Quick Start: Finding Mental Health Support in Belgium

If you're not sure where to begin, follow these steps:

If you're experiencing emotional difficulties

Search for an English-speaking clinical psychologist via:

• https://www.vind-een-psycholoog.be
• Filter by language ("Engels")

Contact your GP (family doctor) if:

• your symptoms are affecting your daily life
• you think medication may be needed
• you need a referral to a psychiatrist

Consider a counselor or coach if:

• you're adjusting to life in Belgium
• you're struggling with work-life balance
• you want guidance for a personal or professional goal

Contact an urgent support service if you're in crisis or need immediate help.

Mental Health Challenges for Internationals in Belgium

Moving abroad can be exciting, but it also comes with challenges. Many internationals experience:

• Social isolation and loneliness
• Homesickness
• Culture shock
• Difficulties building a new support network
• Identity changes after relocation
• Relationship stress
• Workplace pressure and burnout
• Anxiety about visas, housing, finances, or healthcare

Seeking support early can make a significant difference to your wellbeing and help you settle more comfortably into life in Belgium.

Understanding Mental Health Professionals in Belgium

One of the biggest challenges for newcomers is understanding the different titles used in Belgium's mental healthcare system.

Some professional titles are legally protected, while others are not. This means that for certain professions, specific qualifications are required, while others can be used more freely.

Clinical Psychologist (Klinisch Psycholoog)

A clinical psychologist is a regulated healthcare professional in Belgium. They are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Burnout
• ADHD
• OCD
• Trauma-related difficulties

A clinical psychologist is often the best starting point if your mental health concerns are significantly affecting your daily life. Many psychologists offer both online and in-person appointments. English-speaking psychologists are available, although waiting lists can sometimes be long.

Websites such as www.vind-een-psycholoog.be can help you find someone who is available. The website is only in Dutch, but under “taal” you can filter for English-speaking psychologists.

Health Insurance Reimbursement

Some psychologists are part of Belgium's conventioned mental healthcare networks ("geconventioneerd"), which may allow partial reimbursement through your mutualiteit (health insurance fund).

Always check:

• Whether your psychologist is conventioned
• What reimbursement your health insurance provider offers

Psychotherapy and Psychotherapists

Psychotherapy refers to structured psychological treatment that helps people manage and overcome mental health difficulties. Psychotherapy can be provided by appropriately trained professionals, often clinical psychologists who have completed additional postgraduate training.

When searching for a therapist, it is important to verify:

• Professional qualifications
• Training background
• Areas of specialization

This is especially important if you are seeking help for moderate to severe mental health concerns.

Counselors

A counselor provides supportive conversations and a safe, confidential space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and challenges.

Counseling can be especially useful for:

• Life transitions
• Adjustment to living abroad
• Relationship challenges
• Personal growth
• Stress management

Rather than giving advice, counselors typically help clients gain insight and clarity through guided reflection.

Coaches

A coach focuses on future goals and practical progress.

You might benefit from a coach if you want to:

• Change careers
• Build confidence
• Improve work-life balance
• Develop leadership skills
• Achieve personal goals

While coaching can be valuable, coaches do not provide mental health treatment.

Most counselors and coaches work independently and can be found on www.vind-een-psycholoog.be (filter for counselor) or www.vind-een-coach.be. Both websites are available only in Dutch but allow you to filter for English-speaking counselors/coaches.

Psychiatrists

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health.

Psychiatrists can:

• Diagnose mental health conditions
• Prescribe medication
• Provide medical treatment for more complex mental health concerns

In Belgium, psychologists cannot prescribe medication. If medication may be needed, your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist.

Types of Therapy Available in Belgium

Mental health professionals may use different therapeutic approaches. There is no single "best" therapy. The right approach depends on your personality, goals, and circumstances.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thinking and behaviour that contribute to emotional distress.

Often used for:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Panic disorders

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic approaches explore how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence your current thoughts, emotions, and relationships.

Systemic and Relational Therapy

This approach focuses on relationships and social environments, including:

• Family dynamics
• Partnerships
• Workplace relationships
• Cultural adjustment

Humanistic and Experiential Therapy

These approaches help individuals develop greater self-awareness and emotional understanding.

Examples include:

• Client-centred therapy
• Emotion-focused therapy
• Gestalt therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Approaches

Many therapists combine approaches. ACT and mindfulness-based therapies help people:

• Develop psychological flexibility
• Manage stress
• Build resilience
• Live according to personal values

How to Choose the Right Mental Health Professional

Finding the right fit is often more important than finding the "perfect" type of therapy.

When selecting a professional, consider:

• Do they speak your preferred language?
• Do they have experience working with internationals or expats?
• Do they specialize in your concerns?
• Do you feel comfortable talking with them?

Remember: it is completely normal to try more than one therapist before finding someone who feels like the right fit.

English-Speaking Mental Health Support in Leuven

If you're looking for support in English, the following services may be helpful:

Find a Psychologist

• https://www.vind-een-psycholoog.be

Satori Health Centre

English-speaking support for internationals and expats in Leuven. Get in touch here.

PraxisP (KU Leuven)

KU Leuven's psychological services centre offering support from qualified professionals, including English-speaking psychologists. Get in touch here.

Emma Biggs

Psychologist providing counseling support for internationals, with expertise in chronic illness and chronic pain support. She helped to write this article and has a great understanding of the topic. Get in touch with her here.

What to Do in an Emergency

If you need urgent mental health support:

1. Contact your GP immediately.
2. Contact emergency services if there is an immediate risk to yourself or others.
3. Contact the Community Help Service (CHS), which offers an English-speaking helpline.

Helpful Dutch Vocabulary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find an English-speaking psychologist in Belgium?

Yes. Many psychologists, particularly in larger cities such as Leuven, Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, provide services in English. Websites such as Vind-een-Psycholoog allow you to filter by language.

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

In most cases, no referral is required to contact a psychologist directly.

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?

Usually, a referral from your GP is recommended and may help you access the appropriate specialist more quickly.

Is psychological support covered by Belgian health insurance?

Some sessions may be partially reimbursed, depending on your health insurance provider and whether the professional participates in a conventioned care network. Always check with your mutualiteit and healthcare provider first.

What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

A psychologist provides psychological assessment and therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication and treat more severe psychiatric conditions.

How long are waiting lists in Belgium?

Waiting times vary significantly depending on location, language requirements, and specialization. English-speaking professionals may have longer waiting lists.

What if the first therapist isn't the right fit?

This is completely normal. Different therapists use different approaches, and finding someone you feel comfortable with is an important part of successful therapy.

Can internationals receive mental health support in Belgium?

Yes. Internationals have access to the same mental healthcare system as residents and can find many professionals who work specifically with expats, international employees, researchers, students, and accompanying partners.

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