Although mental health care for Belgians is improving, access to psychological services still faces financial and geographical challenges, the Belgian healthcare insurer, Solidaris, reported on Wednesday.
Based on data from Solidaris members, more people are receiving care for mental health issues, rising from 14.67% in 2021 to 15.86% in 2023. This increase is mainly due to a recent convention making outpatient psychological care more affordable, according to Solidaris.
However, the insurer considers this progress insufficient. In a survey conducted by Solidaris involving 822 French-speaking adults, 44% indicated a need for psychological support, while only 15.86% received it.
Patients also face significant geographical inequalities. First-line psychologists are mostly located in (large) cities. In rural areas, people must travel nearly three times the distance compared to urban areas to see a psychologist. This distance directly impacts the likelihood of seeking care.
Due to lack of accessibility, medications, particularly antidepressants, often become the default solution, Solidaris warned. Antidepressant use is increasing, especially among women, socio-economically vulnerable people, and young adults. Nearly 8 out of 10 patients using antidepressants have not had contact with a mental health professional.
Solidaris believes that current access to psychological care is still insufficient to meet the population’s needs. The organisation advocates for enhanced financial and geographical access to psychological services.
It calls for free sessions for those who are most (financially) vulnerable and increased support for women while better informing patients and mental health professionals for more effective care.
Finally, the insurer supports the integration of psychological care into social security. This would recognise mental health care as essential.
