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.
Clinical psychologists are psychologists with specialist training in assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health problems, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions. In some countries it is a regulated health specialty; Therapy247 checks the registration.
Getting mental health care in Luxembourg
Public health system · Caisse nationale de santé (CNS)
Psychiatric care by doctors is reimbursed by the CNS, and since 1 February 2023 psychotherapy by authorised psychotherapists is reimbursed at 70% for adults on a fixed tariff. Hospital psychiatric departments and outpatient services are also part of the public system. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ministry of Health and Social Security (with the Collège médical). The title of psychotherapist is protected by the law of 14 July 2015; practice requires ministerial authorisation, and psychotherapists are listed in the ministry's professional register and the Collège médical's register.
- Ministry of Higher Education and Research. The title of psychologist is protected by law and requires authorisation to use it.
- Collège médical / Ministry of Health and Social Security. Psychiatrists are doctors who must be authorised to practise and registered with the Collège médical.
Typical private fees
- Session with a psychologist
- €144 – €148
Official CNS psychotherapy tariff for a 50-60 minute session set in 2023 (144 EUR, indexed to about 147.60 EUR); not a survey of private fees. Sources
Insurance and coverage
The CNS reimburses 70% of the official psychotherapy tariff for adults when the therapist is an authorised psychotherapist; supplementary insurers may cover part of the rest.
Urgent help in Luxembourg
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 45 45 45 · SOS Détresse
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: guichet.public.lu, gouvernement.lu, cns.public.lu
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 clinical psychologist do?
A clinical psychologist assesses, diagnoses and treats mental health problems in children, adults or older people. Day to day they conduct clinical interviews, use validated questionnaires and tests, formulate what keeps the problem going, and deliver evidence-based therapies. They often work in hospitals, community mental health teams or private practice, and coordinate with psychiatrists, family doctors and social services.
When to see a clinical psychologist
A clinical psychologist is a good choice for moderate to severe or persistent difficulties: anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive problems, trauma, eating disorders, personality difficulties, or when a formal diagnosis or report is needed. If medication may be needed or there is a risk to safety, a psychiatrist should also be involved. For coaching or personal growth, other professionals may fit better.
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 Luxembourg cover psychological care?
Psychiatric care by doctors is reimbursed by the CNS, and since 1 February 2023 psychotherapy by authorised psychotherapists is reimbursed at 70% for adults on a fixed tariff. Hospital psychiatric departments and outpatient services are also part of the public system.
How do I check that a clinical psychologist is licensed in Luxembourg?
Ministry of Health and Social Security (with the Collège médical): The title of psychotherapist is protected by the law of 14 July 2015; practice requires ministerial authorisation, and psychotherapists are listed in the ministry's professional register and the Collège médical's register.
How much does a session with a psychologist cost in Luxembourg?
Usually between €144 and €148 per individual session in private practice. Official CNS psychotherapy tariff for a 50-60 minute session set in 2023 (144 EUR, indexed to about 147.60 EUR); not a survey of private fees.