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Mental Health Care in the Netherlands: A Complete Guide for Residents and Internationals

Mental health challenges affect more than 40 per cent of people in the Netherlands at some point in their lives. Thankfully, the Dutch healthcare system offers a comprehensive and well-organised approach to mental health care. Supervised by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the system is structured to ensure that individuals can access the right level of support efficiently and effectively. This guide explains how mental health care works in the Netherlands, how to get help, and where to turn during a crisis.

How Mental Health Care Works in the Netherlands

The Dutch mental health system is based on a clear hierarchy, moving from basic to more advanced care depending on the severity of the issue. Your journey almost always begins with your general practitioner (huisarts). GPs are the gateway to the wider healthcare system, including mental health services. Dutch law and practice favour outpatient treatment over hospitalisation, reserving admission to psychiatric institutions only for complex or high-risk situations.

Starting with Your GP: Your First Point of Contact

In the Netherlands, your GP is the first person you should consult for any mental health concern. They are qualified to offer support, diagnose common mental health conditions and collaborate with practice-based mental health nurses (praktijkondersteuners GGZ). If further care is needed, your GP will refer you to specialised services such as psychologists, psychotherapists or psychiatrists.

In urgent cases, your GP can connect you directly with the local mental health crisis team, available around the clock. For work-related issues, you may speak with a company doctor, while welfare workers at local community or health centres can help with social or non-medical challenges.

Online Mental Health Support in the Netherlands

Mild to moderate psychological concerns such as stress, anxiety, or relationship problems can often be managed through online mental health platforms, also known as e-health. These services are usually accessible anonymously and may not require a referral. Some recommended resources include:

  • Trimbos Institute: Offers evidence-based prevention programmes and self-help tools.
  • ACCESS NL: Provides on-call counselling for internationals.
  • Open Counseling: Lists free and confidential hotlines in the Netherlands.
  • Many GPs also offer online counselling tools via their practice portals.

Primary Care Mental Health Services

If online help is insufficient, your GP may refer you to primary mental health care, suitable for mild to moderate conditions. At this level, treatment is typically offered by psychologists or psychotherapists, either face-to-face or online. These services are designed to help people manage common issues such as depression, burnout, and anxiety.

Secondary Mental Health Care for Complex Conditions

For more severe or persistent psychiatric disorders, such as PTSD, ADHD, or bipolar disorder, patients are referred to secondary mental health care. These services are delivered by psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and highly trained specialists in either mental health institutions, private clinics, or hospital settings. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists in the Netherlands can prescribe medication. Treatment in secondary care typically involves a thorough diagnostic process followed by intensive therapy, which may continue over months or years.

Emergency Mental Health and Crisis Support

In a mental health emergency, immediate action is essential. Contact your GP or after-hours GP service (huisartsenpost) right away. They can connect you to a 24-hour crisis intervention team. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available at:

Social and Community-Based Support

In addition to clinical services, the Netherlands provides strong social support for psychological and life-related challenges. General Social Work (Algemeen Maatschappelijk Werk, AMW) is available without referral and helps with issues such as relationship stress, financial hardship, or housing concerns. For assistance, call +31 (0)70 205 22 22 or visit your local AMW organisation.

Youth Mental Health Services

Children and teenagers under the age of 18 receive care through youth mental health services (jeugd-GGZ). This care often involves family-focused therapy and school-based support. Access usually requires a referral from a GP or a local authority specialist. Regional contact points include:

Psychiatric Institutions and Supported Living

Admission to a mental health institution is a last resort for individuals with severe and complex psychiatric conditions. While voluntary admission is common, involuntary commitment is legally possible if someone poses a risk to themselves or others. Supported accommodation (beschermd wonen) is another key service available through local authorities under the Social Support Act 2015 (WMO 2015). It provides structured living for people needing a stable environment due to ongoing mental health needs.

Insurance and Financial Coverage

Mental health care in the Netherlands is covered under the basic health insurance policy (basisverzekering). Most primary and secondary care services are reimbursed, though you will need to pay the annual deductible (eigen risico), which is usually around €385. Hospital stays for psychiatric treatment are covered for the first three years under the Chronic Care Act (WLZ). Check with your health insurer for specifics related to your policy.

Help After Sexual Violence

If you have experienced sexual assault or rape, there is help available. You can contact:

These organisations provide medical, psychological, and legal support, all in one coordinated approach.

Addiction and Substance Abuse Treatment

Addiction care in the Netherlands is accessible and multi-faceted. Most individuals are treated through outpatient programmes that support detoxification, behavioural change, and relapse prevention. More intensive inpatient programmes are available for serious addictions and include residential care, detox, and therapy. Support is available through local GGD offices, private addiction clinics, and national organisations such as the Trimbos Institute. You can also contact:

Eating Disorder Support Services

Eating disorder treatment in the Netherlands ranges from outpatient counselling to full residential care. Conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are addressed with evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT).

Patients also receive nutritional counselling and, if necessary, medication for co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety. Treatment options include:

  • Outpatient Programmes (OP)
  • Intensive Outpatient Programmes (IOP)
  • Partial Hospitalisation Programmes (PHP)
  • Residential Care Facilities for severe or life-threatening conditions

Specialist centres such as Human Concern and Novarum offer tailored care to help individuals recover and reintegrate into everyday life.

How to Find the Right Care

To locate suitable mental health care services in the Netherlands, consider the following:

The Netherlands offers one of the most accessible and structured mental health systems in Europe. Whether you are struggling with stress, trauma, addiction, or more complex psychiatric conditions, help is available at every stage of your journey. From online platforms and primary care to specialist clinics and emergency services, the system is designed to be navigable and supportive. Most importantly, reaching out is not only accepted—it is encouraged. With more than 40 per cent of people facing mental health challenges at some point, you are far from alone. Whether you are Dutch or an international resident, you have the right to mental health care and the support you need to thrive.