Find Licensed Psychologists in Netherlands
Find licensed psychologists across Netherlands. Easily filter your search by location, identity, or concerns like anxiety or depression in cities such as Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, and Utrecht.
Our directory helps you search for and connect with psychologists across the country.
Qualified psychologists offering healthcare services in the Netherlands—such as Healthcare Psychologists (GZ-psychologen) and Clinical Psychologists—must be registered in the official BIG-register. This government registration ensures they meet strict national standards for healthcare professionals, giving you confidence in their qualifications.
We verify that all featured psychologists (our Pro members) listed as BIG-registered professionals hold a valid and active BIG registration.
You can easily filter your search by location (province or city), the types of issues they address (such as anxiety, depression, or relationship concerns), or by identity—such as male, female, or LGBTQ+—to find a psychologist you feel comfortable with.
- Psychologists by Gender in Dutch Cities
- Types of Psychologists in the Netherlands
- Qualifications to Look For
- Key Tips for Choosing the Right Psychologist
Psychologists by Gender in Dutch Cities
Amsterdam
| Amsterdam Male Psychologists | Browse male psychologists in Amsterdam experienced in supporting men through anxiety, stress, and trauma. |
Den Haag / The Hague
| Den Haag Psychologists | Find psychologists in Den Haag providing therapy for individuals, couples, and families. |
| Den Haag Female Psychologists | Connect with female psychologists in Den Haag offering support for women’s mental health. |
| Den Haag LGBT+ Psychologists | Supportive psychologists in Den Haag for LGBTQ+ mental health and identity exploration. |
| Den Haag Male Psychologists | Explore male psychologists in Den Haag providing evidence-based care for men’s emotional well-being. |
| The Hague Psychologists | Therapists in The Hague offering psychological support for various life challenges. |
Rotterdam
| Rotterdam Psychologists | Discover licensed psychologists in Rotterdam offering therapy for individuals and families. |
| Rotterdam Male Psychologists | Male psychologists in Rotterdam helping men cope with work stress, trauma, and relationships. |
Utrecht
| Utrecht Psychologists | Therapists in Utrecht offering services for anxiety, depression, and personal growth. |
| Utrecht Male Psychologists | Experienced male psychologists in Utrecht supporting men’s emotional well-being and resilience. |
Types of Psychologists in the Netherlands
Psychologists are trained to understand how we think, feel, and behave. They use this knowledge to help people cope with challenges and improve their mental well-being.
In the Netherlands, the system has specific roles. Here are the main types you might encounter when looking for therapy:
Basispsycholoog (Basic Psychologist):
- Has completed a Master's degree in psychology.
- May offer counselling, support, or work under the supervision of a more qualified psychologist.
- Often works with less complex issues or provides initial support.
GZ-psycholoog (Gezondheidszorgpsycholoog / Healthcare Psychologist):
- Has completed a Master's degree plus a 2-year post-master's professional training program.
- Is registered in the official BIG register (more on this below). This is a protected title.
- Qualified to diagnose and treat common mental health problems like anxiety, depression, or trauma.
- Often the first point of contact for psychological therapy within the Dutch healthcare system (usually requires GP referral for insured care).
Klinisch Psycholoog (Clinical Psychologist):
- A specialist psychologist with further advanced training (4 years) after becoming a GZ-psycholoog.
- Also registered in the BIG register. This is a protected specialist title.
- Deals with more complex, severe, or persistent mental health conditions.
- Psychotherapeut (Psychotherapist):
- Specifically trained in providing in-depth talk therapy.
- Requires extensive post-master's training and is also registered in the BIG register. This is a protected title.
- Often, someone might be both a GZ-psycholoog or Klinisch Psycholoog and a Psychotherapeut.
For common mental health concerns within the Dutch system, you'll often be looking for a GZ-psycholoog. For more complex issues, a Klinisch Psycholoog might be needed. Psychotherapeuten offer specialised talk therapy. A Basispsycholoog can offer valuable support, often outside the basic insured care system or for less complex needs.
Qualifications to Look For
Knowing your psychologist has the right credentials is very important in this country, especially regarding protected titles and insurance.
Here’s what matters most:
The BIG Register: This is the most crucial thing for certain roles.
- The BIG register is the official Dutch government register for healthcare professionals.
- GZ-psychologen, Klinisch Psychologen, and Psychotherapeuten MUST be listed in the BIG register to legally use these titles and practice in these roles.
- Registration confirms they meet specific educational requirements and are subject to disciplinary law.
- You can check the BIG register online (bigregister.nl) using the professional's name or BIG number.
University Degrees: All psychologists will have university degrees (Master's, sometimes PhD). The level of qualification determines their title and registration possibilities (see Section A).
- NIP Psychologist (Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen):
- The NIP is the largest professional association for psychologists in the Netherlands.
- Membership (e.g., holding the title "Psycholoog NIP") indicates adherence to ethical codes and professional standards, but it's not the same as BIG registration.
- A Basispsycholoog who isn't BIG-registered might be a member of the NIP. This shows commitment to the profession.
For therapy that might be covered by Dutch basic health insurance (after a GP referral), you generally need a BIG-registered GZ-psycholoog, Klinisch Psycholoog, or Psychotherapeut. Always clarify the professional's registration status.
Key Tips for Choosing the Right Psychologist
Finding the right psychologist is personal. The connection you build is key to successful therapy.
Here are practical tips:
Match Expertise to Your Needs: Does the psychologist have experience with the issues you're facing (e.g., anxiety, burnout, expat issues, relationships)? Check their profile on TherapyRoute.com or their website.
Consider Their Approach: Psychologists use different methods (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - CBT, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy). You don't need to be an expert, but see if their way of working sounds like a good fit for you.
The 'Click' Factor (Vertrouwensband): Feeling understood and comfortable is vital.
- Most psychologists offer an initial consultation or 'intake' (intakegesprek). Use this to see how it feels.
- Ask yourself: Do I feel heard and respected? Is communication clear? Do I feel a potential for trust?
- It's okay to speak with more than one professional before committing. Finding the right relationship matters.
Language: Many psychologists in the Netherlands offer therapy in English and other languages. Confirm this beforehand.
Location/Online: Is their practice easy to reach, or do they offer online sessions?
Cost & Insurance: Understand the fees. If seeking insured care, you typically need a GP referral (verwijsbrief) and a BIG-registered professional. Check if they have contracts with your insurer, or what reimbursement rules apply if they don't. Private therapy (without referral/insurance) is also common.
Waiting Times (Wachttijden): Be aware that there can be waiting lists, especially for insured care. Ask about estimated waiting times.
Taking the step to find a psychologist is a positive move. At TherapyRoute.com, we're here to help you connect with the right professional for your journey. Understanding the basics can empower you to take that first step with confidence.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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