Denmark – Mental Health

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

Denmark regularly tops global happiness rankings, yet mental health difficulties are considerably more widespread than such accolades might imply. Estimates suggest that around 25% of all GP consultations relate to a mental health condition, and four out of every five Danes will at some point in their lives receive treatment for a mental illness. This apparent willingness to seek help is a relatively recent cultural development, and the picture is more complicated than it first appears.

Although wealthier countries are often thought to carry less mental health stigma, and attitudes in Northern and Western Europe are generally considered more progressive, survey data from Denmark and Sweden show that stigma remains a genuine and persistent problem. Denmark, in other words, is not free of prejudice on this front — even if the overall climate tends to be more open than in many other regions.

A 2015 survey carried out by ONE OF US — Denmark’s national anti-stigma initiative — found that close to nine in ten individuals living with a mental health condition had experienced some form of discrimination, with a particularly concerning subset of one in three reporting that this discrimination had occurred within healthcare settings. The Danish authorities have acknowledged these findings with notable candour.

The Danish Health Authority’s 10-year strategic framework identifies stigma as one of the central challenges to address, noting: “After centuries of taboo and a lack of knowledge […] it has never been more important to raise awareness, fight stigma, and encourage conversations about mental health.” For newly arrived expats, this indicates a country that is actively confronting — and committing resources to tackling — the problem of stigma, rather than sidestepping it.

The ONE OF US programme engages people who have personal experience of mental health challenges — referred to within the programme as “ambassadors” — to tell their stories in schools, hospitals, and police stations, with recovery at the heart of each account. The programme operates across all five of Denmark’s administrative regions and is fully integrated into government structures. It draws comparison with anti-stigma campaigns in other Western European countries, but stands out for being state-funded and embedded deeply within the health system.

Expats coming from countries where mental health remains largely unspoken — in professional environments or social circles alike — may find Denmark’s public discourse relatively refreshing. That said, it would be a mistake to assume that Danish colleagues or neighbours will readily open up about their own mental health. The cultural norm of social modesty, captured by the concept of *janteloven* — the unwritten rule against drawing attention to oneself — can make personal disclosure feel uncomfortable in certain situations, even while national conversations normalise the subject.

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

Psychiatric care in Denmark is organised within a publicly funded health system that serves the entire population. It operates across two main sectors: primary and secondary care. Within the primary sector, each resident is assigned their own GP, who can offer basic treatment and direct patients towards private specialists, social services, or hospital-based outpatient and inpatient facilities in the secondary sector.

All residents are entitled to publicly financed healthcare, covering primary, specialist, hospital, mental health, preventive, and long-term services at little or no direct cost. This places Denmark in the same broad category as other universal healthcare systems found across Scandinavia and parts of Western Europe. The GP functions as a gatekeeper and coordinator, meaning patients generally cannot refer themselves directly to a specialist — a different arrangement from systems where individuals can approach a psychologist or psychiatrist without first consulting a family doctor.

Inpatient psychiatric care within public hospitals is fully covered by public health insurance, with no cost-sharing required. Outpatient psychiatric services are provided either in hospital clinics by salaried staff or in private clinics by specialists who receive most of their income through public fee-for-service arrangements.

Since 2014, residents have been legally entitled to a diagnostic psychiatric assessment within one month of referral. Treatment is required to begin within two months for less serious conditions and within one month for more serious ones. In practice, however, these guarantees are not always honoured. Although free mental health options exist within the public system, many people — and international residents in particular — find them difficult to navigate due to extended waiting periods and the requirement to communicate in Danish.

If you have a mental health condition and have been waiting — or expect to wait — more than one month for examination and treatment at a public hospital, you are entitled to seek treatment at a private hospital instead. Information on maximum waiting time rules and a summary of private hospitals and clinics is available at sygehusvalg.dk.

District psychiatry — sometimes referred to as local psychiatry — caters to people who require psychiatric treatment but do not need to be hospitalised. Care is delivered during the day, either at the local psychiatric unit or in the patient’s own home, and a doctor’s referral is required to access it.

It is worth highlighting that Denmark has recently committed to significant expansion of its mental health infrastructure. In May 2025, the Danish Parliament agreed on a landmark 10-year mental health reform plan, directing substantial investment towards prevention, early intervention, and service expansion. This is expected to progressively ease the capacity pressures that have long been a frustration for expats seeking timely care. For the most up-to-date information on entitlements and access, consult the Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen) and the resident guide at lifeindenmark.borger.dk.

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

For a large number of expats, the private mental health sector offers the most workable route to support — particularly when public waiting times are long or language barriers reduce the accessibility of state services. Denmark has a robust private sector for mental health, with psychologists, therapists, and counsellors offering services in English and other languages, and no GP referral is required to book an appointment directly.

Private sessions are generally expensive, with fees typically falling between DKK 700 and 1,500 per session as of 2025. Many practitioners charge in the range of 900 to 1,200 DKK per session, which translates to roughly €120–160 — placing Denmark among the costlier European countries for private therapy. It is always advisable to confirm current fees directly with a provider before making a booking.

A GP referral can meaningfully reduce costs. Where a referral has been issued, patients are entitled to psychotherapy with public financial support, which can bring a typical fee of around 900 DKK down to approximately 300 DKK per session. To benefit from this subsidy, you will need a CPR number and the Danish public health insurance card — commonly known as the “yellow card”.

If you hold a referral and are enrolled with Sygeforsikringen “Danmark”, sessions with an authorised psychologist can typically be accessed for around 400 DKK per session at a reduced rate. A programme originally launched as a pilot to provide free psychological treatment for 18- to 24-year-olds dealing with anxiety and depression has since been made permanent, though it too requires a GP referral.

GPs follow clinical guidelines when deciding whether a patient’s situation warrants a referral to a psychologist, so not every presentation will be considered eligible for a subsidised appointment. For a directory of psychologists who accept public insurance referrals, visit psykologeridanmark.dk. Always confirm current fee structures and subsidy eligibility with your chosen practitioner or through the Danish Health Authority.

An important distinction to understand is the difference between an *autoriseret psykolog* — a state-regulated, authorised psychologist — and other counsellors or therapists who may lack formal licensure. Accessing subsidised treatment through the public system requires that you consult an authorised psychologist, and most private insurance policies impose the same condition. To verify a practitioner’s credentials, use the Danish Psychological Association’s resources at dp.dk.

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

A considerable number of psychologists and therapists in Denmark conduct sessions in English, particularly in larger urban centres such as Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense. Some also work in additional languages, though demand is high enough that early booking is strongly recommended. Beyond the major cities, the range of non-Danish language services narrows substantially.

While Denmark has more than 5,000 practising psychologists according to figures from the Danish Psychological Association, only a fraction actively promote themselves as serving expatriate or multilingual clients. For those requiring support in Spanish, French, German, or other languages, the available options become yet more limited.

Several platforms and directories are specifically geared towards people seeking non-Danish-language mental health support:

• Therapist.dk — Established in 2010 as a network focused on supporting expats in Denmark, it has since expanded into a multilingual team delivering services in English, French, German, and Danish. Offerings include individual and couples therapy, counselling, testing and assessment, and parental counselling. Clients with a GP referral may be eligible for subsidised treatment through the practice’s clinical psychologists. Phone: +45 4245 4600.
• Expat Therapy 4U — Specialises in connecting expats in Denmark with native-language psychologists and has been doing so for over five years. Therapists are experienced in CBT, counselling, and psychotherapy for the international community.
• It’s Complicated — An online directory featuring advanced search functionality that allows users to look for practitioners based on shared language, gender identity, religion, ethnic background, and other demographic factors.
• Psykologer i Danmark — A directory dedicated to psychologists in Denmark, searchable by location, area of specialisation, and language, with practitioner profiles detailing therapeutic approaches and qualifications.
• Psychology Today Denmark directory — A well-established international platform hosting a searchable directory of therapists in Denmark, with filters for language, insurance, therapy modality, and more.

The private sector is generally more accommodating when it comes to English and other languages, making it the more accessible pathway for non-Danish speakers. However, if you are seeking subsidised therapy via a GP referral through the public system, note that fewer publicly contracted psychologists deliver sessions in languages other than Danish, as state-funded services typically operate in the national language.

What support organisations or mental health charities operate in Denmark?

Denmark has a well-established network of civil society organisations active in the mental health space, including several national bodies and internationally affiliated groups working in parallel with the public health system. Among the most significant are the following:

• ONE OF US (En af os) — Denmark’s national anti-stigma programme, which operates not merely as a conventional awareness campaign but as a fundamental shift in perspective, grounded in the lived experience of people affected by mental illness. Trained volunteers — known as “ambassadors” — who have direct personal knowledge of mental health challenges and social stigma share their stories in public settings. Website: en-af-os.dk
• Sind — The Danish Association for Mental Health — The principal Danish NGO representing people living with mental illness and their families, providing counselling, peer support groups, and advocacy work. Website: sind.dk
• Headspace Denmark — Parliament allocated DKK 51.5 million to Headspace for the period 2021–2024, enabling it to provide free and anonymous drop-in counselling to young people aged 12–25 at centres throughout the country. Website: headspace.dk
• Livslinien (The Lifeline) — Denmark’s national suicide prevention organisation, operating a round-the-clock crisis telephone line at 70 201 201, alongside an online chat service. Website: livslinien.dk
• Angels (Angst og Depressions Linjen) — A dedicated helpline for people experiencing anxiety or depression. Phone: 70 27 27 67. Website: angstlinjen.dk
• Danish Red Cross — The Danish Red Cross (rodekors.dk) delivers psychosocial support services and maintains active programmes assisting refugees, asylum seekers, and others in vulnerable circumstances.
• IASP (International Association for Suicide Prevention) — Although IASP does not maintain a dedicated Danish chapter, its global directory of crisis centres lists Danish helplines. The principal Danish member organisation is Livslinien, referenced above.

For a broader overview of organisations working in mental health and social welfare in Denmark, the Danish Health Authority and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing publish regularly updated lists of civil society partners receiving public funding.

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

Denmark has a structured approach to acute mental health crises, broadly comparable to emergency mental health frameworks in other Nordic countries. If you or someone near you faces an immediate risk, the following steps apply.

1. Call 112 — Denmark’s universal emergency number, equivalent to 999 in the UK, 911 in North America, or 000 in Australia. This should be your first call in any situation involving an immediate threat to life. Operators typically have access to English-language support.
2. Call 1813 (Capital Region) — The non-urgent medical helpline for Greater Copenhagen, staffed around the clock and available for medical advice and referrals when your GP’s surgery is closed. Other regions operate equivalent lines — contact your regional health authority for local details.
3. Contact Livslinien — Denmark’s national crisis and suicide prevention line is available at all hours on 70 201 201. The service operates primarily in Danish, though some staff members are able to communicate in English. Website: livslinien.dk.
4. Contact Angels (Angst og Depressions Linjen) — Reachable on 70 27 27 67 for those struggling with anxiety or depression. Website: angstlinjen.dk.
5. Attend a psychiatric emergency unit — Acute psychiatric needs can be addressed at district psychiatric units. In Copenhagen, the Psychiatric Emergency Unit at Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet) operates continuously. Your nearest regional hospital will have comparable provision — dial 1813 for guidance on where to present yourself.
6. Go to a general hospital A&E — If a dedicated psychiatric emergency unit is not within reach, the accident and emergency department of a general hospital can assess and refer patients to appropriate psychiatric services.

Those who prefer an international contact during a crisis can consult the International Association for Suicide Prevention, which maintains a global directory of crisis centres at iasp.info. Befrienders Worldwide also lists Danish crisis contacts at befrienders.org.

It is worth noting that, unlike some countries where mental health crises are handled primarily by police or general emergency services, Denmark has dedicated psychiatric emergency infrastructure at the hospital level. When admission is necessary, it may be to a psychiatric ward within a general hospital or to a standalone psychiatric hospital, with both open and closed (locked) wards available depending on the individual’s needs.

Are online or remote therapy options accessible from Denmark?

For expats who are more at ease receiving support in a language other than Danish, online therapy platforms and international practitioner networks can offer a practical alternative. A growing number of expat-oriented psychologists already deliver sessions by video call, making their services accessible from anywhere in Denmark — including areas where finding an English-speaking therapist in person is particularly challenging.

Some private therapists offer remote consultations that can be both more convenient and more affordable than in-person visits, which is especially relevant for expats living outside Denmark’s major cities where English-language options are thinner on the ground.

Several international teletherapy platforms are available to users based in Denmark. The most widely used include:

• BetterHelp — A US-based service offering asynchronous messaging and video therapy in English. It is accessible from Denmark and is used by some expats, though it operates entirely outside the Danish public health system and all costs must be paid privately.
• Talkspace — Another international platform providing online therapy in English.
• Therapist.dk — In addition to in-person clinics in Copenhagen, Lyngby, and Frederikssund, this practice offers online consultations.
• My Expat Mind — A platform created specifically for expats seeking therapy in their preferred language, staffed by practitioners with direct experience of supporting people through the challenges of international relocation.

There are practical considerations to bear in mind when using platforms based abroad. A psychologist licensed in another country — for example, a US-licensed practitioner — may be subject to legal or ethical restrictions on providing ongoing clinical therapy to a client who resides in Denmark, depending on the rules of their licensing authority. This is an evolving area and varies by jurisdiction. For general counselling or coaching, such restrictions are typically less significant than for clinical psychotherapy or psychiatric medication management. If you have a specific clinical need, it is advisable to work with a practitioner who is either based in Denmark or has confirmed with their licensing body that treating clients resident here falls within the scope of their licence.

For therapy to be eligible for subsidy through the Danish public system, sessions must be conducted with an authorised psychologist registered in Denmark — international online platforms do not qualify. Always clarify the current terms with your insurer and therapist before beginning remote treatment.

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

Denmark’s universal, decentralised health system is financed through block grants from national tax revenues that flow to regional and municipal bodies responsible for delivering care. All residents are entitled to publicly funded services, including broadly free mental health care. That said, the waiting times associated with public services lead many expats to explore private insurance as a complementary option.

Residents may purchase voluntary supplementary insurance to cover costs such as copayments for outpatient medication, dental treatment, and other services not fully covered publicly. Many employers also offer supplemental health coverage that broadens access to private providers. The extent to which mental health is included in such policies can vary considerably.

The health packages offered by most major Danish insurers generally cover psychologists alongside physiotherapists, acupuncturists, and other specialists. However, these policies typically only reimburse treatment from authorised psychologists. If you intend to use insurance to fund your therapy, it is essential to verify that your chosen practitioner holds authorisation before booking.

Many insurers provide full or partial coverage for sessions with an authorised psychologist, though some maintain their own networks and will only fund practitioners within those networks. Private insurance companies will sometimes make exceptions in particular circumstances — for example, when a client has a specific language requirement or needs a practitioner with specialist expertise. Always review your individual policy terms carefully.

When evaluating a private health insurance policy for Denmark — whether sourced through an employer, an international provider, or a Danish insurer such as Sygeforsikringen “Danmark” — pay attention to the following:

• Whether mental health coverage is explicitly included, or whether it is subject to exclusions or session caps
• Whether both psychologists and psychiatrists are covered, or only one discipline
• Whether a GP referral is required before the policy will pay out
• Any annual limit on the number of covered sessions
• Whether online or remote therapy sessions qualify for reimbursement
• Whether the policy requires you to use practitioners within a defined provider network

Denmark does not have explicit mental health parity legislation of the kind found in, for example, the United States under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. However, the universal public system provides a foundational level of coverage for all registered residents. For guidance on what private health insurance policies are required to cover under Danish law, consult the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet), which regulates the insurance sector. For questions about patient rights, contact the Danish Patient Safety Authority (Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed). Always verify current policy terms directly with your insurer, as coverage rules are subject to regular revision.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to speak Danish to access mental health services in Denmark?

Public mental health services are typically delivered in Danish, and international residents frequently find them hard to access due to both lengthy waiting times and the requirement to communicate in the national language. Many psychologists and therapists in the private sector, however, offer sessions in English — particularly in larger cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense. For those who cannot afford to wait for public provision or who need support in English, private therapy is generally the most accessible starting point.

How do I register with a GP (general practitioner) in Denmark?

Accessing most mental health services through the public system requires two things: a CPR number — the civil registration number issued when you become a legal resident — and a registered GP. Once you have your CPR number, you can search for and register with a local GP via the official portal sundhed.dk. Your GP serves as your gateway to referrals for subsidised psychological or psychiatric care.

How long will I wait for public mental health treatment?

Since 2014, residents have held a legal right to a diagnostic psychiatric assessment within one month of referral. Treatment must then begin within two months for less serious conditions and within one month for more serious ones. In practice, as of 2023, waits of up to 12 weeks for access to public psychological services had been reported. Private therapy bypasses these waits entirely. Always check current waiting times with your regional health authority, bearing in mind that capacity is expected to grow under Denmark’s 2025 mental health reform plan.

Can I get therapy in Denmark if I am not registered in the public health system?

Private therapy requires no GP referral, so you can book directly with a private practitioner regardless of your registration status within the public health system. Subsidised sessions through the public system, however, require a CPR number, a registered GP, and a formal referral. Many foreign nationals — including international students, accompanying spouses, or digital nomads — may not qualify for reimbursed therapy through Denmark’s public healthcare system, depending on their residency and registration circumstances.

Is mental health stigma likely to affect my experience of seeking help in Denmark?

Denmark is actively working to combat stigma and has made meaningful progress, but stigma has not been eliminated. Survey data indicate that approximately nine in ten people with mental health conditions have encountered discrimination, with one in three reporting that this occurred within healthcare settings. For expats, cultural differences may introduce an additional layer of complexity — topics that feel difficult to raise at home may be discussed more freely in Denmark, or the reverse may be true. The government’s commitment through the ONE OF US programme points to genuine institutional intent to drive change.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist in Denmark?

A psychiatrist in Denmark is a fully qualified medical doctor who has specialised in mental health and is authorised to prescribe medication. A psychologist holds a degree in psychology and is typically the practitioner you would see for talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy or psychodynamic therapy. Authorised psychologists (*autoriserede psykologer*) are subject to state regulation. Your GP can refer you to either profession depending on the nature and severity of your needs. For a list of authorised psychologists, visit psykologeridanmark.dk.

Are there free mental health resources for young adults in Denmark?

A programme offering free psychological treatment for 18- to 24-year-olds experiencing anxiety or depression — which began as a pilot scheme — has now been made permanent, though it still requires a GP referral to access. In addition, Headspace, which received parliamentary funding of DKK 51.5 million for the period 2021–2024, provides free and anonymous drop-in counselling for young people aged 12–25 at locations across the country. Visit headspace.dk for details of available centres.

What should I do if I feel I am not getting adequate mental health care through my GP?

If you believe your GP is not giving sufficient weight to your mental health concerns, you are entitled to seek a second opinion or transfer to a different GP. You may also contact the Danish Patient Safety Authority (Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed) if you wish to raise a formal complaint about the care you have received. As an alternative route, the private sector is open to self-referral and requires no approval from a GP. Should you have waited — or expect to wait — more than one month for examination and treatment at a public hospital, you are entitled to select a private hospital for your care instead.