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Who's who?

A psychologist is a mental health professional with a master's degree or even a doctorate in psychology. Their work consists of analysing each situation using various tools and offering therapeutic help by talking, adapted to the person's needs and requests (occasional consultations for support, regular psychotherapy follow-up, psychological assessment, etc.). Their aim is to help you get better and bloom in all areas of your life.

• If you feel the need to talk, to take a step back from what you are experiencing, to talk about a hurtful or traumatic event of your life, or if you are going through difficult emotions, this is the person you can turn to.
• There are no good or bad reasons to talk to a psychologist, and meeting a psychologist does not mean that you are "crazy". On the contrary, it is a good sign showing you are strong enough to look for solutions to feel better.

You do not need a medical prescription to consult a psychologist, whether it's in a private practice or in a care facility.

In public healthcare facilities, appointments are generally fully covered by French Social Security. In CMP ("Centre Médico Psychologique"), BAPU ("Bureau d'Aide Psychologique Universitaire") or SIUMPPS ("Service Interuniversitaire de Médecine Préventive et de Promotion de la Santé"), you don't have to pay anything, but you often have to wait several weeks, or even months, before an appointment is available, so try to make an appointment in advance!

In private practice: appointments are not reimbursed by French social security, but some personal insurance companies reimburse the first sessions. Each psychologist sets the price of their consultation (which generally varies between 40 and 80€) but they can sometimes offer reduced rates for students or unemployed people. Since 2021, the first 8 sessions with certain psychologists approved by the health insurance are covered by the national Santé Psy Etudiant scheme (up to 30 euros per session, with a medical prescription). Find out more when you make an appointment!

Psychologists are bound to professional secrecy by their code of ethics, nothing you say will leave the consultation room!

It is important that you feel comfortable with the psychologist you meet. If you don't feel comfortable, you have the right to meet someone else!

Please note that only psychiatrists and clinical psychologists have the protected title of "psychotherapist" in France, in line with their training and qualifications. Some psychologists and psychiatrists train in addition to their profession in a type of psychotherapy (for example, psychoanalysis, hypnosis, CBT). They are then "psychologists/psychotherapists", or "psychologists/psychoanalysts". A person saying they're "psychopractor", "life therapist", "life coach", etc. is neither a psychologist, nor a psychiatrist, nor a psychotherapist.

He/she is a medical doctor specialised in psychiatry. His/her work consists in evaluating the difficulties encountered by a person, making a medical diagnosis when possible and prescribing appropriate treatment (medication, hospitalisation, etc.). He/she may propose regular medical follow-up to monitor the evolution of the situation and the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.

If you feel the need to be accompanied by a doctor, to benefit from medication, if you feel in danger, or if you are experiencing particularly painful or intense emotions or behaviours at the moment, you can consult a psychiatrist.

You can meet with a psychiatrist in a private practice or in a care facility (some of them offer consultations in English). In a public health care facility, appointments are generally fully covered by the French social security. In CMP (Centre Médico Psychologique), BAPU (Bureau d'Aide Psychologique Universitaire) or SIUMPPS (Service Interuniversitaire de Médecine Préventive et de Promotion de la Santé), you don't have to pay anything in advance, but you often have to wait several weeks or even months before an appointment is available, so try to make an appointment in advance!

If you are between 16 and 25 years old, you do not need to go through your GP. You can make an appointment directly with the psychiatrist.

Consultations with a psychiatrist are fully covered by French social security in public facilities, and partially reimbursed in private practice.

Psychiatrists are subject to professional secrecy.

You can be accompanied by both a psychiatrist and a psychologist. Their two approaches are complementary.

Please note that only psychiatrists and clinical psychologists have the protected title of "psychotherapist" in France, based on their training and diplomas. Some psychologists and psychiatrists train in addition to their profession in a type of psychotherapy (for example, psychoanalysis, hypnosis, behavioral and cognitive therapies). They are then "psychotherapists" or "psychoanalysts". People presenting themselves as"psychopratician", "life therapist" or "life coach" are neither psychologists nor psychiatrists.

General practitioners are doctors in general medicine who are qualified to assess your overall physical health and to manage your difficulties. If they see that your problems fall into a particular area of medicine, they are able to refer you to the right specialist for your needs (for example, a dermatologist for skin problems or a psychiatrist for psychological problems).

If you are going through a difficult time, you can talk to your doctor and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist according to your needs. This is called the "care path". To do this, you need to choose and declare your primary GP to social security. They are your first point of contact for all matters related to your health!

General practitioners are subject to professional secrecy.

Consultations with general practitioners are covered by French social security.

You can consult a general practitioner in a private practice, in a public or private health care facility, or in a university preventive medicine facility (they can even be your primary care physician).

To find out more, visit the French social security website (available in French only).

A social worker or social assistant, is a professional able to accompany people through the various social, psychosocial and economic problems they may encounter. They hold a state diploma in social work. Their work consists of evaluating the person's situation, orienting them and accompanying them to resolve their difficulties. If you have housing, economic or administrative difficulties, if you need information about your social, medical or training rights (for example, if you suffer from a disability or a long illness), social workers will be able to guide and help you.

You can meet with a social worker at a CROUS, at the town hall, at the CPAM (your social security office), or at the CAF for example. Don't hesitate to contact the CROUS for advice and guidance.

If you contact a care structure, such as a CMP (Centre Médico Psychologique) or a BAPU (Bureau d'Aide Psychologique Universitaire) for example, the team often includes a social worker, so you can ask to meet them.

Social workers are subject to professional secrecy.

You can check out this page (available in French only) to find out more.