Accessing mental health services in Austria

Austria offers high-quality mental healthcare through its public health system, with access to psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and specialist clinics. While some services require referrals or partial out-of-pocket payments, wait times are generally reasonable compared to other European countries. Expats living in Austria can access mental health support through private providers, nonprofit organizations, and multilingual hotlines.

For more information, check out the following sections:

Mental healthcare services in Austria

The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection (or Social Ministry) is responsible for dealing with all healthcare in Austria, including mental healthcare services. Expats working in the country are eligible for public health insurance. This partially covers mental healthcare, particularly psychological and psychiatric services.

How to access mental health services in Austria

Your general practitioner (GP – Hausarzt) is usually the first point of contact for mental health concerns in Austria. They can assess your needs and issue referrals to specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or psychotherapists.

To use any public healthcare service, you’ll need to bring your e-card (Austria’s electronic health insurance card), which you receive after registering with the country’s social security and health system. This card proves your insurance status and is required at most medical appointments.

Through public health insurance

If you have special permission (Bewilligung) from the Austrian public health insurance fund (Krankenkasse), it’ll cover up to 10 appointments with a mental health practitioner per year. Patients are reimbursed around 80% of the statutory insurance rate if they visit a private mental health specialist.

Notably, arranging your reimbursement involves filling in and submitting some forms (in German). If you haven’t mastered the German language yet, then your doctor or specialist may be able to help you do this. You can also use this automated form (in German) to submit your documentation.

In order to be reimbursed through public insurance, you will need to submit the following:

• Referral document (Zuweisung) – this describes your initial diagnosis and should be given to the receptionist prior to your first appointment with a specialist; along with your e-card, which you will receive after registering for public healthcare
• Proof of treatment (Honararnote) – this includes details of the treatment and the costs, which are billed directly by the health service to your insurance fund

Through private or international health insurance

Although public insurance covers mental health services, access can be limited. Wait times for therapy can range from two to eight months, especially in high-demand areas.

Many people choose to supplement their coverage with private health insurance (Privatversicherung), which often gives quicker access to care, longer session times, and a wider choice of therapists or clinics.

Alternatively, if you prefer to pay for sessions out-of-pocket, you can see private providers without public contracts. However, if ongoing treatment is needed, private insurance may be a more cost-effective solution long-term.

Several private insurers operate in Austria under the supervision of the Financial Market Authority. Expats may also consider international health insurance, which provides coverage both in Austria and abroad. Major providers include:

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Through a nonprofit organization or social service

In Austria, nonprofit organizations play a key role in supporting mental health, often working alongside public healthcare providers. These groups can provide counseling, low-cost therapy, housing support, or vocational rehabilitation – especially for individuals with long-term conditions or limited access to private care.

Notable organizations include Pro Mente Austria, which coordinates regional branches offering therapy, rehabilitation, and social reintegration programs. Psychosoziale Zentren (PSZ) also runs outpatient mental health services in partnership with public bodies.

In Vienna, Verein Lichtblick offers reduced-cost therapy for individuals unable to afford private sessions, helping bridge the gap where public services fall short.

While many nonprofit services are delivered in German, English-speaking support is sometimes available – particularly in larger cities.

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists in Austria

Austria’s mental healthcare system recognizes three main types of mental health professionals:

• Psychiatrists (Psychiater) are medical doctors who can diagnose mental illnesses, prescribe medication, and offer some forms of therapy.
• Psychologists (Psychologinnen) hold academic degrees and may conduct assessments or offer counseling, but they do not prescribe medication.
• Psychotherapists (Psychotherapeut:innen) are specially trained in talk therapy and must be licensed to practice one of Austria’s recognized psychotherapeutic methods.

Some professionals hold dual qualifications – for example, a psychologist may also be a licensed psychotherapist.

Fees for private therapy typically start at €75 per session, though rates vary by location and method. Public health insurance (such as ÖGK) reimburses part of the cost for approved therapists, usually up to €28 per session. The exact reimbursement depends on your regional health fund and the therapist’s status (in-network vs out-of-network). Patients pay the difference out-of-pocket.

As an expat, finding an English-speaking therapist who works with public insurance can be challenging, especially since most provider databases are only in German. Your GP can help by referring you to a suitable therapist and assisting with the necessary paperwork.

Professional organizations for registered therapists

Mental health professionals in Austria must be registered with official bodies:

• Psychotherapists are listed in the official Psychotherapie-Register, managed by the Ministry of Health. The Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy (ÖBVP) also maintains a searchable database of certified therapists. While the site is in German, it includes filters for therapy languages, including English.
• Psychologists are represented by the BÖP (Berufsverband Österreichischer PsychologInnen). The BÖP offers a searchable (German-only) database of licensed psychologists, including many who work in English.
• Psychiatrists, as medical doctors, are registered through the Austrian Medical Chamber (Österreichische Ärztekammer). Not all psychiatrists offer talk therapy, but your GP can refer you to one who does.

Getting therapy online or remotely

If you prefer private, English-language therapy – and can pay out-of-pocket – several online platforms can connect you to licensed professionals in Austria and beyond:

• Instahelp and It’s Complicated both offer online or in-person sessions with local therapists, with the option to filter by language.
• Psychology Today has a searchable directory of English-speaking therapists in Austria, including psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and trainees (often at reduced rates).
• TherapyRoute is another international directory, focusing on licensed therapists offering services in multiple languages.

Some therapists offer online-only sessions, while others work in hybrid formats. Remote therapy is increasingly common and may help avoid long waiting times, especially in rural areas.

Addiction services in Austria

If you’re experiencing challenges with drug or alcohol use – or you’re concerned about someone close to you – know that support is available in Austria. Reaching out to your GP is a good first step. They can offer guidance, assess your needs, and refer you to a specialist or detox coordinator who can help you explore treatment options in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

Addiction treatment in Austria typically combines medical care, psychotherapy, and social support. Many programs also focus on long-term recovery and reintegration into daily life. Services range from outpatient counseling and therapy to inpatient detox programs at public hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

In addition to public services, there are private clinics – such as Parachute Vienna – that offer discreet, luxury rehabilitation programs tailored to individual needs, including services in English.

While urgent care is available in cases of overdose or crisis, addiction is not always treated as a medical emergency in Austria unless there is immediate risk to life. It’s important to seek help early, as delays in accessing treatment may affect the level of support offered. In some cases, public health insurance may not cover emergency care following an overdose, especially if the patient is not already enrolled in a treatment program.

If you’re unsure where to begin, speaking to a trusted doctor or therapist can open the door to compassionate care and the support you need to take the next step.

Services for eating disorders in Austria

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder (Essstörung) – such as restrictive eating, bingeing, purging, or obsessive thoughts about food and body image – support is available. The first step is usually to speak with your GP who can assess your situation and refer you to appropriate specialists for diagnosis and treatment.

You can also reach out directly to organizations that specialize in eating disorder awareness and recovery. These services often provide information, counseling, group therapy, and referrals to medical professionals.

• Institute for Women’s and Men’s Health (FEM and MEN Centers)
  These centers offer gender-specific support on a wide range of mental health topics, including eating disorders. Services include in-person and online counseling, and are available in Vienna.
  • FEM – Women’s Health Center
  • MEN – Men’s Health Center
• Eating Disorder Hotline (Essstörungs-Hotline)
  A free and confidential helpline for people struggling with eating disorders, as well as for families and friends seeking advice. Based in Vienna, but open to callers across Austria at 0800 20 11 20.

Support for children and young people in Austria

If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, your first step should usually be a visit to your pediatrician or GP. They can assess the situation, monitor symptoms over time, and, if needed, refer you to a specialist or support service. It’s important to understand that mental health conditions in children and adolescents can take time to diagnose, and treatment often involves several stages of care.

Support is also available through the Austrian school system. School doctors, psychologists, and social workers are trained to identify signs of mental health challenges and can guide children and families toward appropriate help. If further care is needed, your child may be referred for one or more of the following assessments or therapies:

• Psychiatric diagnostic assessments
• Psychological evaluations
• Psychotherapeutic diagnostics
• Neuropsychological and neurophysiological testing
• Academic monitoring and special education support
• Speech therapy
• Sports or movement therapy

In more serious cases, multidisciplinary public clinics for young people – such as Die Boje in Vienna or the Kepler Jugendklinik in Linz – provide integrated mental health support. These clinics can often offer same-day appointments for both children and parents, and treatment is covered under Austria’s public health insurance.

Mental healthcare hotlines for young people

Austria offers several free and confidential hotlines designed to support children, teenagers, and their families. These services are youth-friendly, anonymous, and often able to connect you with an English-speaking advisor.

• Rat auf Draht is a 24/7 helpline that offers advice and support on a wide range of topics – from mental health and bullying to puberty, family stress, and school problems. Parents can also call for guidance. You can reach the hotline by calling 147 (no area code required).
• bittelebe, which means “please live,” is a suicide prevention initiative for young people. It offers information and links to local mental health services across Austria. It’s especially helpful if you’re looking for support in a time of emotional crisis.
• You can also contact Schulpsychologie Bildungsberatung to connect with school psychologists in your region. For general information or to find a local contact, call 0800 211 320.
• Browse suicide prevention hotlines in Austria on the Findahelpline website

Mental healthcare services for special groups

Austria offers a range of mental health services tailored to the needs of specific groups, including women, children, migrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those experiencing social hardship or violence.

• Women and children affected by domestic abuse or housing insecurity can access emergency mental healthcare by calling the Frauenhelpline at 0800 222 555. This service is confidential, 24/7, and free of charge.
• Men and boys seeking help in abusive situations can contact the Männerinfo hotline at 0720 70 44 00, which provides confidential advice and referrals.
• Members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have fled discrimination to live in Austria can turn to Queer Base for support, they even offer translation and help with other aspects of life

Emergency support and crisis lines

Here are the key mental health emergency numbers in Austria:

• Emergency services (ambulance/fire/police): 112 or 144
• Non-emergency medical advice: 1450
• Children and youth hotline – Rat auf Draht: 147
• Frauenhelpline (women’s emergency support): 0800 222 555
• Vienna’s women’s emergency hotline: 01 717 19
• Mental health crisis service (Sozialpsychiatrischer Notdienst): 01 31330
• BÖP mental health helpline (daily, 09:00–20:00): +43 1 504 8000 or email [email protected]

Useful resources

• Gesundheit.gv.at – official portal listing psychiatric clinics by federal state
• Stadt Wien – interactive map of in-patient psychiatric units in Vienna
• Austrian Red Cross – AmberMed – provides free medical care and emergency transport for people without insurance or legal residence status