About older adults
Psychological support for older adults addresses loneliness, grief, adapting to retirement or illness, memory concerns and caring for a partner. Many professionals also offer sessions at home or online.
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
Getting mental health care in the Netherlands
Public health system · Basic health insurance (basisverzekering) and GGZ
The GP is the entry point: mild problems are handled in the practice, often by the POH-GGZ mental health practice nurse, at no cost. Treatment in basic or specialist mental health care (basis-GGZ, gespecialiseerde GGZ) needs a GP referral and is covered by basic insurance but counts toward the compulsory deductible (385 euros in 2026); under-18s pay no deductible and their care is arranged through the municipality. Waiting lists for specialist care are common.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- BIG-register (CIBG, Ministry of Health). Only the titles gezondheidszorgpsycholoog, klinisch psycholoog, psychotherapeut and doctor/psychiatrist are protected; the plain title psycholoog is not. Check the BIG number, registration validity and any disciplinary measures in the BIG-register. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Basic insurance covers GGZ treatment by BIG-registered providers after GP referral, subject to the deductible; POH-GGZ consultations at the GP are free.
Urgent help in the Netherlands
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 113 · 113 Zelfmoordpreventie
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: bigregister.nl, rijksoverheid.nl, zorgwijzer.nl, overstappen.nl
Signs to look out for
Ageing brings changes, but persistent sadness, loss of interest, anxiety, withdrawal or irritability are not an inevitable part of getting older. It may be worth seeking help after losses such as bereavement, retirement or loss of independence, when loneliness is weighing heavily, or when there are noticeable changes in memory, orientation or behaviour that worry the person or their family.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, problem-solving therapy and reminiscence or life-review therapy are effective for older adults with depression or anxiety. Neuropsychologists assess memory concerns and design cognitive stimulation. Psychologists, psychiatrists with experience in older people, occupational therapists and social workers often work together, and family carers can also receive support and guidance.
When to seek urgent help
Sudden confusion, drowsiness, difficulty speaking, weakness on one side or a fall with injury need immediate medical attention: contact your local emergency services. Seek urgent help too if an older person expresses thoughts of suicide, stops eating or drinking, or if you suspect abuse or neglect. Reviewing medication with a doctor is important when behaviour changes.
What you can do in the meantime
Staying connected matters: regular contact with family, friends, neighbours or community groups helps protect mood. Keep routines with daily activity, walks, meals and sleep, and continue hobbies or learn new ones. Check hearing and vision, since difficulties can increase isolation. Carers should also look after themselves and ask for help, as caring can be exhausting.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
When to see a psychologist
It makes sense to see a psychologist when anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship problems, a loss or a difficult change start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, or when you simply want to understand yourself better. If symptoms are very severe, you may need medication, or there are signs of a medical cause, a psychiatrist or your doctor should be involved too.
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 the Netherlands cover psychological care?
The GP is the entry point: mild problems are handled in the practice, often by the POH-GGZ mental health practice nurse, at no cost. Treatment in basic or specialist mental health care (basis-GGZ, gespecialiseerde GGZ) needs a GP referral and is covered by basic insurance but counts toward the compulsory deductible (385 euros in 2026); under-18s pay no deductible and their care is arranged through the municipality. Waiting lists for specialist care are common.
How do I check that a psychologist is licensed in the Netherlands?
BIG-register (CIBG, Ministry of Health): Only the titles gezondheidszorgpsycholoog, klinisch psycholoog, psychotherapeut and doctor/psychiatrist are protected; the plain title psycholoog is not. Check the BIG number, registration validity and any disciplinary measures in the BIG-register.