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Mental Support Guide
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Information Guide for Accessing Mental Support Services during the Asylum-Seeking Process

The Healthcare System

You have the right to healthcare

If you are an asylum seeker in the Netherlands, you can receive healthcare. This includes: seeing a doctor (huisarts), getting medicine, mental health support, hospital care when needed.

Your healthcare is provided through GZA (Gezondheidszorg Asielzoekers). Most reception centres (AZCs) have a GZA health centre. There you can see a doctor’s assistant, a nurse, a GP (huisarts), or a POH-GGZ (a mental health nurse who works with the huisarts).

How is healthcare paid for?

You do not need to arrange or pay for health insurance.

COA has a contract with a health insurer that covers medical costs for asylum seekers, and you pay nothing. Your healthcare is paid for through the RMA healthcare scheme for asylum seekers (Regeling Medische Zorg Asielzoekers).

What is covered?

  • GP care, hospital care, mental support, prescribed medication, and maternity care
  • Dental care:
    • For adults, this is emergency care only (severe pain or chewing problems), not routine check-ups or cosmetic work.
    • For children under 18, most (though not all) dental care is covered.

How to see a doctor?

The Netherlands uses a huisarts-first system. This means:

  • Your huisarts (via GZA) is your first stop for almost everything, including mental health. Go to the GZA health centre at your AZC during opening hours and ask to see a huisarts. If it is closed or there is no GZA centre, call the Praktijklijn at 088 112 21 12.
    • For emergencies: available 24 hours
    • For appointments: Monday–Friday, 8:30–17:00
  • If you need a specialist, your huisarts has to refer you.
  • For mental health specifically: huisarts → POH-GGZ (first-line mental support for stress, anxiety, sleep, emotional support) → if needed, the POH-GGZ will refer you to specialised mental support (trauma treatment and more intensive mental support).

Not sure where or when to go?

GZA opening hours and locations differ at every AZC. Ask your COA contact person, or check the noticeboard at your reception centre, for the exact opening hours and location of your GZA health centre.

If it’s closed or you’re not sure, call the Praktijklijn: 088 112 21 12 (available 24/7).

What can I expect from these services?

  • Huisarts/GZA: consultations, basic treatment, prescriptions, referrals, 24/7 phone line for medical questions and emergencies
  • POH-GGZ: conversations about stress, mood, sleep, anxiety, practical support, and monitoring, not necessarily long-term therapy
  • Specialist mental support (after referral): more intensive treatment, including for trauma

Your Mental Health Matters Too

Many people seeking asylum experience stress, sadness, anxiety, grief, or trouble sleeping. Some people have experienced violence, loss, or difficult journeys. You do not have to face this alone. It is okay to ask for help. You do not have to wait until things get worse. Asking for help early can make a big difference.

You can talk to your GP or the mental health nurse (POH-GGZ) at your AZC. The POH-GGZ is often your first step for mental health support. If you need more specialised help, they can refer you further.

Specialised mental support in the Netherlands often has waiting lists. This affects everyone living in the Netherlands.

  • In an emergency, help is available immediately through the Praktijklijn (at 088 112 21 12) or emergency services (at 112) – do not wait!
  • Regular appointments with a GP or POH-GGZ are often available sooner.
  • Specialist mental support may take weeks or months.

Don’t worry if you don’t speak Dutch or English

  • You have the right to a free interpreter during medical appointments.
  • Ask the GZA health centre before your appointment, and they will arrange one.
  • Interpreters are available by phone or video.

What Rights Do I Have?

  • To privacy: Everything you tell your doctor, nurse, or mental health worker is confidential. They cannot share your information with COA, IND, or other people without your permission (this is Dutch law, called the Wet op de geneeskundige behandelingsovereenkomst (Medical Treatment Agreement Act), WGBO).
  • To complain: If you are unhappy with your healthcare, you have the right to complain. Your complaint is confidential and should never affect your asylum procedure.

You also have the right:

  • To receive clear information about your health and treatment, in a way you can understand
  • To ask questions
  • To see your own medical file
  • To say yes or no to a treatment
  • To ask for a second opinion
  • To request an interpreter

Who Else Can I Reach Out To?

VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (Dutch Council for Refugees)

Present at every AZC location across the Netherlands. They cannot give medical care, but they explain your rights, answer questions, help you find support, and listen if you need someone to talk to.

Phone: (085) 334 29 00 · Website

COA staff

Every AZC has staff whose job is to support you with day-to-day matters. Ask at your location who this is for you.

Website: coa.nl/nl/contact

Pharos

National expertise centre on refugee and migrant health. Pharos has plain-language health information in multiple languages.

Phone: 030 234 9800 · Email: info@pharos.nl

ARQ Centrum ‘45 / ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre

Specialised trauma and psychotrauma care for refugees.

Phone: +31 20 840 76 40 · Email: info@arq.org

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