Understanding the Dutch System
Reference guides to how mental healthcare actually works here — referrals, insurance, and the choice between GGZ and private practice.
Getting a GGZ Referral From Your Huisarts
How the Dutch huisarts referral works for mental healthcare: what a valid verwijzing contains, how to prepare for the appointment, and when you need no referral at all.
Read →Therapy Costs and Dutch Health Insurance
How psychological care is paid for in the Netherlands: basisverzekering versus aanvullende cover, the eigen risico, what is excluded, and how to check your own policy.
Read →GGZ or Private Practice: How to Choose
Dutch GGZ and private practice compared: waiting lists, cost, choice of therapist and language, and which route actually suits which situation.
Read →
These guides describe the Dutch system in general terms and reflect the position in 2026. What your own insurance covers depends on your insurer and your policy, so always check your own terms.