Mental Healthcare in France: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats and Residents

Discover how to access mental healthcare in France, including public and private services, insurance options, and crisis support. Learn how expats can find English-speaking psychiatrists and therapists.

Understanding Mental Healthcare in France

France has long been recognized for its robust healthcare system, yet mental healthcare operates differently than physical healthcare. Expats and newcomers often struggle to navigate the system due to language barriers and complex referral processes. While services are available, finding mental health support can be challenging due to high demand, long waiting lists, and a shortage of professionals in public mental health hospitals.

This guide breaks down the essentials of mental healthcare in France, including how to access services, insurance options, and where to find professional support.

Summary of Key Points:

• Public mental health services are mainly provided through Centre Médico-Psychologique (CMP) clinics, which require a referral and have long waiting times.

• Private mental healthcare options are available but require out-of-pocket payments unless covered by private insurance.

• Psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists operate under different regulations, with limited reimbursement options.

• Emergency mental health support is available through crisis helplines and emergency hospital services.

• Mental healthcare for children is facilitated through school-based services and pediatric psychiatric specialists.

Overview of Mental Health in France

According to public health statistics, around one in five French residents experiences mental health problems, and three million people suffer from severe mental illness. Mental health issues have become more prominent, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated conditions such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.

Despite the increasing need for mental healthcare, services in France struggle with demand. Reports indicate that close to one-third of public mental health hospital positions remain unfilled, leading to extended waiting periods for those seeking treatment.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness

Mental health concerns in France are significant, with over 7% of the population admitting to suicidal thoughts and nearly 5% considering suicide in the past year. Efforts are being made to improve access to mental health services, but the current system remains difficult to navigate for many.

How to Access Mental Healthcare Services in France

Public Mental Healthcare: Centre Médico-Psychologique (CMP)

CMPs are the primary providers of public mental health services in France. These centers, attached to hospitals, offer consultations with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists. Services at CMPs are mostly free or reimbursed through state health insurance.

How to Get Treatment at a CMP:

1. Visit your general practitioner (médecin traitant) for a referral.

2. Expect long waiting times due to high demand.

3. Services are typically only available in French.

4. Emergency cases may be prioritized for earlier appointments.

Private Mental Healthcare Options

For faster access to care, many expats opt for private mental health services, which can include therapy, counseling, or psychiatric consultations. However, these services are often not reimbursed by the state unless covered by private insurance.

• The Doctolib platform can help locate English-speaking mental health professionals.

• Private psychologists are not considered doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

• Private psychiatrists can prescribe medication, but fees may not be fully reimbursed without private insurance.

Telehealth and Online Mental Healthcare Services

For those seeking English-speaking mental health professionals, telehealth services can be a viable alternative.

• Travel Doctor provides virtual consultations for primary care and mental health concerns.

• Learn more about telehealth services and in-person options in major cities:

  • Paris: American Medical Center Paris

  • Budapest: Expat Medical Budapest

  • Berlin: Arztbesuche Berlin

  • Bucharest: Expat Medical Bucharest

  • Telehealth in Argentina & Mexico: Travel Doctor ES

  • Athens & Crete (Greece): Doctor Athens

  • Krakow, Poland: Doctor Krakow

Mental Health Insurance in France

All residents who meet the eligibility criteria can benefit from the French public health insurance system. However, private health insurance is recommended for additional coverage, particularly for:

• Psychologist consultations, which are typically not covered by the state.

• Medication costs, as the state only partially covers essential prescriptions.

• Chiropractic and osteopathic treatments, which are not included in the public healthcare system.

For private insurance coverage, consider:

• Allianz Care

• APRIL International

• Cigna Global

Mental Healthcare for Specific Conditions

Addiction and Substance Abuse Services

France has specialized centers known as Centres de Soin, d'Accompagnement et de Prévention en Addictologie (CSAPA), which provide addiction treatment. These centers offer both pharmacologically assisted and psychosocial treatments. A referral from a doctor is required to access these services.

Eating Disorder Support

Public services for eating disorders require a referral from a psychiatrist or psychologist. English-speaking services are limited, so many expats opt for private clinics such as those available in Paris.

Severe Mental Health Conditions

Individuals with chronic or severe mental health conditions are best served through CMPs, though wait times can be several months. If an urgent case is identified, priority care may be granted.

Children and Youth Mental Health Services

For children, the first point of contact should be the school nurse or school counselor, who can provide referrals to Centre Médico-Psychologique (CMP) or Centre Médico-Psycho-Pédagogique (CMPP).

Emergency Mental Health Support in France

In case of an urgent mental health crisis, the following support services are available:

• SOS Helpline (English-speaking): 01 46 21 46 46

• UK Samaritans (from France): 0044 8457 909090

• French Drug Abuse Helpline: 0800 23 13 13

• French Alcohol Abuse Hotline: 0811 91 30 30

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I book an appointment with an English-speaking psychiatrist in France?

You can search for English-speaking psychiatrists using Doctolib or through Travel Doctor.

Are therapy sessions covered by French health insurance?

Psychiatric consultations are partially reimbursed, but psychologist sessions are not covered unless you have private insurance.

Can I access free mental health services in France?

Yes, but only through public CMPs, which require a referral and have long wait times.

Where can I find more information?

For further reading on mental health conditions and treatment, visit Mayo Clinic.