About quit smoking
Quitting smoking is easier with support. Psychological programmes work on habits, triggers and cravings and can be combined with medical treatment. Planning a quit date and preparing for difficult moments increases the chances of success.
Therapist is the everyday word for a professional who offers talking therapy: depending on the country it can be a psychologist, a psychotherapist, a licensed counsellor, a marriage and family therapist or a clinical social worker. Profiles show each therapist’s actual title, training and registration.
Getting mental health care in Belgium
Public health system · INAMI/RIZIV first-line psychological care via mental health networks
Psychologists and orthopedagogues affiliated with a mental health network contracted with INAMI provide reimbursed first-line care without a prescription. Up to age 23 sessions are free; adults pay nothing for the first session and then 11 euros per individual session (4 euros with increased reimbursement), with up to 8 support sessions or on average 8 (max 20) treatment sessions per 12 months. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Psychologists' Commission (Psychologencommissie / Commission des Psychologues, Compsy). The title psychologist is protected and every psychologist must be registered with Compsy; clinical psychologists additionally need a federal visa and regional recognition. The official list shows whether registration is active for the current year. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Sessions with psychologists outside the INAMI convention are not reimbursed by compulsory health insurance.
Urgent help in Belgium
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: inami.fgov.be, test-achats.be
Signs to look out for
Many people who smoke want to stop but find it hard. Signs that nicotine has a strong hold include smoking soon after waking, feeling irritable, anxious or unable to concentrate without it, failing despite several attempts, and smoking even when ill. Professional support makes particular sense if you have tried alone before, smoke to manage stress or low mood, or have a health condition.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Combining behavioural support with medical treatment increases the chances of quitting compared with trying alone. Psychologists use cognitive-behavioural techniques, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention to work on habits, triggers and cravings, individually or in groups. A doctor or pharmacist can advise whether nicotine replacement or other medication is suitable for you. Many health services run stop-smoking programmes.
When to seek urgent help
Quitting smoking is not usually an emergency, but contact your local emergency services immediately for chest pain, severe breathlessness or signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or difficulty speaking. If quitting brings a sharp drop in mood or thoughts of harming yourself, seek help urgently. People with mental health conditions should involve their doctor when stopping, as some treatments may need adjusting.
What you can do in the meantime
Choose a quit date and prepare: remove cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays, identify your triggers and plan what you will do instead. Cravings usually pass within minutes, so distraction, water, a short walk or slow breathing can help. Tell people around you so they can support you, and avoid alcohol early on. A slip is not the end; learn from it and continue.
What does a therapist do?
A therapist helps you talk through what is worrying you and find practical ways to feel and cope better. In sessions they listen, ask questions, help you notice patterns in your thoughts, emotions and relationships, and agree goals with you. Depending on their training they may use cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, systemic, psychodynamic or other evidence-based approaches, with individuals, couples, families or groups.
When to see a therapist
It makes sense to look for a therapist when stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship problems, a difficult change or the effects of past experiences start to weigh on your daily life, or when you simply want space to understand yourself better. If symptoms are severe, you may need medication or there are signs of a medical cause, involve your doctor or a psychiatrist as well.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Belgium cover psychological care?
Psychologists and orthopedagogues affiliated with a mental health network contracted with INAMI provide reimbursed first-line care without a prescription. Up to age 23 sessions are free; adults pay nothing for the first session and then 11 euros per individual session (4 euros with increased reimbursement), with up to 8 support sessions or on average 8 (max 20) treatment sessions per 12 months.
How do I check that a therapist is licensed in Belgium?
Psychologists' Commission (Psychologencommissie / Commission des Psychologues, Compsy): The title psychologist is protected and every psychologist must be registered with Compsy; clinical psychologists additionally need a federal visa and regional recognition. The official list shows whether registration is active for the current year.