How to get psychological help in Luxembourg
In this article we will look at mental health services in Luxembourg, different types of mental health professionals, the process of accessing mental health services, reimbursement, children's mental health, crisis lines.
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.
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:
Psychologist
Psychiatrist
Psychotherapist
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.
Types of psychologist in Luxembourg
Accreditation as a psychologist in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
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 ask their general practitioner for a referral. It is important to note that there may be waiting lists for some services, particularly those provided by public mental health specialists. In addiction, to find a psychologist in Luxembourg, you can also use the directory of the Société Luxembourgeoise de Psychologie (SLP), which allows you to filter your search according to various criteria (location, languages, problems treated, etc.).
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.
- Use the Luxembourg Psychological Society (SLP) directory by using the filter with the psychotherapy title.
- 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.
- Use a referral from your general practitioner (GP).
- You can look for the specialist yourself online.
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.
Name | Phone | Address | Other details |
Dr. Raymonde Scheuren (Psychologist, Psychotherapist) | +352 621 888 321 | 31, Boulevard Prince Henri, L-1724 Luxembourg | Reimbursed by CNS. Behavioral and emotional approach |
Glauco Trebbi (Psychologist, Psychotherapist) | +352 621 434 693 | 48 Rue Félix De Blochausen, 1243 Luxembourg | Reimbursed by CNS. Works with children. A cognitive-behavioral psychotherapeutic approach (CBT) |
Françoise Duchamps-Hufenbecher (Psychologist) | +352 26 26 20 47 | 31 Boulevard Prince Henri, L-1724 Luxembourg | Reimbursed by CNS. Works with kids and families, and couples |
Dr. Gilles Michaux (Psychologist, Psychotherapist) | +352 26 36 93 01 | 44 rue d'Anvers, L-1130 Luxembourg | Reimbursed by CNS. Specialized in psychosomatic disorders and psychotherapy. Works only with adults |
Petra Buderus (Couple Therapy and Life Coaching) | +352 20 28 04 59 | 15 boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg | Not reimbursed by CNS. Works with adults. Short-term approach |
Psychiatrists in Luxembourg
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.
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.
Variable costs
Free of charge
Prices for psychiatric consultations are set by the National Health Service (CNS) and are reimbursed at 88% for adults and 100% for children.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In case you have any concerns about your child's mental health and development, you can contact your therapist or pediatrician, as well as a child psychologist, or the school health team members to give you instructions and help find the right specialists.
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.
Services are provided anonymously, and can be done in English (sometimes), French, German, and Luxembourgish. Though they don't work 24/7, like an emergency, their schedule is created to assist special needs.
You can also receive emergency care at Luxembourg hospitals or visit one of the on-call medical centers (Maisons Médicales).
Helplines contacts in Luxembourg
The most important phones and sites are listed here
SOS Distress
Kanner-Jugendtelefon
Domestic Violence Hotline
More helplines are available in the directory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, and psychotherapist
What do EU citizens need to do to get medical help in Luxembourg
Are mental treatment, consultations, and psychotherapy reimbursed in Luxembourg
How can minors get mental help in Luxembourg
Can I get hospitalized at the mental institution in Luxembourg
Source: cns.public.lu, sante.public.lu, www.prevention-psy.lu, www.llhm.lu, www.slp.lu
We took photos from these sources: Youssef naddam for Unsplash