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What do all those names of therapies and therapists mean? And where can you find reliable information? Here it is, in plain language.

Types of therapy

Which treatment suits you is something to discuss with your GP or therapist. Here's a short explanation of each type. In the Netherlands you'll often see the Dutch names too.

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

    Together with your therapist you look at how thoughts, feelings and behaviour affect each other. You practise other ways of thinking and doing, also between sessions.

    VGCt, Dutch association for behavioural therapy

  • EMDR

    A treatment for symptoms after distressing or shocking experiences. You think back to a memory while your therapist distracts your attention, for example with sounds or hand movements. The aim is for the memory to become less intense.

    EMDR Netherlands association

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    You learn to make room for difficult thoughts and feelings, instead of fighting them. And you look at what really matters to you, so you can live by it.

  • Schema therapy

    You look at deep patterns, ‘schemas’, that often started in childhood, and how they still affect you now. It is usually a longer treatment.

  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

    You look at your relationships with others and how they relate to how you feel. For example after a loss, a conflict or a big change.

  • Psychodynamic therapy

    You explore how past experiences, and feelings you're not always aware of, affect you now.

  • Systemic therapy

    Your partner, family or other people close to you take part. Together you look at how you relate to each other, and what could change.

  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)

    A group training with mindfulness exercises and ideas from CBT. Often used to help prevent depression from coming back.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

    You look at different ‘parts’ of yourself, such as a critical part or a scared part, and learn to look at them with curiosity. There is still little scientific research on IFS.

  • Group therapy

    You work on your difficulties together with a small group of people, led by one or two therapists. You notice you're not the only one, and you learn from each other.

  • Compassion-focused therapy (CFT)

    You learn to look at yourself in a kinder, gentler way. Mainly meant for people who feel a lot of self-criticism or shame.

  • Mentalization-based treatment (MBT)

    You learn to better understand what's going on in yourself and in others, especially when emotions run high. Often in specialist care, with individual and group sessions.

What helps when choosing?

  • A good connection with your therapist matters at least as much as the type of therapy.
  • You can ask how a treatment works, roughly how long it takes and what's expected of you.
  • Doesn't it feel right? Talk about it with your therapist. You can also ask for someone else.

Who's who in Dutch mental health care

Along the way you'll meet different people. This is what they do.

GP (huisarts)
Your first point of contact. Thinks along with you, helps you and can refer you.
Mental health nurse at the GP (POH-GGZ)
Works at the GP practice. You can often see them quickly for a few conversations, and it doesn't count towards your deductible.
Healthcare psychologist (GZ-psycholoog)
Has done extra training after a psychology degree and is listed in the Dutch BIG register. You often see one in basic mental health care.
Psychotherapist (psychotherapeut)
Listed in the BIG register, with long training in psychotherapy. Often works in specialist care or a private practice.
Clinical psychologist (klinisch psycholoog)
A healthcare psychologist with a further specialisation, for more complex problems. Often in specialist care.
Psychiatrist (psychiater)
A doctor specialised in mental health. Can also prescribe medication.
Peer expert (ervaringsdeskundige)
Has lived through mental health problems and is trained to support others. Often found at walk-in and recovery places.

Basic or specialist mental health care?

With a referral, psychological care in the Netherlands goes through one of these two. Your GP decides which with the referral.

Basic mental health care (generalistische basis-ggz)

For mild to moderate problems that aren't too complex. Usually shorter, often with a healthcare psychologist.

Specialist mental health care (specialistische ggz)

For more severe or complex problems. Often a longer treatment, sometimes with a team of therapists.

Both are covered by basic health insurance, but they count towards your deductible (eigen risico). Not sure what fits you? Ask your GP. More about what is covered

Dutch words you'll come across

The Dutch terms you'll see on forms, websites and letters, explained.

Verwijsbrief (referral letter)
A letter from your GP to go to mental health care. Usually needed to get your treatment covered.
Aanmelding (sign-up)
You let a practice know you'd like help. Often through a form, email or phone call.
Intake (first appointment)
Your first conversation at a practice. You tell them what's going on and together you look at what fits.
Wachttijd (waiting time)
There are two waiting times: until your intake, and then until your treatment starts.
Treeknorm (maximum waiting times)
How long you can reasonably be expected to wait: 4 weeks until your intake, then 10 weeks until your treatment.
Wachtlijstbemiddeling (waiting list mediation)
Help from your health insurer to be seen sooner when you have to wait too long.
Eigen risico (deductible)
The amount you pay yourself each year for care from basic insurance before your insurer pays. Your GP and the POH-GGZ don't count towards it.
Gecontracteerde zorg (contracted care)
A practice with a contract with your insurer. Without one, you may pay part yourself, depending on your policy.
Behandelplan (treatment plan)
What you agree with your therapist: your goals, and how you'll work on them.
Regiebehandelaar (lead practitioner)
The therapist with final responsibility for your treatment.
eHealth (online help)
Online modules and exercises, alongside or instead of sessions.
Huisartsenpost (GP out-of-hours service)
For urgent care that can't wait, in the evening, at night and at weekends.

Read and do

Reliable places to read more or to get started yourself.

Books, podcasts and videos will follow. We only list things we've looked at ourselves.