Psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist? Getting help in the Netherlands

These three are easy to mix up, and the Dutch system adds a step many internationals don't expect. In short:

Psychologist

Has a university master's degree in psychology. A psychologist talks with you, supports you through a hard time and can carry out a psychological assessment. Psychologists don't prescribe medication.

Psychotherapist

A psychologist or doctor with long additional training in psychotherapy. In the Netherlands "psychotherapist" is a protected title, and registered psychotherapists are listed in the public BIG register. Psychotherapists don't prescribe medication either.

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor who specialises in psychiatry. A psychiatrist makes a medical diagnosis and can prescribe medication. In the Netherlands you usually need a referral from your GP to see one.

Start with your huisarts, or go private

In the Netherlands your huisarts (GP) is usually the first step for mental health care covered by insurance: they can talk things through with you and refer you on. Register with a GP as soon as you move here, even if you feel fine.

If you'd rather see a psychologist straight away, in English, you can go to a self-pay practice like mine: no referral needed. If it turns out a psychiatrist could help too, I'll tell you. These kinds of help often work well together.

In an acute crisis, don't wait for an appointment: call 112, or talk to 113 Zelfmoordpreventie for free, day and night, on 113 or 0800-0113.