Who is eligible for free sessions with a psychologist in France?
People with a range of ‘light to moderate’ issues can benefit from 12 consultations without first seeing their GP
You do not need to see your GP before consulting with a psychologist under the scheme, but you can if you wish
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People in France with a range of “light to moderate” psychological issues can benefit from 12 free consultations with a psychologist without first having to visit a GP.
The scheme, called Mon soutien psy, or ‘my psychological support’, is intended to provide psychological support for all individuals in the French healthcare system over the age of three.
It was first introduced in April 2022, only to be revamped in June 2024 under then-Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who boosted the number of consultations from eight to 12 and increased the reimbursement from €30 to €50 - essentially making it free.
However, the scheme is not intended for people with severe psychological problems or with diagnosed mental illnesses whose treatment paths still follow the normal channels.
Instead, according to state healthcare website Ameli.fr, it is designed as a means of support for people struggling with light to moderate tobacco, alcohol or cannabis problems, anxiety or light to moderate eating disorders.
The scheme is also intended to support children over the age of three as well as teens who present behaviour that is of concern to their families and entourage.
It is not intended for young people who require specialist advice from the outset (from either a psychiatrist or child psychiatrist), due to suicidal behaviour, severe eating disorders, mental illness or personality disorders.
How does Mon soutien psy work?
If you are interested in consulting under the scheme you can go directly to an approved psychologist listed in the dedicated directory on Ameli.fr, available here.
While you do not need to consult a GP or healthcare provider before booking a consultation, you can if you so wish.
After the consultation, the psychologist will send you a treatment form (feuille de soins) to forward to your regional health provider, which will reimburse the consultation, up to a maximum of 12 sessions per calendar year.
It is not mandatory to complete all 12 sessions.
Read more: Is there a deadline to claim reimbursement of medical costs in France?
After your last visit, the psychologist can - with your consent - send an end-of-care report to your GP.
Some participating psychologists also accept consultations by video conference. However the first one must happen in person.
Note that while participating psychologists charge €50 for the consultation, fees can be higher to consult a psychologist outside of the scheme.
