understanding the distinction between a psychologist (who delivers therapeutic support) and a psychiatrist (a medically qualified doctor who may also prescribe medication). Only a GP or psychiatrist can issue prescriptions for medications such as antidepressants or sleeping aids. If you require medication as part of your treatment, a consultation with a GP or psychiatrist will be necessary alongside any psychological therapy.

Are there English-speaking therapists or counselling services available in Belgium?

Demand for English-speaking therapists in Belgium is high, and practitioners who offer sessions in English frequently have waiting lists stretching several months ahead. This reflects both the scale of Belgium’s international community — concentrated especially in Brussels — and the relative shortage of professionals able to work outside Dutch, French, or German. Prospective clients are strongly encouraged to make enquiries well in advance.

Many therapists working in cities are fluent across several languages, and some have specific training in addressing the challenges posed by language differences in a therapeutic context. Interpreter services are also accessible for those who encounter language barriers, supporting effective communication between client and therapist.

The following resources are particularly helpful for locating English-language mental health support in Belgium:

• Community Help Service (CHS) — chsbelgium.org: CHS provides English-speaking psychologists in Brussels along with psychotherapy, assessments, and a confidential helpline. Their clinical team — comprising psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists — supports diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation across a broad spectrum of mental health concerns.
• Expat Therapist Brussels — expat-therapist-brussels.be: A network connecting clients with qualified multilingual and multicultural therapists, psychologists, and coaches throughout Brussels, including experienced professionals with backgrounds in cross-cultural settings.
• Satori Health Centre (Leuven) — satorihealthcentre.com: A psychology and psychotherapy practice serving the international community, with sessions available in English, Dutch, French, Arabic, Farsi, Greek, and Afrikaans.
• Psychology Today Belgium directory — psychologytoday.com/en-be/therapists: A searchable listing allowing you to filter by language, location, and therapeutic speciality to identify English-speaking practitioners across Belgium.
• Belgian Commission of Psychologists (COMPSY) — compsy.be: The COMPSY website and Psychologist-Belgium.be can both be used to search for English-speaking therapists in your area.

What support organisations or mental health charities operate in Belgium?

Belgium is home to a broad range of mental health organisations, charities, and public bodies offering information, support, and direct services. The key organisations are outlined below:

• Community Help Service (CHS) — chsbelgium.org: CHS brings together a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists, alongside affiliated professionals providing life coaching, family mediation, mindfulness, educational support, and eating disorder care. CHS volunteers contribute approximately 100 hours monthly to the 24/7 Helpline, which receives at least one call per day from someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. The Helpline is funded entirely through donations.
• Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health) — sciensano.be: Sciensano tracks the mental well-being of the general population and vulnerable groups across Belgium, measuring the burden and underlying factors of mental illness to guide health policy. It is the primary source of national mental health data.
• For a Healthy Belgium (Healthybelgium.be) — healthybelgium.be: This portal consolidates reporting from RIZIV/INAMI, the Federal Public Service for Public Health, Sciensano, and the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE) on the health of the Belgian population and the functioning of the healthcare system.
• TANDEMplus (Mobile Crisis Team, Brussels): TANDEMplus is a mobile crisis team that can respond within 48 hours to support individuals in acute mental distress. The team is reachable on weekdays between 9am and 3pm on 02 201 22 00; messages can be left outside these hours, and the service can also be contacted by email at [email protected].
• Zelfmoordlijn 1813 (Suicide Prevention Line) — zelfmoord1813.be: Zelfmoordlijn 1813 provides around-the-clock, free, and confidential telephone and online chat support for those in suicidal crisis. The service operates primarily in Dutch.
• INAMI/RIZIV — inami.fgov.be: INAMI/RIZIV is the public authority overseeing Belgium’s compulsory health insurance system, responsible for setting reimbursement rates and policies relating to psychological and psychiatric care.

Belgium is also engaged in wider European and international mental health efforts. In May 2024, the WHO’s MOSAIC toolkit — designed to combat stigma and discrimination in mental health — was presented to participants of a workshop on leadership and service transformation in mental health held in Brussels, reflecting Belgium’s active involvement in global initiatives in this field.

What should expats do in a mental health crisis in Belgium?

If you or someone around you is facing a mental health emergency in Belgium, being aware of the right contacts in advance is essential. Belgium’s crisis support network draws together general emergency services, dedicated psychiatric resources, and specialist helplines.

1. Call 112 for any situation involving immediate risk to life. This is Belgium’s all-purpose emergency number (the equivalent of 999 in the UK and Ireland, or 000 in Australia), connecting you to ambulance, police, and fire services. Make clear to the operator if the situation involves a psychiatric emergency.
2. Attend your nearest hospital emergency department (urgences/spoedafdeling). All major Belgian hospitals have emergency departments capable of providing initial psychiatric evaluation and crisis stabilisation.
3. Call the CHS Helpline on +32 (0)2 648 40 14, which is available every day of the year, around the clock. CHS delivers English-language crisis support through a confidential helpline and is the most accessible English-language resource for mental health emergencies in Belgium.
4. Call Zelfmoordlijn 1813 if suicidal thoughts are present. This service provides 24/7, free, and confidential support by telephone and online chat at zelfmoord1813.be. It operates predominantly in Dutch; English speakers should use the CHS Helpline instead.
5. Reach TANDEMplus for non-urgent crisis support in Brussels. This mobile team aims to respond within 48 hours to those experiencing mental distress — call 02 201 22 00 on weekdays between 9am and 3pm.

Compared with some other crisis systems — such as the UK’s 111 mental health triage pathway — Belgium’s provision is more dispersed, with separate services for general emergencies (112), Dutch-language crisis support (1813), and English-language assistance (CHS). Being familiar with these numbers before a crisis arises is especially valuable for expats who may not be fully proficient in Dutch or French.

In cases requiring involuntary psychiatric admission, these are processed through hospital psychiatry departments. The rate of involuntary committals in psychiatric hospital wards in Belgium stood at 9.4 per 10,000 population as of 2021. Such procedures are governed by Belgian mental health law and require formal medical assessment.

Are online or remote therapy options accessible from Belgium?

Remote therapy can be a valuable avenue for expats navigating mental healthcare in Belgium. International teletherapy platforms are generally available to users based in Belgium, and a growing number of local practitioners now routinely include video sessions alongside face-to-face appointments. This is particularly beneficial for those living outside urban centres or with limited mobility.

As of 2025, remote therapy sessions in Belgium typically cost between €80 and €120, depending on the therapist’s credentials and experience. Online sessions offered through international platforms tend to be somewhat more affordable than local options, while locally delivered online and in-person sessions are broadly priced at a similar level.

The following platforms and services offer remote therapy accessible from Belgium:

• BetterHelp (betterhelp.com) — An international teletherapy service with a large network of therapists available via text, phone, and video. English-language sessions are readily available. Note that BetterHelp therapists are generally licensed in their country of practice (often the United States), which means their registration may differ from Belgian clinical standards. Always verify credentials independently.
• Psychology Today Belgium (online filter) — psychologytoday.com/en-be — A large number of locally registered Belgian therapists now indicate online availability through this directory.
• Expat Therapist Brussels (online) — expat-therapist-brussels.be — Offers both in-person and remote appointments with multilingual practitioners experienced in supporting internationally mobile clients.

Several practical considerations apply when engaging therapists based overseas. Practitioners registered in other countries may not hold INAMI/RIZIV recognition, meaning their sessions may not qualify for reimbursement through your Belgian mutuelle. Furthermore, if you are receiving treatment for a serious clinical condition, managing continuity of care and emergency protocols with a therapist who has no familiarity with the Belgian system can be more complicated. For moderate-to-severe conditions, a locally registered clinical psychologist or psychiatrist is generally the preferable choice.

How do expats typically navigate health insurance for mental health treatment in Belgium?

Belgium’s social security framework includes a compulsory health insurance scheme administered by INAMI/RIZIV. This system is funded through contributions from employers, employees, self-employed individuals, and civil servants, supplemented by government subsidies and taxation. All residents who are registered within the system and contributing to it are entitled to join a mutuelle/ziekenfonds and seek reimbursement for qualifying mental health services.

Across all healthcare categories, Belgium’s compulsory insurance covers approximately 75% of total costs. The proportion reimbursed for mental health care specifically will depend on whether the practitioner is conventioned — meaning they have agreed to work within tariffs set by INAMI/RIZIV. Consulting a conventioned psychologist or psychiatrist will typically yield a higher reimbursement than using a non-conventioned provider.

Expats employed by EU institutions, international organisations, or multinationals may be covered under a private international health insurance plan instead of — or in addition to — the Belgian state system. If this applies to you, examine your policy carefully with the following questions in mind:

• Whether mental health treatment — including psychotherapy, psychiatry, and counselling — is included or excluded from cover
• Whether an annual cap applies to the number of sessions that can be claimed
• Whether pre-existing mental health conditions are covered or subject to a waiting period
• Whether the insurer requires a GP referral prior to authorising specialist mental health treatment
• Whether cover extends to sessions delivered online or by therapists based abroad

Belgium does not have a comprehensive mental health parity law equivalent to, for example, the United States’ Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which requires equal insurance coverage for mental and physical health conditions. Under some private plans, disparities in coverage between physical and mental healthcare remain possible. Review your policy’s specific terms with your insurer and seek independent advice if needed.

Requesting that your GP create or maintain your Global Medical File (DMG/GMD) can meaningfully increase the reimbursement rates your mutuelle applies to specialist consultations, including psychiatric care. This step is often overlooked by expats but can make a real practical difference. For the most up-to-date guidance on covered services and current reimbursement rates, consult the official INAMI/RIZIV website or speak directly with your mutuelle/ziekenfonds.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to speak French or Dutch to access mental health support in Belgium?

Not necessarily, particularly in Brussels. In cities such as Brussels and Leuven, multilingual therapy services are common and a number of practitioners offer English-language sessions. In a crisis, the CHS Helpline (+32 (0)2 648 40 14) provides English-language support around the clock. Beyond the major cities, English-speaking provision becomes more limited, so it is advisable to identify suitable practitioners in your area before a need arises.

Is there a stigma around seeking therapy in Belgium that I should be aware of?

Stigma remains a barrier to mental health service use in many societies, and Belgium is not wholly exempt. Within professional clinical environments, however, seeking support is treated with complete professionalism and without judgement. In urban areas and within Belgium’s substantial international community, attitudes toward therapy tend to be pragmatic and open. Any stigma is more likely to surface within certain social or cultural circles than within the healthcare system itself.

How long will I wait for a public mental health appointment in Belgium?

According to 2022 data, the average waiting time for a first appointment at an ambulatory mental health centre was 41 days. This can vary considerably depending on your region and the type of support you require. For more urgent needs, private therapy — typically costing €80–€120 per session as of 2025 — or the CHS service in Brussels may offer faster access. Contact your local ambulatory mental health centre directly for current waiting time information.

Can my children or teenagers access mental health support in Belgium?

Yes. Belgium has 11 regional networks dedicated to youth mental health, each coordinating psychologists, psychiatrists, care institutions, and other professionals to deliver services from short-term therapy and crisis support through to long-term specialist treatment. As of 2025, sessions through these networks are largely free of charge, with young people entitled to up to 10 individual or group sessions per year for basic psychological support and up to 20 for more intensive care.

What is the CHS Helpline and how do I access it?

The Community Help Service (CHS) provides English-speaking psychologists in Brussels, along with psychotherapy, assessments, and a confidential helpline. The Helpline can be reached on +32 (0)2 648 40 14 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is staffed by trained volunteers and offers emotional support, crisis counselling, and guidance on local services. Further information is available at chsbelgium.org.

Will my private international health insurance cover therapy in Belgium?

This depends entirely on the terms of your individual policy. Many international health insurance plans include some level of mental health cover, but may impose session limits, exclude pre-existing conditions, or require a GP referral before authorising treatment. Review your policy documents carefully and contact your insurer to clarify mental health coverage, including whether online or overseas-based therapists are included. For Belgian state insurance, approximately 75% of the official INAMI/RIZIV tariff is reimbursed through your mutuelle, as of 2025.

Are there self-help or community resources available for expats dealing with isolation or adjustment stress?

Yes. Online platforms and local expat networks regularly publish lists of multilingual therapists and relevant services. Community centres — particularly in Brussels — offer counselling tailored to non-native speakers. CHS provides a range of affiliated services including life and career coaching, family mediation, mindfulness, and educational support. Expat social networks and international community groups can also play a significant role in fostering connection and alleviating feelings of isolation.

What should I do if I am in a psychiatric emergency and cannot speak Dutch or French?

Call 112 for any immediate life-threatening emergency — operators are trained to handle multilingual situations and can connect you with interpreter services. For English-language crisis support, the CHS Helpline on +32 (0)2 648 40 14 is available at all hours. If you go to a hospital emergency department, let staff know you require assistance in English; major hospitals in Brussels are accustomed to supporting patients in a variety of languages.