Hi all, I was wondering if anybody could give me a few tips on how to solve my problem.
Basically I'm looking for a english speaking psychiatrist in Amsterdam, but as I imagined, after calling the friendly help desk of Access NL, I've been told that the only way to get a consult would be to get an health insurance and ask my GP. But I'm not insured over here in the Netherlands and that's not an option for the time being.
I was thinking about a private one maybe.
Has anyone any experience or could give me some infos?
Thanks a lot, really appreciated

mes

sorry, but so far as i know, as a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, you will need medical insurance. unless it is an emergency. and even then, you will get into trouble. It is a legal requirement if you are living in NL to have medical insurance.

if it is a psychologist you need, or a councellor, you would probably find it easier.

to be sure, why not phone one of the international medical practices? I imagine there must be some in Amsterdam. I am in the Hague, and I know of one here that has a psychologist on staff.

You could always lie and say you are on holiday and want to pay cash (not that I agree with lying) but if you need longer term care, then that would not work.

if it is merely to extend a prescription for a short period of time, then a GP (huisarts) should be able to do that. I've had that done for visitors before.

It's hard to give decent advice, with such limited information.

hope you find what you are looking for.
Leeam

It would rely largely on your 'legal status' here.

Where are you from?
How long have you been here?
How long are you going to be here?
Do you have residency card?
Do you have SOFI?
Are you employed?
Do you work?
Do you pay tax?

Why do you not have medical insurance? A european E1-110?? thing only last for a year and will not cover the kind of stuff you want.

If you are here for a long time, then you need documents , and also it is i think a requirement that you have medical insurance by law.


Also, you must have a SOFI number even to get a doctor or dentist's books.

Good morning everybody!
Sorry it took me a little while to reply to your messages, but I've been quite busy recently.
I must say I really appreciated your support and all of your infos have been really helpful so far. So thanks a lot.
I've been to a "tourist doctor" here in Amsterdam who was able to prescribe me some medications to temporarily fix my problem, and was nice enough to refer me to a clinic where they may be able to assist me with a proper psychiatrist in a private way. We'll see how that one goes.

Anyway, to reply to drunk, here's my situation:

Where are you from? Italy
How long have you been here? almost 3 years
How long are you going to be here? who knows! A while longer for sure
Do you have residency card? I don't think so, but I'm registered with the municipality
Do you have SOFI? yes
Are you employed? not anymore
Do you work? I worked for the last 2 and a half years
Do you pay tax? not anymore

Why do you not have medical insurance? Difficult to explain in a couple of words
A european E1-110?? I got it, together with a private italian insurance that SHOULD be able to provide me with medical support abroad, but I gotta look into that to see what is actually covering.

Anyway the tourist doctor said that in case I decide to apply for a dutch medical insurance, that would just cover a limited amount of psych/therapy sessions (something like 8) and I would have anyway to pay 15 euros per session.
So I may stick for a little with a private practice, if that works out to be ok.

Thanks a lot guys!

The rules change all the time. I'm with RIAGG (the dutch mental health institution) and have been with them for ~5 years. During that time I've never paid for more than ~15 or so sessions at 15 euros a week. Plus of course my meds were free. RIAGG will do anything they can to keep costs as low as possible and if you really can't afford it they won't force you to pay.

I suggest a going to http://www.access-nl.org/about_us/amsterdam_office.htm. it is an expat counseling center in Amsterdam...and very helpful and supportive

I am of the oppinion that a counselor is can be of excellent help...Since I do not know what your problem is...

I myself am a counselor and when I need help I turned to thepists for support...

(email address deleted by moderator)

Hello all,

I just became a member of the Expatica, posted my personal advert and happen to read your forum discussion. You have received some good responses, i am starting to really like this website. Well, maybe i can help a bit.

My name is Katerina and i am a Greek expat, living in Amsterdam for the past 4 years. I just started my therapy practice and i am in touch with the Access organization that was mentioned before. If you need any kind of advice or you have simple questions please feel free to PM me. You can also take a look at the Expatica ad i posted to get an idea of my approach. Oh, and i speak just a bit of Italian

Take care and nice to be here,

Greetings,
Katerina

Click here to view my post.