JSIS psychotherapy in Brussels starts with a prescription. At BMHC, staff of the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council and the other EU institutions, and their families, can see a psychiatrist once for an assessment and that prescription, and then follow psychotherapy with one of our psychologists or psychotherapists, in ten languages.

What JSIS requires for psychotherapy

JSIS (RCAM) reimburses psychotherapy on medical prescription, after prior authorisation. A GP can prescribe the first ten sessions, at most once every two years. For longer therapy, the prescription must come from a psychiatrist, neurologist or neuropsychiatrist. It must be written before therapy starts and no more than six months before the first session, and it states the diagnosis or symptoms, the type of psychotherapy and the number of sessions.

One-off psychiatric assessment in Brussels

The assessment is a single consultation with a BMHC psychiatrist, in English, French or Dutch. It gives a diagnostic opinion, looks at whether medication could help and provides the prescription for psychotherapy. You need a referral letter from your GP to book it.

The assessment does not include psychiatric follow-up. Plan for your GP to take over any further medical care, such as prescriptions for medication.

Psychotherapy with BMHC psychologists and psychotherapists

With the prescription, you request prior authorisation from JSIS. Your therapy then takes place at BMHC with one of our psychologists or psychotherapists, for example for anxiety, depression, burnout or trauma, including EMDR. Your therapist can read the psychiatric assessment in our shared patient record.

ADHD assessment

BMHC also offers ADHD assessment. Ask JSIS beforehand whether it is reimbursed in your case.

For expats and internationals in Brussels

Therapy is available in Dutch, French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Lithuanian, Russian and Hindi. If you move abroad, your therapy can continue online. On our team page you can see the languages and approaches of each psychologist and psychotherapist.

Practical steps

• Ask your GP for a short referral letter.
• Book the psychiatric assessment through the psychiatric assessment form.
• Choose your psychologist or psychotherapist through our admission form.
• Send the prescription to JSIS for prior authorisation before your first therapy session.
• Locations: Schaerbeek (Plasky, near Schuman) and Ixelles (Flagey).

Please check your own reimbursement rights with JSIS before you start. The JSIS rules above follow the information the European University Institute publishes for its JSIS members: JSIS and psychotherapy.