How to get psychological help in Luxembourg

Mental health services in Luxembourg are regulated by the Ministry of Health and are provided by both public and private health care providers. The country has many mental health services available to its population, including community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, and private therapists. These services are accessible to both residents and non-residents of Luxembourg, although non-residents may face higher fees.

The Luxembourg government has also taken steps to improve mental health services in the country. According to Luxembourg health minister Paulette Lenert, the national mental health plan, which was promised to be released in 2021, is now expected to be presented in early 2023.

If you feel that you need help with your mental health, you will need to contact your therapist (general practitioner) first. If necessary, he or she will refer you to specialized treatment. Health insurance in Luxembourg will be required to get reimbursed for the costs of the treatment, including therapy sessions, medicaments, and other procedures, that your doctors will prescribe to you.

You can also access services and treatment directly, without a referral from your GP, but then you will have to find a professional on your own and cover the costly bills too.

What doctors help with mental health

There are different types of specialists when it comes to mental health in Luxembourg. Overall they can be divided into these specializations:

A lot of specialists you will find being on the edge or having both qualifications. This only widens their abilities to help, so you can choose a specialist according to their methods, approach, and various other criteria — from specific treatment experience and expertise to as basic as choosing your doctor by the preferred gender.

Mental health and health insurance

Luxembourg residents have the right to receive psychiatric care through public health insurance. This opportunity is available as soon as one registers at the Center Commun de la Sécurité Sociale (CCSS).

However, if you are not employed and cannot afford the insurance benefits, you can still access care as a legal resident through your local social security office. You need to fill out the application and submit it on-site or online. As a condition for receiving social welfare aid, you may be required to actively participate in the measures taken to support your future independence, including taking part in job training, education programs, counseling, or other types of support services.

With CNS a patient can be reimbursed for up to 147 sessions over ten years: one therapy treatment includes 12 sessions and can be prolonged 5 times. Most Luxembourgers still complement their public health insurance with a private insurance plan to have a bigger choice of professionals and escape some other difficulties.

EU citizens

If you are an EU/EFTA citizen and are temporarily living in Luxembourg, you can access treatment through your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The European Health Insurance Card is a free card issued by your national health insurance provider that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. It does not serve as an alternative to travel insurance, does not cover private healthcare, and does not guarantee free services.

If you move to another country permanently, you should register with the S1 form instead of using the EHIC. This concerns cross-border workers, posted employees, pensioners, and government servants.

Psychologists in Luxembourg

This type of specialist does not treat serious diagnosed diseases, and they do not prescribe medicine. But psychologists can help you sort yourself out, and live in harmony with people and with the world, sometimes it's just what you need to enjoy your happy life in Luxembourg. Relocation (and many other things) can be stressful, so do not hesitate to ask for the help of a professional.

There are a variety of psychologists practicing in Luxembourg, both in the public and private sectors. They use various therapeutic techniques to help individuals overcome psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma.

In Luxembourg, psychologists must hold a master's degree in psychology from an accredited university and complete a supervised training period before they can obtain their license to practice. They are regulated by the Ministry of Health and must adhere to strict professional standards and ethical guidelines.

There are various types, including clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, and educational psychologists in Luxembourg. Clinical typically work with individuals who have more severe mental health issues, while counseling specialists may work with individuals experiencing more general life difficulties. Educational ones work with children and young people to provide psychological support and help with learning difficulties.

What are the prices?

The cost of psychological services in Luxembourg can vary depending on the provider and the type of service required. Some services may be covered by health insurance, while others may require out-of-pocket payment.

• The cost of the session in private practice is up to the psychologist (usually between 70 and 140 euros) and is not reimbursed by the National Health Service (CNS).
• Some insurance companies reimburse a portion of the treatment costs, but you need to clarify this with your insurance provider.
• The Office National de l’Enfance (ONE) can offer psychological support with partner psychologists for children and young people up to the age of 27.
• In some public structures (absl, schools, etc.), counseling is free of charge.

Where to find a specialist?

To find a psychologist in Luxembourg, individuals can consult the directory of the Societe Luxembourgeoise de Psychologie or seek a referral from their general practitioner. It is important to note that there may be waiting lists for some services, particularly those provided by public mental health specialists.

There are plenty of specialists, that can be also found online, and on Doctena. On this main medical website, you can use a system of filters, to choose the language, address, availability, and all other criteria when choosing a doctor.

English-speaking psychologists in Luxembourg

Whether you are a foreigner or a native speaker, you can find a mental health doctor that will speak your language in Luxembourg. It is important if you would like to do speaking or talk therapy: this is a good method to resolve some issues by discussing feelings, thoughts, and experiences. And of course, it is much more pleasant to speak in your language about what worries you.

There are plenty of specialists, that can be also found online, and on Doctena. Most of them are available for video calls and are reimbursed by CNS, but only in case, you have a prescription for visiting a psychologist or psychotherapist, which we will speak about further. It is possible to find English-speaking psychiatrists in Luxembourg as well, and psychotherapists too.

We have carefully collected just five English-speaking psychologists in Luxembourg with good rates, that are available for consultation in Luxembourg City.

Psychiatrists in Luxembourg

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed medical school and a residency program in psychiatry. They are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, as well as prescribe medication. In contrast, psychologists typically have a doctoral degree in psychology and have undergone extensive training in research, assessment, and psychotherapy.

Psychiatrists and psychologists in Luxembourg, which we covered before, are both mental health professionals who provide support and treatment for mental health issues. However, there are some key differences between the two professions.

One major difference is in their treatment methods. Psychiatrists often focus on medication management as a key treatment approach for mental health issues, although they may also provide psychotherapy. Psychologists, on the other hand, primarily provide talking therapy and other non-medical interventions and generally do not prescribe medication.

They can diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including more severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, and eating and personality disorders. As medical doctors in Luxebmourg, psychiatrists are trained to understand the biological basis of mental illness and often use this knowledge to inform their treatment approaches. Psychologists, while they may have some knowledge of biological factors related to mental health, typically focus more on psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health.

What are the prices?

The cost of an initial consultation with a psychiatrist in Luxembourg can range from 100 euros to 250 euros or more, depending on the qualifications and experience. The cost of follow-up appointments can range from 80 euros to 200 euros or more, depending on the length of the session and the qualifications and experience.

The cost of medications prescribed can vary depending on the type of medication and the individual's insurance coverage. In some cases, medications may be partially or fully covered by insurance.

Some doctors may also offer a sliding fee scale or reduced rates for individuals who cannot afford the full cost of treatment. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider and the psychiatrist's office directly to obtain a more accurate estimate of the cost of psychiatric help in Luxembourg.

Consultations are free in certain community facilities. Centre Psycho-Social et d'Accompagnement scolaire (CePAS) is a public institution that provides free mental health services to young people (under the age of 30 years old) in Luxembourg. To access services at the CPSA, use the form on their website.

Where to find a specialist?

It is possible to find English-speaking psychiatrists in Luxembourg, so you can communicate effectively. You can use various online websites and aggregators, like Doctena, by using the special language filter. In order to find the right doctor, first of all, always contact your general practitioner for guidance. They will help you find a good specialist and can give a prescription for such services, so it will be covered by CNS.

• You can look for the specialist yourself online, for example, on the website of the Medical College of Luxembourg. They have a register of doctors, accredited by this college to hold practice in Luxembourg.
• E-santé is a national platform for electronic health services in Luxembourg. The platform was established by the Ministry of Health and is operated by the Luxembourg Health Directorate. E-santé provides a range of digital health services, including electronic medical records, e-prescriptions, and online appointment booking with healthcare providers. Here you can find video consultations with mental health specialists.

Psychotherapists in Luxembourg

The terms "psychologist" and "psychotherapist" are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Both provide talkative psychotherapy of a kind, but their treatment methods may differ, as well as the disorders they cover. Psychologists typically use medical or evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or hypnosis and meditations.

Psychotherapists are based on research in human psychology and, for example, various schools of psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach that aims to explore unconscious patterns that may be contributing to an individual's mental health concerns.

It was developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Another big name in this field is Carl Gustav Jung, the father of modern analysis, who went in some ways against Freud.

In psychoanalysis, the therapist and client work together to explore the insight into underlying unconscious patterns. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, such as free association (where the client speaks freely about whatever comes to mind), dream analysis (where the therapist helps the client interpret the meaning of their dreams), and transference (where the client projects their emotions and experiences onto the therapist). The goal is to help the client gain greater insight into their unresolved conflicts or issues. This can involve a long-term commitment to therapy.

What are the prices?

The cost of the session in private practice is usually up to the psychotherapist. Prices can vary between 70 and 140 euros, depending on expertise. However, they offer special quotas for some people too, and you can get a discount, if you don't make enough money and need help.

• Some insurance companies reimburse a portion of the mental treatment costs, but you need to clarify this with your insurance provider if you have a private one.
• Psychotherapy that is made under the recommendation of your general practitioner with a registered medical professional is reimbursed by CNS (88% for adults and 100% for children). That is why it is advised to consult with a general practitioner before.
• The Office National de l’Enfance (ONE) can offer psychological support with partner psychologists for children and young people up to the age of 27.
• In some public structures (absl, schools, etc.) counseling is free of charge when it comes to helping students, social sphere workers, and other categories of people, who are young or help others.

Where to find a specialist?

First of all, always contact your general practitioner for guidance. They will help you find a good specialist and can give a prescription for such services, so it will be covered by CNS. If for any reason you don't want to do that, you can find the doctor and pay for the treatment yourself.

• Use the Luxembourg Psychological Society (SLP) directory by using the filter with the psychotherapy title.
• You can look for the specialist yourself online, for example, on the website of the Medical College of Luxembourg. They have a register of doctors, accredited by this college to hold practice in Luxembourg.
• There are plenty of specialists, that can be also found online, and on Doctena. Most of them are available for video calls and are reimbursed by CNS, but only in case, you have a prescription.

Help for children and youth in Luxembourg

In case you want to find psychological help for kids (or you look for guidance as a minor), you can start by contacting a pediatrician or general practitioner. They may be able to refer you to a psychologist who specializes in working with children and adolescents.

Children are provided with free medical care in Luxembourg via their parent's or guardians' health insurance. The mental health of children in Luxembourg is supervised when they get about two years of age and throughout the school years. It is important to pay attention to emotional and social behavior to track the right development.

You can also search for psychologists who specialize in working with children and adolescents through online directories such as the Annuaire Santé (Division of School Medicine and Child and Youth Health) on the website of the Ministry of Health or Psylux, the Luxembourgish psychologists' association and institute website.

For the smallest ones

If you got a diagnosis of mental health state already, you can get help through the Early Rehabilitation Service (Hëllef fir de Puppelchen) in Luxembourg, which supports children up to the age of 4 years old. They have 6 different centers in the Grand Duchy and provide physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy, and other helpful procedures for young kids.

Child psychotherapy and mental help procedures costs are fully covered by state health insurance reimbursement of CNS, in case the parent or guardian is insured in the country.

Other organizations that offer psychological support:

• National Office of Children's Affairs (Office National de l’Enfance — ONE ). Offers psychosocial support for children and youth under the age of 27.
• The Socio-Medical League (Ligue Médico-Sociale). Manages health and social support services among 12 socio-medical centers across the country.
• Psychosocial and School Support Center (Center Psycho-social et d’Accompagnement Scolaires — CEPAS) — a public sector authority. Provides support to individual families and through school.
• Ambulatory service Elizabeth Group (SIPO) — their services include support and counseling for children, youth, and families with mental health issues, including people with disabilities.

Emergency and Crisis Lines

The emergency telephone number in Luxembourg is 112. Crisis and emergency lines for mental help in Luxembourg provide a vital service to individuals who may need support.

One of the main reasons people use crisis lines is to seek support for feelings of overwhelm, anxiety and panic attacks, or depressive episodes. These feelings can be overwhelming and may make it difficult for individuals to cope with their day-to-day lives. Professionals also help people who have experienced a traumatic event, such as an accident or natural disaster, domestic violence, or abuse.

Crisis lines can also be used by individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are concerned about someone who may be suicidal. In these situations, it is important to seek help immediately. Crisis line operators are trained to handle these situations.

It is important to note that while crisis lines can provide immediate support and assistance, they are not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. When you are in need of ongoing support — seek the services of a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. But for unbearable moments, don't hesitate to call.

You can also receive emergency care at Luxembourg hospitals or visit one of the on-call medical centers (Maisons Médicales).

Helplines contacts in Luxembourg

More helplines are available in the directory.

Useful resources for mental health

• National Health Foundation,
• Mental health resource portal in Luxembourg,
• Red Cross Therapy Center,
• SOLINA foundation.