Over 410,000 find affordable mental health care in Belgium
More than 410,000 people have used Belgium’s reformed mental health care services since their introduction in September 2021. The reforms, spearheaded by outgoing Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke, aimed to make psychological support more accessible and affordable.
Under the reform, individuals can seek help from psychologists or orthopedagogists at reduced costs. The first session is free, while follow-ups are capped at 11 euros for adults. Young people under 24 can access services entirely free of charge. Support is available not only in private practices but also through family doctors, schools, public welfare centres and prisons.
“Our goal was to lower the barriers to mental healthcare”
According to figures from the Intermutualistic Agency, 410,022 people have taken advantage of the programme, including 145,533 people under 24 and 264,489 older adults. Collectively, they have attended more than 3.1 million sessions.
Vandenbroucke of socialist party Vooruit is satisfied with the progress. “Our goal was to lower the barriers to mental health care," he said. "These numbers show significant strides in connecting people to local, accessible support.”
Illustration © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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