Netherlands – Mental Health

How is mental health generally perceived and discussed in the Netherlands?

Over recent years, the Netherlands has undergone a notable shift in how its population relates to mental health. What was once a subject confined to private conversations — or avoided altogether out of embarrassment — has steadily become part of a broader national dialogue, underpinned by a growing recognition that psychological wellbeing is no less important than physical health.

Public figures across a range of fields — from sport and the arts to media and politics — have played a part in this cultural evolution by speaking candidly about their own experiences, helping to erode long-standing stigma and encouraging others to reach out for support. In terms of social openness, the Netherlands sits broadly alongside comparable Western European nations such as Germany and the Nordic countries, where sustained public awareness efforts have gradually reshaped attitudes toward mental health.

It is increasingly accepted in the Netherlands for individuals to consult a mental health professional when they are struggling. Whether dealing with depression, anxiety, burnout or other difficulties, people have access to a variety of pathways for support within the Dutch healthcare system.

Nevertheless, stigma has not been entirely eliminated. Research indicates that 64% of Dutch line managers were reluctant to hire someone with a known mental health condition, and 68.4% of Dutch workers felt that disclosing a mental health issue during a temporary contract would reduce their chances of renewal. This paints a nuanced picture: while the Netherlands is widely seen as a progressive society when it comes to mental health, professional environments can still present real challenges for those who are open about their difficulties.

Approximately 48% of Dutch adults aged 18–75 have experienced at least one mental health condition at some point during their lives, which underlines how widespread such difficulties are. For expats arriving from countries where cultural attitudes make it harder to seek help, the Netherlands may feel comparatively welcoming — though it is important to recognise that perspectives within migrant and minority communities can differ considerably from the broader societal norm.

In 2016, the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport launched a national initiative (‘Dealing with depression’) targeting the high prevalence of major depressive disorder. The campaign sought to build mental resilience, reinforce social support networks, raise public awareness and knowledge, and motivate people to seek or offer professional assistance. This programme reflects an ongoing governmental commitment to reducing both the stigma and the societal burden associated with mental ill-health.

What publicly available mental health services exist, and how does the system function?

The Dutch mental healthcare system blends public regulation with private delivery. Mental health services — collectively known as GGZ — fall within the national health insurance framework, which means that residents holding a standard Dutch insurance policy (zorgverzekering) are entitled to funded mental health treatment, provided they meet referral and deductible requirements.

Adult curative mental healthcare is organised across three tiers. At the first tier, adults consult their GP, who may treat mild problems directly or involve a practice-based mental health nurse. For more complex issues that warrant a DSM diagnosis, patients are referred to basic mental care services, delivered primarily by outpatient psychologists and psychiatrists. The most severe cases are directed towards specialised mental care services, which can include inpatient provision.

The system follows a stepped-care model: the starting point is always the least intensive level of intervention, with escalation occurring only if necessary. This approach mirrors the primary mental health care structure found in countries such as Sweden and Belgium — where the GP serves as the entry point to specialist support — and stands in contrast to systems, such as parts of the US, where patients can self-refer directly to specialists.

The process for accessing care works as follows:

1. Register with a GP (huisarts). Your huisarts is your essential first point of contact for mental health support. Without a registered GP, no referral can be issued — and without a referral, therapy will not be covered under public healthcare.
2. Initial assessment. Your GP may arrange short-term consultations — up to seven sessions — with a practice-based mental health nurse (POH-GGZ), at no cost. This can offer some interim support while longer-term arrangements are put in place.
3. Referral to GGZ services. Where further intervention is needed, your GP will refer you to either Basic Mental Healthcare (BGGZ) — providing short-term therapy of up to 12 sessions — or Specialised Mental Healthcare (SGGZ), which caters to more complex conditions and may extend over a year or more.
4. Intake appointment. This is a comprehensive initial session, typically lasting around 1.5 hours, during which the most appropriate treatment plan is determined and you are matched with a suitable therapist.
5. Treatment begins. The GP referral remains valid for 9 months (275 days) from the date on which you register with the designated care provider.

Once the annual deductible has been satisfied, there is no additional personal contribution for mental health care. The deductible — known as the eigen risico — is set at approximately €385 for 2025. It is advisable to confirm the current figure with your insurer or at rijksoverheid.nl, since this amount is reviewed and set by the Dutch government each year.

Waiting times within the public system are a significant practical concern. Public therapy waiting lists tend to be considerably longer than those at private clinics, where appointments are generally easier to obtain. Expats are therefore strongly encouraged to register with a GP shortly after arriving in the Netherlands, rather than waiting until a problem has escalated.

Is private therapy or counselling an option, and what are the costs?

Mental health care in the Netherlands broadly divides into two categories: publicly funded care and privately funded care. Public therapy is free or substantially subsidised for those with Dutch health insurance who attend a contracted provider. Where a provider does not hold a contract with your insurer, you may be required to cover some or all of the cost before seeking reimbursement.

Opting for private therapy means bypassing waiting lists by paying for sessions directly, though insurance will typically not contribute to these costs. This is a critical point for newcomers to understand: unlike some healthcare systems where private insurance will cover independent practitioners, Dutch public insurance reimbursement generally depends on both a GP referral and the therapist holding a contract with your insurer.

A considerable proportion of private psychologists in the Netherlands do not hold contracts with Dutch health insurers, meaning treatment costs fall entirely to the patient. In the private market, session fees typically fall between around €80 and €150 per session (as of 2025), though rates may be higher for specialist services or in cities such as Amsterdam. Fees can vary considerably, so it is always worth confirming costs directly with the practitioner or clinic before committing to treatment. The Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa — nza.nl) sets regulated tariffs for contracted care, which can serve as a useful benchmark.

Private practitioners are also well-placed to offer support for conditions that fall outside what health insurance typically covers — such as burnout, relationship difficulties, and adjustment disorders — all of which are particularly relevant to expats adapting to significant life changes. A number of private clinics have specifically oriented their services towards the international community.

In certain cases, online therapy sessions may be eligible for insurance reimbursement, so it is worth verifying the terms of your specific policy before assuming that remote consultations will be fully self-funded. Your insurer can clarify this directly, and the Zorgkaart Nederland directory can help you identify contracted providers in your area.

Are English-speaking therapists or counselling services available?

In cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, locating a therapist who works in English is relatively straightforward, which significantly improves accessibility for the international resident population. The availability of English-language mental health support has expanded considerably in recent years, with a range of directories, platforms, and specialist organisations now serving expats and other non-Dutch speakers.

Across the larger Dutch cities, there are healthcare providers who have specifically oriented their practices towards working with international clients. Expat networks and community groups can be a helpful source of recommendations, and many therapists in this space offer sessions in multiple languages to ensure non-Dutch speakers can access appropriate care.

Key resources for identifying English-speaking or multilingual therapists include:

• IAmExpat therapist directory (iamexpat.nl): Lists expat-friendly practitioners — including counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists — working across Dutch cities and online, all of whom offer sessions in English and/or other languages.
• It’s Complicated (complicated.life): Connects clients with a network of over 1,500 mental health professionals from more than 80 countries, providing support in nearly 100 languages.
• Zorgkaart Nederland (zorgkaartNederland.nl): The principal official directory for finding registered therapists in the Netherlands, with filtering options for language and location.
• International Mental Care (IMC) (internationalmentalcare.com): A clinic serving both local and international clients aged 18 and over, offering personalised psychiatric and psychotherapy services in English.
• Sage Mental Health (sagementalhealth.nl): Specialises in English-language therapy tailored to the needs of expatriates and international residents, with therapists who understand the particular challenges faced by those living abroad.
• Outland Psychology (outlandpsy.com): An expat-focused practice providing psychological therapy in English, with therapists registered with Dutch professional bodies.
• Better Minds: A mental health institution based in Leiden and Oegstgeest, offering services in English, Dutch, Greek, German, Polish, and Turkish.
• TherapyRoute.com: An international directory through which you can search for English-speaking therapists. Many clinics also indicate language capabilities on their own websites.

If you wish for your treatment to be covered by health insurance, you will need to visit your GP first and obtain a referral letter for a psychologist. Your GP may address this letter to a specific practice or allow you to nominate one yourself — the latter option enabling you to select a practice that meets particular requirements, such as a therapist who can work in your preferred language.

What mental health support organisations or charities are active in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands has a well-developed network of mental health organisations, charities, and non-governmental bodies that work alongside the formal healthcare system. The following provides an overview of the main players:

• De Nederlandse GGZ (Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care) (denederlandseggz.nl): The representative body for specialist mental health and addiction care providers in the Netherlands, with a membership of more than 100 organisations delivering a broad range of services — from mental health promotion and prevention through to supported independent living, sheltered housing, outpatient specialist care, clinical psychiatric services, and forensic institutional care.
• 113 Suicide Prevention (113 Zelfmoordpreventie) (113.nl/english): The national suicide prevention organisation, running a round-the-clock crisis helpline and online chat service. 113 is internationally active through its participation in the European Alliance Against Suicide and the International Zero Suicide Movement, and advances its practice through ongoing research partnerships with VU University of Amsterdam and GGZ inGeest.
• Trimbos Institute (trimbos.nl): The Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, conducting research, prevention work, and knowledge dissemination in the fields of mental health and substance use. As a key government partner, it produces widely referenced public mental health guidelines.
• Mind Korrelatie / Stichting Korrelatie: Provides confidential advice and support to individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. The organisation can be contacted via its emotional support helpline on 116 123.
• GGD (Municipal Public Health Services) (ggd.nl): Publicly funded local health bodies operating in each municipality, delivering community-level mental health services, crisis support, and preventive care. Your local GGD is a practical first port of call if you are unsure where to begin.
• Jellinek (jellinek.nl): A specialist organisation for addiction and mental health treatment, with a particular focus on substance use disorders. English-language information is available on its website.
• iPractice (ipractice.nl): An online mental health care provider in the Netherlands offering therapy via video call — including sessions in English — and operating within the insured GGZ framework with contracted insurer agreements in place.

At an international level, De Nederlandse GGZ is an active member of Mental Health Europe and EuroHealthNet, contributing to initiatives that highlight the importance of mental wellbeing for the European population and economy. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) publishes mental health policy documents and prevention programmes, accessible at government.nl.

What steps should expats take during a mental health crisis in the Netherlands?

If you or someone around you is in immediate danger as a result of a mental health crisis in the Netherlands, call emergency services on 112. This will connect you with the Crisis Intervention Team, which is staffed by qualified professionals including psychiatrists and psychotherapists who are trained to provide urgent care.

In situations involving suicidal thoughts, acute depressive episodes, psychotic symptoms, or severe panic attacks — where there is a mental health emergency but the risk may not be instantly life-threatening — contacting your GP without delay is also advised. Your GP can engage the 24/7 crisis intervention team on your behalf. This approach broadly resembles the crisis pathways used in France and Germany, where GPs and emergency services coordinate acute psychiatric care, rather than the standalone walk-in crisis centres that exist in some other countries.

Key crisis contacts in the Netherlands:

• Emergency services: 112 — for situations that are immediately life-threatening. Dialling 112 in any emergency connects you with the appropriate response services without delay.
• 113 Suicide Prevention: call 113 (charged at standard rate) or 0800 0113 (free of charge) — An online chat function is also available on their website. Many trained volunteers are able to assist callers in English, around the clock, every day of the week. Website: 113.nl/english
• Stichting Korrelatie (emotional support helpline): 116 123 — Offers confidential, anonymous telephone support for those who need someone to talk to.
• Centre for Sexual Violence (CSG): 0800-0188 — available by telephone 24 hours a day. Website: centrumseksueelgeweld.nl

In many regions across the Netherlands, crisis services also include on-call mental health professionals who are able to attend you at home. They assist with de-escalation and help connect individuals with appropriate ongoing care. This capacity for home visits is a distinctive characteristic of Dutch crisis provision, reflecting the country’s preference for community-based care over hospital-centred responses wherever this is feasible.

For those experiencing a serious mental disorder, voluntary admission to a psychiatric facility is possible, with the individual and their loved ones involved in the decision. However, where a person presents a risk to their own safety or that of others, involuntary admission may be pursued.

Are online or remote therapy options available from the Netherlands?

Online therapy has become a widely accepted and increasingly common feature of mental healthcare in the Netherlands. What once faced some degree of professional scepticism has, through technological progress and a gradual shift in perceptions, evolved into a recognised and effective treatment format.

Digital mental health services encompass everything from structured self-help programmes to live counselling sessions conducted via video call with qualified, licensed therapists. This format appeals particularly to those who value privacy and flexibility, and in certain circumstances online therapy sessions may also be eligible for insurance reimbursement. If reimbursement matters to you, check whether the provider holds a contract with your insurer before starting — the same rules governing in-person GGZ care generally apply in the online context.

Many platforms operate across multiple languages including English, Italian, German, Spanish, French, and Hebrew, which makes online therapy a particularly attractive route for expats who may find it difficult to locate an in-person therapist offering sessions in their preferred language.

Online therapy platforms accessible from the Netherlands include:

• iPractice (ipractice.nl): A Dutch GGZ-contracted provider offering video-based therapy in both English and Dutch, with insurance reimbursement possible for eligible clients.
• It’s Complicated (complicated.life): Designed with expats in mind, the platform offers GDPR-compliant video sessions, secure communication, and straightforward invoicing — with no need to navigate Dutch bureaucracy.
• BetterHelp (betterhelp.com): An internationally accessible platform available from the Netherlands. Note that BetterHelp therapists are predominantly based outside the Netherlands and sessions are unlikely to be covered by Dutch health insurance. Costs are paid out of pocket.
• Sage Mental Health (sagementalhealth.nl): Provides online therapy in English via secure video consultations.

If you engage a therapist based outside the Netherlands, be aware that Dutch health insurance will not generally reimburse their fees unless the practitioner is registered and contracted within the Dutch system. There may also be legal and professional considerations depending on the licensing jurisdiction of the therapist. Always verify the practitioner’s registration status and confirm insurance compatibility before embarking on a course of treatment.

How do expats typically handle health insurance for mental health treatment?

The majority of standard Dutch health insurance plans offer either full or partial coverage for mental health treatment in the Netherlands, encompassing both primary and secondary care. This represents a genuine strength of the Dutch system relative to a number of other European models, where mental health coverage under basic insurance can be restricted or minimal.

Dutch basic health insurance (zorgverzekering) is compulsory for anyone working in the Netherlands, including part-time workers. Those in the Netherlands solely for study purposes may instead be covered by insurance from their home country or a dedicated student policy. Expats relocating for employment purposes should arrange Dutch health insurance promptly after arrival — generally within four months — to ensure there are no gaps in coverage.

The eigen risico (annual deductible) is fixed each calendar year by the Dutch government — the minimum figure for 2024 is €385, and the same applies for 2025. Costs exceeding this threshold will be covered in full or in part by your insurer, depending on your chosen plan. Always confirm the current government-set minimum at rijksoverheid.nl at the start of each year.

If you choose a therapist or provider with whom your insurer does not hold a contract, your insurer will reimburse costs only up to its maximum non-contracted rate. Any difference between that rate and what the provider actually charges becomes your personal liability. Understanding the distinction between contracted and non-contracted care is one of the most practically important things to grasp before selecting a therapist.

For expats holding foreign health insurance: treatment is typically invoiced on a per-session basis, with rates set by regulation. Some international insurers require a prescription for treatment or therapy from a psychiatrist before agreeing to cover costs. If you hold an international expat policy rather than a Dutch zorgverzekering, clarify in advance with your insurer what documentation will be needed in order to claim for mental health sessions received in the Netherlands.

The Dutch regulatory framework incorporates strong parity principles, requiring that mental health treatment be covered on an equivalent basis to physical health treatment under the basic insurance package. The Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa — nza.nl) oversees tariff regulation and can provide information on patient rights. Where disputes with insurers arise, the Klachteninstituut Financiële Dienstverlening (Kifid) acts as the relevant financial ombudsman.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to speak Dutch to access mental health care in the Netherlands?

A large number of therapists in the Netherlands offer sessions in English. You can locate these practitioners through resources such as TherapyRoute.com, local expat forums, or dedicated directories, and many clinics indicate language capabilities on their own websites. In major cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, finding an English-speaking therapist — through either the public GGZ system or the private sector — is entirely achievable. That said, language can still present challenges, particularly for those who find it harder to express complex emotions in a language other than their own. This is precisely why identifying a therapist who works in your preferred language — even if this means paying privately — can have a meaningful effect on treatment outcomes.

How long will I wait for a public GGZ appointment?

Public therapy waiting times are substantially longer than those for private care, and securing an appointment with a private clinic is typically far quicker. Within the public system, waiting lists for specialist GGZ services can span several weeks to several months. In the interim, your GP’s practice-based mental health nurse (POH-GGZ) is able to offer short-term support free of charge. Registering with a GP as early as possible after arriving in the Netherlands is the most effective way to reduce unnecessary delays in accessing care.

Is mental health treatment covered under Dutch basic health insurance?

Most standard Dutch health insurance plans offer either complete or partial coverage for mental health treatment, encompassing both primary and secondary care. You will first need to satisfy the annual deductible (eigen risico — €385 in 2025), and treatment must take place with a contracted provider following a referral from your GP. It is important to review the specifics of your individual policy, as supplementary coverage may be required for more extended treatment. Current terms can be verified directly with your insurer or at rijksoverheid.nl.

What if I am in a mental health crisis and cannot reach my GP?

If you or someone around you is in immediate danger in the Netherlands, dial 112. This connects you directly with the Crisis Intervention Team, staffed by licensed professionals including psychiatrists and psychotherapists. For suicidal thoughts or acute emotional distress where life is not in immediate danger, call 113 or 0800 0113 (free of charge), or use the chat service at 113.nl. Many of their trained volunteers are able to support callers in English, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Can I use an international or home-country therapist while living in the Netherlands?

There is nothing to prevent you from continuing to see a therapist based abroad — particularly via video call. However, Dutch health insurance will not reimburse fees charged by therapists who are not registered and contracted within the Dutch healthcare system. There may also be legal and professional complexities if the therapist holds a licence in a different jurisdiction. If you use an international platform, confirm that it is GDPR-compliant and check the therapist’s registration with their home country’s professional regulatory body.

Is there stigma around seeking mental health support in the Netherlands?

Mental health has become a growing topic of national conversation in the Netherlands, with increasing public recognition that psychological wellbeing deserves the same attention as physical health. While Dutch society is generally considered relatively open on this subject, research indicates that workplace stigma remains a genuine concern — with 64% of Dutch line managers reportedly reluctant to hire a candidate with a known mental health condition. Within some migrant and minority communities, attitudes can differ considerably from the broader societal norm, and seeking professional help may in some contexts still be viewed as carrying a stigma.

Are there mental health services specifically for expat children and families?

Children generally access psychological support through paediatric mental health services (Jeugd GGZ), which focus on child development and related behavioural and parenting concerns. A number of private practitioners have also specialised in working with expat families — including Mind & Heart Consulting, whose practice is oriented specifically towards expat children, teenagers, young adults, and their families. The IAmExpat directory (iamexpat.nl) includes multilingual practitioners with experience in working with children and families.

What is the POH-GGZ and how can it help while I am on a waiting list?

The POH-GGZ (Praktijkondersteuner Huisarts – Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg) is a mental health practice nurse based within your GP’s surgery. This professional can provide free short-term counselling — typically up to seven sessions — which, while not a substitute for longer-term care, can offer meaningful support and coping strategies while you await specialist services. This provision is available to all patients registered at the practice at no additional cost and does not count against your annual deductible.