People in France can have 12 mental health support sessions per year reimbursed
Referrals by a doctor are no longer required
The reimbursement rate has increased to encourage more psychiatrists to sign up
Anthony Shkraba / Pexels
People covered under France’s state healthcare system can now attend 12 psychological support sessions per year that are fully covered by Assurance Maladie / top up insurance.
The sessions can now also be booked without the need of a referral from a doctor (GP or other healthcare professional).
The changes, part of an overhaul of the Mon Soutien Psy (my psychological support) system of the state healthcare programme, is part of France’s drive to address a mental health crisis.
The cost of up to 12 appointments, which can be for anyone over the age of 3 struggling from anxiety, depression, or psychological distress, is covered 60% by state health insurer Assurance Maladie and 40% by top-up mutuelle insurance. Each session will cost no more than €50.
Further appointments will not be covered by Assurance Maladie payments.
However, mutuelles may cover more than 40% of the cost of further appointments (up to 100% in some cases), so those in need should check their policy to see if it funds additional appointments.
How does it work?
Prior to January 2025, only eight appointments were available per year under the scheme, but this has now increased to 12.
Previously patients could also only benefit if a healthcare professional had ‘prescribed’ them sessions after an appointment or if they had officially referred them.
Now, a patient can either be recommended to the programme by a healthcare professional, or make an appointment themselves with a participating psychologist.
Note that the first appointment – either after professional or self-referral – will be an evaluation, and this will take up one of the fully-reimbursed slots, meaning you will have 11 more after this.
Further changes to the plan mean consultation fees are now €50 per fully-reimbursed session (up from €30 previously) in an attempt to get more healthcare professionals to sign up for the scheme.
Appointments may still be subject to waiting lists, particularly in areas facing a shortage of medical professionals.
You can find out more about the scheme, including where to find a participating psychologist, through the official website.
Read more: What essential health screenings are available for free in France?
