About ADHD
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) affects attention, impulsivity and activity in children and adults. Diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often by a psychiatrist, neuropsychologist or specialised psychologist. Treatment may include psychoeducation, behavioural strategies, support at school or work and, if appropriate, medication.
Psychotherapists are professionals trained in one or more models of psychotherapy (psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural…). The protected title and requirements vary by country; profiles show each professional’s training and registration.
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
Everyone gets distracted at times. ADHD may be worth assessing when difficulties with attention, organisation, impulsivity or restlessness have been present since childhood, appear in different settings such as school, work and home, and cause real problems: unfinished tasks, frequent lost items, forgetting appointments, acting without thinking, or feeling constantly restless. In adults it is often unrecognised for years.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Diagnosis requires a careful assessment by a qualified professional, such as a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist or paediatrician, depending on age and country. Treatment may combine psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for organisation and emotional regulation, parent training for children, school adaptations, and medication prescribed and monitored by a doctor when appropriate. Educational psychologists and psychopedagogues support learning.
When to seek urgent help
ADHD itself is not an emergency, but impulsivity can increase risks. Contact your local emergency services after a serious accident or injury, or if someone has thoughts of suicide or harming others. Seek prompt medical advice for any worrying side effects of medication, such as chest pain or palpitations, and do not change medication without talking to the prescribing doctor.
What you can do in the meantime
External structure helps: use calendars, alarms, lists and visible reminders, and break tasks into small steps with short breaks. Regular sleep, physical activity and meals support attention. Reduce distractions in your work or study space. For children, clear routines, specific praise and calm, consistent limits help. Look for reliable information from health organisations rather than social media alone.
What does a psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist helps people understand and change emotional, relational and behavioural patterns through a structured therapeutic relationship. Their work is shaped by one or more models, such as cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic or integrative therapy. They meet individuals, couples, families or groups, usually in regular sessions, and spend time outside sessions on notes, preparation and their own supervision.
When to see a psychotherapist
Psychotherapy suits people who want to work in depth on recurring difficulties: anxiety, low mood, relationship patterns, self-esteem, the effects of past experiences or major life transitions. It can also help when you feel stuck without a clear diagnosis. If you need a formal diagnosis, a specific psychological assessment or medication, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may need to be involved.
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 psychotherapist 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.