Psychologist without a referral: your options and what it costs
If you are struggling, you do not have to wait for a referral to get help. You can always contact a private psychologist yourself. Here you get an overview of the difference between the two paths, what it costs, and how to find a psychologist who suits you.
Referral or not: two paths to psychological help
With a referral from your GP you can get a subsidy for psychological treatment if your situation falls within the referral criteria the scheme covers, for example anxiety, depression or a serious life crisis. Without a referral you can go directly to any private psychologist and pay yourself. The advantage of skipping the referral is that you can freely choose your psychologist, often get an appointment sooner, and do not have to meet specific criteria. Many choose this path precisely because the waiting time with a subsidy can be long.
What does a private psychologist cost?
A session with a private psychologist typically costs between 800 and 1,400 kroner and usually lasts 45 to 60 minutes. Some psychologists offer cheaper online sessions or discounts when buying several sessions. If you are a member of Sygeforsikringen danmark, you can get a subsidy for psychological help, and many private health insurance and pension schemes cover a number of sessions. Students can get discounts in some places. Always ask about the price before booking your first session.
Waiting time: often faster without a referral
The waiting time for subsidised psychological help can be several months in some parts of the country. If you go directly to a private psychologist, you can often get an appointment within one or two weeks, sometimes faster. Many psychologists also offer video or phone sessions, which opens up psychologists across the whole country, no matter where you live. If you are struggling acutely, do not wait: read the section on acute help at the bottom of this guide.
How to find the right match
The relationship with your psychologist matters more for the outcome than almost anything else. Look for an authorised psychologist and read about their experience with exactly what you are struggling with, for example anxiety, stress, relationships or grief. Many psychologists offer a short, free introductory phone call where you can sense whether the chemistry is right. It is completely fine to change psychologist if it does not feel right after a few sessions. This is about you and your process.
Do you need acute help?
If you have thoughts of harming yourself, or you are in acute crisis, do not wait for a psychologist appointment. Call Livslinien on 70 201 201, contact the out of hours medical service in your region, or call 112 if it is life threatening. You can also go to a psychiatric emergency department. Reaching out for help is a strong first step, and there are people ready to talk to you around the clock.