Where to start with mental health for English speakers in Denmark? Making sense of the Danish healthcare system when newly arrived is challenging. As with any complex system, it’s hard to know where to start. So, here is some basic starter-pack information that may help. This is not direct advice, rather, I just wish to support your first steps in understanding! The Danish healthcare system operates in the Danish language, so accessing clear information in English can in places be tricky. If your health concern is acute or immediate, call 112 immediately. You will be supported in the English language on that number.
Public access to psychological support
Firstly, your GP, your assigned medical doctor, is your first point of contact for all non-emergency healthcare needs. This includes any mental wellbeing concerns. They can in certain instances refer you to a psychologist or psychotherapist, and the system will subsidise 60% of fees for a set amount of sessions (typically 12; up to 24 for some problems). Subsidised sessions may be something you have to wait a long time for, however, particularly if you need to work with a therapist in English or another non-Danish language.
If you’ve moved here for work, you may have private health insurance through your employer. Most plans provide you with the possibility of accessing psychological support. Your insurer will have a specified list of therapists to choose from. If you’re a union member, they may cover costs for work-related mental health needs so it may be worth speaking with them. Students enrolled in university courses can also avail of a free short-term therapy service.
Private access to psychological support
You might find yourself unable to deal with wait times, or want to engage in a freer, more open therapy process for complex issues. Then, it may be a best option to go private and access therapy on your own terms. This puts you in complete control of the process, without having to answer to any third-party interests like insurers. It may also be your quickest way to access therapy in the English language. Many Danish therapists are happy to work in English, with the disclaimer that it is not their native tongue. A tip on terms to watch for – us English speakers usually understand therapy as talking one-on-one. That’s reflected in the Danish word for it – ‘psykologsamtaler,’ literally meaning ‘conversation psychology.’
For those that can also speak Danish
If you can speak some Danish, there are some wonderful support initiatives in the healthcare system that are worth exploring. This is not ‘mental health for English speakers,’ but perhaps you’re already learning some Danish! Just note that these are more specifically for low-level mental health needs, and don’t match the higher-level support provided by individual therapy.
- https://internetpsykiatrien.dk/ – This is an online mental health support programme with a cognitive behavioural therapy focus and a duration of 10-12 weeks. Participation begins with a video interview with a psychologist, and from there you complete the programme of daily online exercises. The psychologist will oversee your participation in writing after the first meeting.
- https://mindapps.dk/appbibliotek/ – This is a website offering good guidance on trustworthy mental health support apps, things you can put on your phone, tablet, or computer. These can be really helpful, cost-effective ways of addressing minor mental wellbeing issues.
- https://www.mobilize-me.com/en/ – The MobilizeMe company have developed a range of comprehensive apps for supporting neurodiverse people and their needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. A wonderful example of technology being used to enhance people’s ease of living. Please note however that their services are not free and must be paid for.
- https://mindhelper.dk/ – This is a website dedicated to supporting the mental health of young people in Denmark. It may be useful if you’ve moved here with teens that are starting to speak Danish and need a little mental wellbeing support mixed with integration into the culture.
- https://www.girltalk.dk/ – A service for young girls, aimed at promoting good self-esteem and self-confidence. Again, if you’ve moved here with daughters in the family, this may prove a useful resource for their wellbeing and ease gradual cultural integration.
I hope these are useful starting points for your needs. Support for mental health for English speakers in Denmark is out there. Remember, always talk to your doctor as your first point of contact. And, if you’re ready to connect with an English speaking therapist, I welcome you to be in touch.
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