A guide to getting therapy in Luxembourg

Let us assume that you are reading this because you or one of your loved ones is showing signs of poor mental health. First up – we hear you, and you're not alone. 

Mental health issues can affect people of all ages and backgrounds and access to therapy can be life-changing. For specific information on how to benefit from therapy sessions, read on.

How do I access therapy sessions?

Usually, the first thing to do is visit your doctor and have a chat about your mental health. Your doctor can then write out a prescription for psychotherapy sessions.

The SP01 prescription gives you access to three introductory sessions. SP02 allows a further 24 sessions. Treatment must start within 90 days of the prescription’s issue date.  

You can begin therapy sessions before visiting your doctor, but you will need to obtain a prescription within 90 days of starting therapy in order to be reimbursed.

Psychotherapist vs psychologist vs psychiatrist

The CNS reimburses sessions with psychotherapists and psychiatrists, but NOT with psychologists. What’s the difference between these practitioners?

A psychologist is someone who holds a master's degree in psychology, who has studied human mind and behaviour, and is active in the field of counselling or diagnosis.

A psychiatrist is a doctor who has studied medicine, specialised in psychiatry and who is allowed to prescribe medication.

A psychotherapist is either a psychologist or a psychiatrist who has undergone further training in psychotherapy and has studied specific techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis or humanistic therapy.

How can I find a therapist?

The Luxembourgish Society of Psychology has over 550 active members, 200 of which are registered psychotherapists. You can visit their website to find a suitable practitioner and to make it easier, there are various filters to aid your search, such as Area of Expertise, Languages Spoken, Type of Therapy, Region, and whether sessions are free, refundable or non-refundable.

Doctena.lu is another website where you can find a therapist in Luxembourg suited to your needs. Doctena allows you to filter by language and location, and some therapists offer the option of booking online.

For English-speaking therapists, visit the Counselling and Therapists directory page on Angloinfo for a comprehensive list including some alternative approaches such as mindfulness, somatic therapy and life coaching.

Therapists may well have rather lengthy waiting lists, so it is a good idea to contact several with an initial new patient query.

Fees and how to claim reimbursements

In 2023, the CNS introduced reimbursements on therapy sessions, subject to certain conditions.  

Adults are eligible for a 70% reduction in fees. Children and teenagers can claim 100% reduction if they are younger than 18 on the date their prescription is issued. You can read this article for more information.

Therapy costs €155.07 for 50 minutes, so it costs an adult €46.52 per session following the reimbursement.  

Patients pay their therapist in full before submitting the invoice to the competent health insurance (CNS or public sector sickness fund). To submit your invoice, you can visit the CNS offices in person or send it in the post.

Sick Leave

In Luxembourg, if you are on sick leave for mental health reasons, you are subject to the same rules as those on leave for physical ailments. For example, you can only leave the house at certain times of the day, and you cannot participate in leisure activities.

Earlier this year, a petition was launched to introduce a specific mental health leave, something which arguably many mental health practitioners would support. However, it did not gain enough signatures to be discussed in parliament.

Therapy for free

Some organisations, such as the Ligue Medico Sociale, D’Ligue, or the Red Cross offer free therapy sessions to those in need. However, they may not be able to provide English speaking therapists, so get in touch directly for more information. The Information Portal on Mental Health Services provides a comprehensive list of organisations across the country.

Alternatively, many workplaces now offer some form of therapy or counselling for their employees who are struggling with work-related stress or burnout. Check with your employer whether they have an in-house counsellor, or an affiliation with an association such as the ASTF or the Gesondheets Zentrum who can help.

An overview of services and support available can be found in the Luxembourg Insider section. Click through for specific information regarding postpartum depression, addiction issues, suicide and self harm, and where to find help for children and young people.