How to Find an English-Speaking Psychologist in Amsterdam (and What It Costs)
By Bibiana Jordan, Psychologist (NIP) · · 6 min read
Two routes to therapy in the Netherlands
The insured route. In the Dutch system your GP (huisarts) is the gatekeeper. They can offer support themselves or refer you to a psychologist who has a contract with your Dutch health insurer. The care is covered by basic insurance, though your annual deductible (eigen risico) applies. The downside is time: waiting lists for insured mental health care are common, and it can take weeks to months before your first appointment.
The private route. Many English-speaking psychologists in Amsterdam work privately. You don't need a GP referral, you can usually start within a week or two, and you can choose a therapist who fits your needs and language. You pay per session and receive an invoice, which many international health insurers reimburse. Dutch basic insurance generally does not reimburse private sessions without a contract and referral.
How to check a psychologist's credentials
In the Netherlands, anyone can call themselves "psycholoog". Some titles are protected, though, and some registers are worth checking:
- BIG register: the Dutch government register for healthcare professionals. Titles such as GZ-psycholoog, psychotherapeut and klinisch psycholoog are protected and can be checked there.
- NIP: the Dutch Association of Psychologists. A "Psycholoog NIP" has a recognised master's in psychology and follows the NIP code of ethics. You can search members in the NIP directory.
- Method-specific registers: EMDR therapists can be listed with EMDRIA or EMDR Europe; schema therapists with the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST).
- A good therapist will tell you their registration number without hesitation.
What it costs
Private therapy in Amsterdam is usually priced per session. At The Expat Practice, individual therapy is €90 for 50 minutes, and couples therapy and EMDR are €150 for 90 minutes. The first 15-minute consultation is free.
If you have international health insurance, check your policy for:
- whether outpatient mental health care is covered, and up to what amount
- whether you need a GP referral or a diagnosis on the invoice
- whether the therapist needs a specific registration
- whether you pay first and claim back, or the insurer pays directly
How to choose the right therapist
- Language: being able to speak freely matters. Therapy in your native language can make a real difference; I offer sessions in English and Hungarian.
- Approach: ask which methods they use and why. For example, Schema Therapy for long-standing patterns, EMDR for trauma, and the Gottman Method for couples.
- Experience with expats: moving abroad brings its own pressures, such as loneliness, identity questions and relationship strain. A therapist who understands this saves you a lot of explaining.
- Practicalities: location, online options and availability.
- Fit: research consistently shows that the relationship between client and therapist is one of the strongest predictors of good outcomes. Trust your sense of whether you feel heard.
Questions to ask in a first consultation
- 1. What are your registrations and training?
- 2. How do you usually work with problems like mine?
- 3. How many sessions do people typically need?
- 4. What does a session cost, and what is your cancellation policy?
- 5. Can you provide invoices for my insurer?
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral to see a psychologist in Amsterdam?
Only for care covered by Dutch basic insurance. Private psychologists can be booked directly without a referral.
Will my Dutch health insurance pay for a private psychologist?
Usually not, unless the psychologist has a contract with your insurer and you have a GP referral. International insurance often does reimburse private sessions; check your policy.
How quickly can I start?
Private practices can often see you within one or two weeks. At The Expat Practice, a first appointment is usually possible within a week.