It’s Complicated is a platform that aims to simplify the search for a suitable therapist, but the search can be hindered also due to financial reasons. Many people, residents and expats included, simply aren’t fortunate enough to be able to pay privately for therapy. So how should you get therapy that is covered by Dutch public health insurance?
Take a deep breath – we’ve got you. If you don’t know where to start and how to go about it, let’s walk you through the ins and outs of how to get therapy as an expat in the Netherlands. Getting help shouldn’t be more stressful than the reason you need it in the first place.
How Therapy Works in the Netherlands
So, how does therapy work here? Well, it’s a bit different from other countries. The Dutch system is structured, which is great for organisation but not so great when you’re desperate for an appointment ASAP. Here are a few things challenges you might face:
Challenges
- Insurance coverage confusion: Therapy is covered by Dutch health insurance, but it’s a maze of GP referrals, paperwork, and waiting lists.
- Language barriers: Many therapists speak English, but finding one who speaks your native language? That’s a challenge.
- Strict referral process: You can’t just book a therapist and go. Nope! You must visit your GP (huisarts) first, and they will decide if you get a referral.
Job Titles and Professions in the Netherlands
While looking for therapists in the Netherlands, you must know what they’re called and the difference between them. A more detailed list can be found here, but here’s a quick breakdown:
- Therapist (Therapeut): General term for counsellors and psychotherapists.
- Psychologist (Psycholoog): Psychologist is an unprotected title. Anyone with a psychology degree may call themself a Psycholoog but it may not mean they can provide therapy or assessments.
- NIP Psychologist: Requires at least a Masters degree in Psychology and 1 year experience in providing psychological therapies.
- ‘Gezondheidszorg’ psychologist (health care psychologist): A GZ psychologist has completed two years of professional training after university studies in psychology and can work in all sectors of health care. A GZ psychologist is a protected title in the Netherlands, they’re also BIG registered.
- Clinical psychologist: Unprotected title, BIG registered, The psychotherapist has always completed 6-year post-Masters training and offers treatment that is often more intensive and longer than the treatment of, for example, the GZ psychologist.
- Psychotherapist (Psychotherapeut): Protected title, BIG registered. The psychotherapist has always completed 4 years of post-Masters training and offers treatment that is often more intensive and longer than the treatment of the GZ psychologist.
- Psychiatrist (Psychiater): A medical doctor who can prescribe medication.
The BIG register provides clarity about the healthcare professional’s qualifications and entitlement to practice. You can find out more about it here.
How the Public Healthcare System Covers Therapy
Enough with the bad news; let’s talk about the good now! Therapy is covered by Dutch health insurance, but getting it takes some patience. The system follows a stepped-care approach, meaning you start with the mildest treatment and work your way up if needed. Here’s how to get therapy as an expat in Netherlands:
- Make sure you have Dutch health insurance – You need it if you live and work here. No insurance, no covered therapy.
- Locate a GP (Huisarts) – Your huisarts is your ticket to mental health support. If you don’t have a GP, there will be no referral, which means no therapy covered by public healthcare.
- Visit your GP – Your huisarts might offer brief counselling (up to seven sessions) with a practice assistant (POH-GGZ). If you need more, you’ll get a referral.
- Get referred to GGZ (Dutch Mental Health Services) – If your GP thinks you need further help, they’ll refer you to either:
- Basic Mental Healthcare (BGGZ) – Short-term therapy (up to 12 sessions).
- Specialised Mental Healthcare (SGGZ) – Therapy can last a year or more for more complex issues.
- Attend an Intake Appointment – This is a deep-dive session (about 1.5 hours) to determine the best treatment plan.
- Get Matched with Therapists in the Netherlands – Once the plan is set, you finally get paired with a therapist.
There’s an annual deductible (eigen risico), too. In 2025, that’s about €385. Some treatments might need extra co-payments, so always check your insurance coverage. If you need more sessions than covered, consider supplementary insurance to extend your benefits.
Note: Your huisarts POH-GGZ can provide free short-term counselling. It’s not a long-term solution but helps while you wait for specialised care.
How to Find Therapists in Netherlands
Now that you know how the system works, where do you find therapists in the Netherlands? Here are your best bets:
- Online Directories: Check out Zorgkaart Nederland for registered therapists.
- Expat-Focused Platforms: Websites like It’s Complicated list English-speaking therapists.
- Doctor’s Referral: Your GP can send you to someone within GGZ.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Some companies offer therapy as a benefit. You could even request for your HR department to provide therapy for you and other employees at your company.
- Private Therapy: Skip the waitlists and pay out of pocket (but insurance won’t cover it).
How It’s Complicated Helps You Find Therapists in Netherlands
Undeniably, all of this sounds overwhelming, but know that you’re not alone. We know it’s complicated, and that’s where we come in. Our platform makes finding therapists in the Netherlands easy, fast, and stress-free. We connect you with a vast network of over 1,500 mental health professionals from more than 80 countries. Plus, you can find support in nearly 100 languages.
Here’s why you can fall on to us:
- No wait times – Unlike traditional mental healthcare, where you could wait months, It’s Complicated connects you with a therapist almost immediately.
- Personalised matching – We don’t use the same approach for everyone. You can get paired with a therapist that suits your needs.
- English-speaking and multilingual therapists – No more struggling to explain your feelings in Dutch.
- Flexible online and in-person therapy – No referrals, no insurance drama, just direct access to therapy whenever and wherever you need it.
- Therapy Without Borders – Moving around a lot? No problem. Your therapist moves with you (virtually, of course).
- Safe and Secure – Your privacy is a top priority.
- Designed for Expats and Locals – New here or just looking for a hassle-free way to access therapy? This platform is built for you.
Mental health support should be easy. But it’s no secret that the Dutch system can be slow and complicated. If you’re wondering how to get therapy as an expat in the Netherlands and don’t want to wait or deal with the bureaucracy, It’s Complicated offers a simpler way. You could be struggling with anxiety or depression or just need a space to talk; we’ll make therapy stress-free with secure communication, GDPR-compliant video sessions, and hassle-free invoicing.
If you’re unsure where to start, get matched with the right therapists in the Netherlands today for free.
