About addiction
Addictions to substances or behaviours such as gambling, gaming or the internet involve loss of control and continuing despite harm. Treatment usually combines psychological therapy, relapse prevention and, in some cases, medical care. Professionals with experience in addictions can coordinate with specialised services.
Forensic psychologists apply psychology to legal matters: expert reports for courts, custody and family proceedings, assessment of damages or credibility, and support for victims. Ask about their experience as an expert witness in your country.
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
An addiction may be developing when you find it hard to control how much or how often you use a substance or engage in a behaviour such as gambling, gaming, shopping or online use; when you keep going despite problems with health, money, work or relationships; when you need more to get the same effect; or when you feel restless or unwell when you stop.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Effective approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, relapse-prevention programmes, contingency management and, for young people, family-based therapy. Psychologists and clinical psychologists with addiction experience, psychiatrists and specialised addiction services usually work together. For some substances, medically supervised treatment is needed. Mutual-help groups can complement professional care for many people.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services immediately in case of a suspected overdose, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, seizures, chest pain or confusion. Seek urgent help too if there are thoughts of suicide or harming others. Stopping some substances suddenly after heavy use can be dangerous, so talk to a doctor before quitting.
What you can do in the meantime
Be honest with yourself about how often and why you use, and notice the situations, emotions and people that trigger it. Tell someone you trust and consider removing easy access, such as blocking betting apps or limiting cash. Fill your time with activities that do not involve the substance or behaviour. Lapses can happen; they are a signal to seek support, not a failure.
What does a forensic psychologist do?
A forensic psychologist applies psychology to legal questions. Day to day they carry out expert assessments and write reports for courts, lawyers or individuals: for example on child custody, the psychological impact of an event, capacity, credibility issues or risk. Some also work in prisons, victim support or rehabilitation programmes. They may be asked to explain their findings at trial.
When to see a forensic psychologist
You may need a forensic psychologist when a legal process requires an independent psychological assessment: custody or visitation disputes, claims for psychological harm after an accident or assault, workplace harassment cases, or questions about a person’s capacity. If what you need is emotional support during a legal process, a therapist is more suitable, since forensic assessment is evaluative, not therapeutic.
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 forensic 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.