What mental health support is available in France

As a UK or US national living in France, navigating the healthcare system can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when it comes to accessing mental health support. 

Whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, or more complex mental health issues, understanding how to find the right care and what costs are involved is essential.

Psychiatrists and psychologists in France

Mental health support in France generally involves seeing a psychiatre (psychiatrist) or psychologue (clinical psychologist), both often referred to as un psy.

Only a psychiatre is a medical doctor. Psychiatrists are trained to offer therapeutic techniques, including talking therapies and prescribing medication. 

Their fees are often reimbursed by the state. If referred by your médecin traitant (GP), the cost of a psychiatrist consultation is typically €55, with state reimbursement of €36.50. 

Some psychiatrists operate on a honoraires libres basis, meaning their fees are not fixed.

If you have mutuelle top-up health insurance, check your policy for coverage on psychiatric fees. 

It is generally advised to visit your GP first, though there are no penalties for bypassing this step if you are aged 16-25.

As of July 2025, the state consultation rate is to €57 for adults, and €75 for young people under 25.

Clinical psychologists and reimbursement

A psychologue cannot prescribe medication but can offer psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy (thérapie cognitive et comportementale, TCC) and other counselling therapies. 

Since 2022, access to reimbursed sessions with private practice psychologists has improved significantly. You can be referred by your GP or contact a psychologist directly.

Under the current system, up to 12 sessions per year are reimbursed, with the first session typically used for an assessment. 

The cost of a session is around €50 (€60 for the first session), with reimbursement at 60%. If you have a mutuelle, the remaining costs may be covered by them.

To find a psychologist, visit the Mon Soutien Psy website. Note that this scheme is intended for those dealing with moderate mental health issues such as anxiety or mild depression rather than serious mental illness.

Free mental health care options

It is possible to access free mental healthcare by visiting a Centre Médico-Psychologique (CMP) attached to a hospital. You can go to one directly or else through a referral from your GP or school nurse. 

CMPs cover specific geographical areas and often have waiting lists, although they prioritise emergency cases. These centres are available for both adults and children.

Some charitable associations offer funding to support specific groups of people, and may provide services free of charge in certain cases.

Understanding types of mental health professional in France

You may encounter other mental health professionals with titles like psychanalyste (psychoanalyst), psychothérapeute (psychotherapist), or psycho-somatothérapeute (psychosomatic therapist). 

The title psychothérapeute requires minimum training standards, but these can vary. 

The Fédération Française de Psychothérapie et Psychanalyse (FF2P) has developed the new term of psychopraticien for psychotherapists.

When considering a therapist, always inquire about their qualifications. 

You can check a psychiatre or psychologue’s registration with the DDASS (Direction Départementale des Affaires Sanitaires et Sociales) or ask for their ADELI number, a professional identification number issued by the DDASS.

Your local mairie can also provide details on available mental health services in your area.

Children’s mental health services in France

A pédopsychiatre is a psychiatrist specialising in children’s mental health. 

There are also Centres Médico-Psycho-Pédagogiques (CMPP), run by associations that offer free care for children with learning difficulties or developmental issues like dyslexia. 

Teachers and GPs are usually familiar with local children's services.

English-speaking mental health services

For English-speaking residents, you can find counsellors and therapists through services like Counselling in France. 

Some British-qualified counsellors may also be listed here, though note that the job of counsellor is regulated differently, and British counsellors are not necessarily psychologists.

You can also find a directory of therapists at FF2P, where you can filter your search by languages spoken and other criteria.

Urgent mental health support

If you need to talk to someone urgently, you can contact SOS Help, the French partner of the UK’s Samaritans, on 01 46 21 46 46. 

This service operates in English and is available for anyone in need of emotional support.