How to find mental health support in France

Reader Question: How do you find mental health support in France? Back in the US, networks were supplied through our insurance but I assume it is not the same here.

Answer: If you have concerns about your mental health it would be worth having an appointment with your GP (médecin traitant) first to assess your options.

Otherwise, you can reach out to a specialist directly, with the first port of call generally being a psychologue (psychologist), unless the situation is an emergency in which case you should either:

• Call the health access number on 15, or

• Go to your nearest hospital psychiatric service or

• Go to the nearest hospital urgences (A&E) 

Psychology is a regulated profession in France, and requires the holder to have a degree in psychology. 

Similarly to other countries, there is a distinction between a psychologist and a psychiatrist (psychiatre), although in general conversations both may be referred to as un psy. 

A psychiatrist can prescribe medications in France (a psychologist on their own cannot) and takes a more clinical approach, whereas psychologists focus on talking therapies.

You do not need to see your GP in advance before making an appointment with a psychiatrist, although a GP can – and often does – prescribe a visit to a psychiatrist following an initial consultation with them over mental health matters. 

Appointment costs and reduced-cost sessions 

Psychiatrists in France can belong to sector 1, 2, or practice freely, and an appointment with a sector 1 doctor (who has signed an agreement with social security to offer standard rates) costs €55. This rises to €60 for a complex case. State reimbursement is available. 

It is also possible to see a psychologist without referral, but this is not always state reimbursed.

People in France’s state healthcare system can obtain 12 potentially fully-reimbursed appointments with a psychologist per year through the Mon soutien Psy scheme, however, not all psychologists participate.