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The two levels of the Dutch mental-healthcare system
What Is Basis-GGZ? The Difference Between the Two Levels
When writing a referral, the huisarts says 'basis-GGZ' or 'gespecialiseerde GGZ' (specialised GGZ); many people sign without knowing the difference. This page explains what each level covers and the differences in duration and cost.
Basis-GGZ (generalistische basis GGZ) is the level of short, focused treatment for mild to moderate and relatively contained problems. Gespecialiseerde GGZ (specialised GGZ) is the level of long-term, multidisciplinary treatment for complex, chronic, or multiple-diagnosis presentations. Which level you go to is decided by the huisarts referral; both fall under mandatory insurance, but come out of the eigen risico (own risk / deductible).
Basis-GGZ: short and focused
Basis-GGZ is intended for short treatments structured around a single, relatively contained problem: moderate depressive complaints, anxiety, panic, limited trauma work. Treatment is typically planned in the range of a few sessions up to 10-12 sessions; it is usually carried out by a single psychologist. The aim is symptom reduction and the recovery of functioning; deep pattern work is not the goal of this level.
Gespecialiseerde GGZ: complex presentations
Gespecialiseerde GGZ is intended for presentations that have become chronic, are intertwined, or are high-risk: complex trauma, personality patterns, severe depression, psychotic disorders, eating disorders. Treatment lasts longer, is often multidisciplinary (psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist), and is more intensive. Waiting lists are longest at this level.
Cost: what does 'the insurance covers it' mean?
Both levels fall under the mandatory basic insurance (basisverzekering); however, for those over 18 the annual eigen risico (own risk / deductible; the legal minimum amount in 2026; check your policy) is charged to you first. So it is not 'free': if you have no other healthcare costs that year, the first invoices come out of your eigen risico. The huisarts and POH-GGZ, on the other hand, are exempt from the eigen risico.
Which level suits you?
In practice, the huisarts referral determines this choice, but a well-informed patient is referred more accurately: if your complaint is concentrated in a single area and is relatively recent, then basis-GGZ; if several areas are intertwined, the complaints have gone on for years, or earlier short treatments were not enough, gespecialiseerde GGZ is more appropriate. In the referral consultation, clearly state your previous treatment attempts and how long the complaints have lasted.
A third way: private therapy outside the system
The shared limits of both levels are the waiting lists and the language barrier: treatment runs in Dutch. Contractvrij (non-contracted) private practices work without a referral and without waiting, in ViaNova's case in Turkish; the cost model is different and is explained on the Fees and Insurance page. For complex, high-risk presentations, the multidisciplinary structure of gespecialiseerde GGZ is irreplaceable; in that case the right route is inside the system.
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions does basis-GGZ take?
Typically a short, complaint-focused treatment is planned in the range of a few sessions up to 10-12 sessions.
Does basis-GGZ cost anything?
It falls under the basisverzekering (basic insurance), but for those over 18 it comes out of the eigen risico (own risk / deductible); depending on your healthcare costs that year, you pay the first invoices yourself.
Who determines the level?
When writing the referral, the huisarts indicates the level based on the severity and complexity of the complaint; the GGZ institution can adjust the level after its own assessment.
Is basis-GGZ treatment in Turkish possible?
Within the GGZ there are few Turkish-speaking therapists, and access to them is also subject to a waiting list. For therapy in Turkish, the practical route is usually a private or online practice.
Clinical and emergency boundary
This page is intended for general information only. No diagnosis is made and no personal treatment advice is given via this website. In case of an acute crisis, risk of self-harm, or a threat to safety, contact 112, your huisarts, or the huisartsenpost in the Netherlands. To talk, the 113 Zelfmoordpreventie helpline (0800-0113) is open day and night.