Youth Mental Health Care: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Access professional therapy and mental health support for children and teenagers in the Netherlands.
This scheme provides professional mental health support and therapy for young people facing psychological challenges.
Who it's for
This service is specifically designed for children and teenagers who are experiencing mental health needs. It is intended to support young people as they navigate developmental and emotional challenges through professional intervention.
What you get
Through this scheme, eligible young people can receive professional therapy and various forms of specialized support. This assistance is aimed at helping individuals manage their mental well-being through structured care provided by trained professionals.
What it costs you
While the support is provided through the local municipality (Gemeente), there is an administrative and procedural cost in terms of time and documentation. To access these services, you cannot simply sign up; you must first obtain a formal referral. This referral must come from either a General Practitioner (GP) or from the Centrum voor Jeugd en Gezin (CJG).
The catch to know
The most significant challenge with this scheme is that waiting lists for specialists can be quite long. If you find that the delay in receiving care is becoming a crisis, you should ask for 'zorgbemiddeling' (care mediation). This is a process intended to help navigate the system more effectively when urgent support is needed.
How to apply
- Schedule an appointment with your GP to discuss the specific mental health needs of the child or teenager.
- Alternatively, contact your local Centrum voor Jeugd en Gezin (CJG) to discuss support options.
- Work with these professionals to secure a formal referral for specialized care.
- Once the referral is received, follow the instructions provided by the referring body to connect with a mental health provider.