English Therapy in the Netherlands

Are you an English speaker in the Netherlands looking for professional mental health support? Sage Mental Health specializes in providing therapy in English, tailored to meet the needs of expatriates and international residents. Our qualified therapist Sidra is fluent in English and understands the unique challenges faced by the international community. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, we’re here to help.

Read more about online therapy / specialties

Why Choose English Therapy?

English therapy is crucial for those who feel more comfortable expressing themselves in their native or fluent language. In the Netherlands, finding the right therapist who can communicate effectively in English can make a significant difference in the outcome of your therapy. At Sage Mental Health, our English-speaking therapist offer a safe and supportive environment where you can discuss your issues without language barriers.

Our English Therapy Services

We offer a range of therapy services in English, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Evidence-based approach to treating depression, anxiety, and more.
  • Couples Therapy: Helping couples navigate their relationship challenges in a neutral and supportive setting.
  • Trauma Therapy: Specialized support for individuals dealing with the aftermath of traumatic experiences.
  • Online Therapy: Convenient and accessible therapy sessions via secure video calls.

Interested in our services? Contact us to book a free consultation.

Who Can Benefit from English Therapy?

English therapy is ideal for:

  • Expatriates and international residents in the Netherlands.
  • Students and professionals who prefer therapy in English.
  • Individuals seeking culturally sensitive therapy tailored to their background.

Challenges Faced by English Speakers in the Netherlands

Living in a foreign country can be isolating, especially when language barriers exist. English speakers may find it difficult to access quality mental health services in their preferred language. Our English therapy services bridge this gap, offering culturally aware and linguistically appropriate support.

Meet Our English-Speaking Therapist

Sage Mental Health consists of a highly qualified, English-speaking therapist with diverse backgrounds and specializations. Meet Sidra to learn more about her qualifications and areas of expertise.

Hi, I’m Sidra Lea Gifford

Mental Health in the Netherlands - English therapy - Sidra Lea Gifford

I am a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been working in clinical mental health for about 10 years. Prior to my career in clinical social work, I earned a masters degree in public health (specifically mental health) so I have been involved in a variety of projects related to mental health research, education and training, program development, and evaluation for the better part of 30 years.

I am originally from the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York, and lived in South Florida, Chicago, Washington DC, and a few places in between before moving to California in 2002. In the summer of 2024, I am pursuing a life-long dream of moving to The Netherlands! I am the proud mother of a rising Sophomore at Cal (UC Berkeley) and currently the guardian of one friendly but feisty cat named Katniss.

As a mental health professional (sometimes called a “psychologist“, “therapist“, “counselor“, or “coach“, depending on the part of the world), I use my education and life experience to help you to navigate your thoughts and emotions and to obtain a sense of clarity and peace. I work via Telehealth (also called E-health), and I focus on English speaking twice-exceptional adults in the Netherlands.

I am serious about offering an affirming practice. That means I work to empower a client with respect to their gender identity, sexuality, relationship orientation, neurodiversity, body size / shape / ability, cultural, and any other differences, rather than trying to “repair” or minimize such differences. Clients describe me as insightful, empathetic, compassionate, genuine, funny, easy-going, and nonjudgmental.

Read more about Sidra

How to Book an Appointment

Booking an appointment for English therapy is easy. Simply fill out our online form, send us a Whatsapp on +31(0)627498596+31(0)627498596, or email us at sidra@sagementalhealth.nl, so we can schedule a brief free phone consult. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs, including evening and weekend appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions About English Therapy

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Public vs private therapy

There are two types of therapy in the Netherlands: public and private therapy. Public therapy is free (or heavily subsidised) in the Netherlands - as long as you have Dutch health insurance and you go with a contracted provider. If the provider is not included in your insurer's list of contracted-care providers, then you may have to pay a small amount or pay the bill first yourself before sending it to the insurance company. Also, the waiting times for public therapy are much longer than for private therapy.

Conversely, it is easier to get an appointment with a therapist from a private clinic as the waiting times are usually much shorter. However, many private psychologists in the Netherlands do not have contracts with Dutch health insurers and you may be expected to pay for your treatment out-of-pocket.

E-health

If you have mild to moderate mental health symptoms, you can also use an e-health service for online counseling. This option offers flexibility as it can be done from the comfort of your own home. It is also a good option if you are on a waiting list and do not wish to go a long period of time without therapy.

Sage Mental Health (SMH) does not work with insurance providers, which means that you are responsible for the cost of services yourself. In most instances, you will receive an invoice on the day of services. If you fail to attend a scheduled service without providing at least 24 hours notice, we reserve the right to invoice the standard fee.

Yes. Sidra, the proprietor of SMH, has a masters degree in Mental Health which has been recognized by Dutch authorities as equivalent to a masters degree in Clinical Psychology, as indicated by her membership in the Dutch Institute for Psychologists (NIP). In addition, Sidra has a masters degree in Social Work and subsequent clinical training and testing which led to licensure to practice psychotherapy in California.

Yes. There are several conditions that require specialized training or are simply outside of our scope of practice, including but not limited to: active suicidality, eating disorders, addictions, bipolar disorders, psychosis, personality disorders, OCD, severe aggression/violent behaviors. It is recommended that you contact your GP for more information on getting treatment with these conditions.

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Emergency mental health services

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, such as suicidal thoughts or tendencies, acute depression, delusions or panic attacks, then you should contact a GP immediately. They can help you or your loved one by contacting the 24/7 crisis intervention team.

113 Suicide Prevention

You can anonymously contact 113 Suicide Prevention by calling 113 (normal calling costs) or 0800 0113 (free of charge). You can also use the "Chat" button on their website. They have a strong international orientation and many of their trained volunteers can help you in English, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Support lines

If you need emotional support or just need someone to talk to, there are several helplines and resources that you can use anonymously in the Netherlands:

Emotional support helpline (Stichting Korrelatie): 116 123

The Listening Line (De Luisterlijn): 088 076 7000

MIND Korrelatie: 900 1450 or WhatsApp: 061 386 3803

Social services: 070 205 2222

Domestic abuse hotline (Veilig Thuis): 0800 2000

If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, contact the standard emergency hotline 112 for urgent assistance.

Coaching can be for a month or two, for example to improve communication or social skills. The length of therapy or counseling is determined in consultation with the therapist, depending on the severity and persistence of your complaints, as well as your goals and financial considerations. You also have the right to cease treatment at any given time and for any reason. However, please note that pre-paid coaching packages are non-refundable.

This is usually determined during the phone consult depending on your goals, needs, financial considerations, and availability.

Get in Touch for English Therapy

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to us today to schedule a brief free phone consult. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

    What is it that you want to talk about / what do you want help with?

    English Therapy vs. Coaching

    Generally, psychotherapy is intended to help people heal from an emotional experience such as trauma or recover from a psychological impairment such as an anxiety disorder. Meanwhile, coaching is intended to help people move from a place of adequate functioning to a place of superior functioning by helping them achieve personal goals such as improving intimacy in relationships, identifying values and priorities, advocating for better work-life balance, etc. While some therapists (like myself) do coaching as well, not all coaches do therapy. Which one is right for you? That depends on where you are in your process and what you are hoping to get out of it.

    There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health, and I am happy to help get you started for free in a brief consult call.

    Read more about online English therapy in the Netherlands

    What is Telehealth / Online English therapy?

    Telehealth is when we engage in psychotherapy or coaching from the comfort of your home or office using your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Telehealth allows us to connect anywhere with secure and convenient appointments. It also reduces impact on the environment and reduces my overhead (the cost of renting office space and supplies, gas and vehicle maintenance, business insurance, etc.), thereby costing YOU less.

    Read more about Telehealth
    Therapy in the Netherlands - Telehealth E-mental Health - Online Psychotherapy English language

    Sage Mental Health works with people in:

    Amsterdam | Brussels | Cambridge | Copenhagen | Den Haag / The Hague | Edinburgh | Eindhoven | Groningen | Oxford | Prague | Leeuwarden | Leeds | Leiden | London | Maastricht | Munich | Nijmegen | Rotterdam | St. Andrews | Sussex | Utrecht | amongst others

    Sage Mental Health is based in the Netherlands.