Psychologist or psychiatrist…Where do you turn to take care of your mental health? First big difference between these two professions: the psychiatrist is a doctor, when the psychologist is a university graduate. The first is therefore authorized to establish a medical diagnosis, to prescribe medication and his consultation is reimbursed by social security, up to 70% of the conventional rate.
The second can have one or more specializations depending on his training. He is not a doctor, but his consultations will soon be covered, provided they have been prescribed by a doctor, as part of a consultation package for sessions capped at 30 euros. This is what Emmanuel Macron announced for 2022, during the Assizes of Mental Health and Psychiatry on September 28.
Between 50 and 70 euros per session
In the meantime, according to the 2021 Psychology Observatory, a session with a psychologist costs between 50 and 70 euros in France for a duration varying from 45 minutes to an hour. The price depends on the geographical area – consultations in large cities are often more expensive – but also on the possible specialization of the psychologist.
Good to know for young adults: the device Health Psy Students set up in March 2021 offers three 45-minute sessions with a partner psychologist for students who feel the need. Finally, some mutuals offer partial coverage of consultations with a psychologist.
To each patient his shrink
But how to choose your therapist? A first idea is word of mouth, but beware: each person has their own shrink. What works for one patient may not necessarily work for another. And most therapists advise against two close people consulting the same shrink, apart of course from couple therapy or family therapy.
To find a carer, you can also consult the directories of professionals near you or ask your general practitioner for a list of contacts.
When to consult?
Several situations can prompt you to consult a mental health specialist. Persistent malaise, repeated anxiety, symptoms of depression, the occurrence of an event in life that is difficult to overcome (mourning, separation, loss of a job, illness, etc.), excessive stress or even couple problems. Do not hesitate to discuss it with your attending physician, who will be able to guide and advise you.
And in case of emergency? Extreme psychological suffering, delirium, or suicidal desires are emergency cases that require rapid treatment. Go to the nearest psychiatric emergency room or, failing that, to the nearest hospital emergency department. You can also contact the Samu (by dialing 15) or the fire department (by dialing 18).
Read also : 3114, the national suicide prevention number
Sources:
- Consultation of a psychiatrist: what are the rules of care? servicepublic.fr, February 17, 2021.
- The 2021 Psychology Observatory, produced by Psychologue.net in May 2021.