Primary or secondary mental health care

If your GP finds that your problems require more specialized treatment, you may be referred to a provider of General Basic Mental Healthcare (BGGZ or Primary Mental Healthcare), or directly to Specialized mental healthcare (SGGZ or Secondary Care). Other medical professionals, like Company Doctors and Pediatricians, can also refer you to either service.

Primary Mental Healthcare

Primary Mental Healthcare providers treat mild to moderate mental health problems. Treatment may consist of:

  • Counselling from a psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist;
  • Some form of online mental health support (e-health);
  • A combination of counseling, and online support. For instance, you may have a number of sessions with a psychologist or psychotherapist in addition to following an e-health program.

Secondary Mental Healthcare

Secondary Mental Healthcare is intended for patients with serious and complex and concurrent psychiatric disorders, like ADHD, anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Treatment is provided by, for instance, a psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist working in a mental health institution, hospital or private practice.