Accessing mental health services in France

France is well known for its strong investment in physical healthcare, but when it comes to mental health, the picture is more complicated.

For expats, finding the right support can be especially challenging – most services are designed with locals in mind, and navigating the system isn’t always straightforward. That said, with the right information and persistence, getting help is absolutely possible.

This article covers the following:

Mental healthcare services in France

France offers two main options for mental health care services, and which is best for you depends on your level of need.

Moderate to severe mental health support mainly runs through Centres Médico-Psychologiques (CMPs), which operate as outpatient clinics connected to public hospitals. These centers offer free services through the state health insurance system.

CMP teams typically include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and occupational therapists. Most services are in French, so language can be a barrier for non-French speakers.

You don’t need a referral from a general practitioner (GP – médecin traitant)to contact a CMP, but demand is high and staffing shortages persist. As a result, waiting times can be long.

Mild to moderate mental health support usually runs through the “Mon Soutien Psy” program, which provides partial reimbursement for more common issues like burnout, anxiety, and adjustment issues. You can read more about this below under “Insurance for mental healthcare in France”.

How to access mental health services in France

• Contact a CMP: You can reach out directly. While a referral from your GP isn’t required, it can help guide your care.
• See a private practitioner: If you choose a private psychiatrist or psychologist, you may receive partial reimbursement—provided the practitioner follows standard public fee rates or is enrolled in the support scheme. Otherwise, you’ll need private insurance to cover the cost.
• In emergencies: Go directly to the emergency department at the nearest hospital
• Local info: Your town hall (mairie) can give you more details on nearby services and urgent support options

Insurance for mental healthcare in France

Over the last few years, the French government has gradually expanded access to reimbursed psychological support. Under the current system, anyone 3 and up can receive up to 12 state-covered sessions per year through the “Mon Soutien Psy” program.

You’ll need to book with an approved psychologist to qualify. The first session serves as an assessment and counts toward the total. The state covers 60% of the cost, and supplementary insurance (mutuelle) typically pays the rest. The current fixed rate for sessions is €50 each.

Private health insurance is a good option for those with chronic illnesses. The state will not cover chiropractors, osteopaths, or psychologist consultations. Private insurance is also beneficial for some types of prescription medication. The state will only cover a percentage of what they consider “essential” medication. Prescription medication can be quite pricey, therefore, private insurance is recommended.

For expats living in France, you can select mental health coverage as part of an international health insurance plan with one of the following providers:

• Allianz Care
• APRIL International
• Cigna Global

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists in France

If you have a carte vitale, you may be eligible for partial or full reimbursement of psychiatric care in France. When booking online, check whether the psychiatrist is listed as “conventionné secteur 1”—these professionals charge standard rates and offer the highest reimbursement.

The easiest way to book an appointment is through Doctolib, where you can filter for English-speaking psychiatrists. While you can contact a psychiatrist directly, we recommend visiting a GP first for guidance or a referral. This route is often cheaper but can involve longer wait times.

Psychologists in France are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Their services are generally not reimbursed unless accessed through specific government schemes. One such program now allows up to 12 reimbursed sessions per year with an approved psychologist. However, this requires booking with a participating practitioner, and spots may be limited.

If you manage to secure an appointment at a CMP, you can access both psychiatric and psychological services for free. These public mental health clinics often require a referral from a GP, and waiting lists can be long.

Another option is counseling, which provides non-clinical talk therapy. The Counselling in France website offers a directory of English-speaking counselors, many of whom have experience working with expats.

Mental health services for addiction in France

France has a well-structured system for treating addiction, with services available through both general healthcare and specialist clinics. Most departments have at least one Centre de Soin, d’Accompagnement et de Prévention en Addictologie (CSAPA) – a public center that offers free support for issues related to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or behavioral addictions.

These centers provide a combination of medical, psychological, and social support. Treatments may include detox programs, therapy, and medication-assisted recovery. Services are confidential and available to anyone, regardless of insurance status.

To access a CSAPA, start by speaking with your GP, who can refer you to the appropriate center. Some CSAPAs also accept direct contact, so it’s worth checking with your local facility if you prefer to self-refer. While most staff speak French, some centers in larger cities may offer services in other languages or work with interpreters.

Services to help with eating disorders in France

France has long been associated with the modeling industry. As a result, it’s no wonder the country has had an uneasy relationship with what’s considered healthy when it comes to how one should look and the eating habits that inform that.

Is the changing culture reflective of the services available? Not if you don’t speak French. If that’s the case, you’ll have to engage with the private sector and get in touch with a clinic such as this one in Paris.

With regards to the public sector, there are specialist centers, carers, and doctors you can engage with. Again, like most specialist services in France, you have to go through a middle-man by way of your GP. A psychologist or psychiatrist will often refer you for specialist treatment.

Mental healthcare for children and young people in France

France offers a strong network of mental health services for children, though navigating the system can take time. If your child is struggling, the school nurse is often the best first point of contact. Like a GP, they can refer students to a CMP, where children can access specialist, state-funded care from a child psychiatrist (pédopsychiatre).

You may also be referred to a Centre Médico-Psycho-Pédagogique (CMPP). These centers, usually run by non-profit associations, offer free support for children with challenges that affect learning, such as developmental delays, behavioral issues, or dyslexia. However, waiting times for both CMPs and CMPPs can stretch to several months.

Your child’s teacher or primary care doctor can help guide you toward local services. You can also ask other parents or check local forums for tips on where to find child-focused mental health support in your area.

Mental health services in France for special groups

France has strengthened its support for people living with long-term psychological or cognitive conditions. The Prestation de Compensation du Handicap (PCH)—a disability benefit designed to help cover costs related to reduced autonomy—is now available to individuals with mental health conditions, cognitive impairments, or neurodevelopmental disorders.

The PCH can help cover the cost of personal assistance, mobility aids, and home or vehicle adaptations. Eligibility depends on the level of need and household income. Applications go through the local Maison Départementale des Personnes Handicapées (MDPH), and you’ll need to provide medical documentation, so it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor or local CMP first.

People with severe mental illness can also access broader social and healthcare support through France’s public services. This may include housing assistance, specialist schooling, vocational training, and placement in sheltered workplaces.

Here are some key organizations offering support:

• Caisse Nationale de Solidarité pour l’Autonomie (CNSA): Coordinates funding and policy for disability and elderly support.
• Handicap.fr: A helpful portal for navigating disability rights, benefits, and local services.
• L’Arche: Provides supportive communities for people with intellectual disabilities, including housing and social inclusion programs.

If you’re unsure where to start, your GP or local CMP can guide you to the right services.

Help for those with severe and long-term symptoms living in France

If you’re dealing with recurring or serious mental health symptoms – such as major depression, psychosis, or disabling anxiety – the best place to start is your local CMP. These hospital-linked centers provide free care to residents in specific geographic zones. You can contact them directly or speak to your GP for a referral.

CMPs offer a range of services, including regular psychiatric care, therapy, and referrals for hospitalization or specialist treatment if needed. Most care is delivered in French, so consider bringing a translator or French-speaking friend if necessary.

While services are free, waiting times can stretch to several months. That said, if your condition is considered urgent or severe, you may be prioritized for faster treatment.

If you need help right away, the following section lists helplines and emergency services in both English and French.

Emergency support and crisis lines in France

There are a number of emergency support services in France that deal specifically with mental health. However, be aware that the vast majority of these services will only be available in French. That said, there are some English-speaking options. Should you need services in other languages, be sure to check online and with other local expats for more information.

English-speaking support services

• British Consulate (Paris): Offers guidance on treatment options but does not provide clinical advice. Contact +33 1 44 51 31 00.
• SOS Help: An English-language emotional support line available daily from 3 PM to 11 PM. Call 01 46 21 46 46.
• Samaritans UK: Accessible from France for emotional support. Call: +44 8457 90 90 90. Note that this number may incur charges; alternatively, you can call 116 123, which is free from any phone.

French-speaking support services

• Écoute Alcool: Provides confidential advice on alcohol-related issues. Call 0811 91 30 30.
• Drogues Info Service: Provides confidential advice on drug abuse. Open daily from 8 AM to 2 AM. Call 0800 23 13 13 or +33 1 70 23 13 13.
• Suicide Écoute: A 24/7 confidential helpline for individuals and family members. Call 3114.
• SOS Amitié: Provides emotional support to anyone in distress. Call 09 72 39 40 50.

Useful resources

• ZAVA – access online doctor consultations throughout France
• Complementary Solidarity Health Fund (complementaire sante solidaire) – information about accessing healthcare for those on a low income
• Ameli – website with healthcare information and advice
• Cleiss (Centre des Liasons Européennes et Internationales de Sécurité Sociale) – information about healthcare in France and the social security system
• National Federation of Health Centers (Federation Nationale des Centres de Sante) – find a local health center near you