How to find an English-speaking therapist in Oslo

Do you find it easier to communicate in your mother tongue? I have observed that the majority of individuals in therapy prefer expressing themselves in their native language. It is completely normal to feel more at ease discussing your feelings in the language you were raised with.

There are occasions when specific subtleties, cultural allusions and reference points can be difficult to convey accurately in a different language. In order for therapy to be effective, it is essential to feel comfortable and establish a solid foundation of trust with your therapist and this often starts with speaking the same language.

Finding a suitably matched practitioner is important for therapy to progress well

Photo credit: wix

The national healthcare route

Understanding the vast national mental healthcare system in Norway can be overwhelming for expatriates who have recently moved here. A good way to begin is by getting acquainted with the Helse Norge website and app; I intend to offer helpful advice on how to locate the most suitable mental health support for your needs. It's important to note that the information presented in this article is not relevant to refugees and asylum seekers, who have access to distinct support resources. The Helse Norge website and app has a specific section for this particular group of individuals.

To begin the process of accessing national healthcare in Norway, you need to obtain an identification number. There are two types available, and as a foreigner, you can reach out to Skatteetaten (the tax authority) to request the one that best fits your individual situation.

In case you are facing non-urgent mental health concerns and have obtained a D or fødelsenummer (birth identification number) issued by Skatteetaten, the standard procedure within the Norwegian healthcare system is to schedule an appointment through your designated General Practitioner (Fastlege).

You can schedule an appointment yourself with your GP on the Helse Norge website/app. If your GP is unable to assist, you have the option to request a referral to a mental health specialist (distrikts psykiatrisk senter) in Oslo or an English-speaking therapist in private practise with governmental funding. Similar to many other countries, being referred to a psychologist through the public system can result in lengthy waiting times. Moreover, you may have limited flexibility in selecting your therapist compared to private practise.

However, the costs are significantly lower. Rask Psykisk helsehjelp (rapid mental healthcare) is an accessible treatment option available in certain municipalities for individuals experiencing anxiety or mild to moderate depression. If you are over 16 years old, you can access this service without needing a referral from your GP. The municipality provides this service free of charge. Additionally, it is an option for those experiencing sleep issues or starting to develop alcohol dependence.

If you are experiencing issues within your family unit you can reach out to Bufdir (Barne- ungdoms- og familiedirektoratet) for assistance. They offer free counselling services for couples, children and families and no referral is required.

Privately practising English-speaking therapists in Oslo

To find the latest information on private clinics or individual practitioners offering therapy in different languages in Oslo, I suggest conducting an online search focussed on your local area. Take into account whether it is crucial for you to work with a therapist who has experience from living and working abroad, potentially with a deeper understanding of the issues facing international individuals relocating to Norway. Check the therapists working hours, availability and location. Many practitioners offer a free exploratory online or phone session. I would suggest that you speak with a few different practitioners to understand the way they work and see if it would be a good match with what you are looking for.

Please note, this information is not conclusive, but could serve as an initial starting point for your search of seeking non-emergency mental health assistance in Oslo. For more information, please feel free to contact the relevant therapist. The information was to the best of my knowledge accurate at the time of publishing but might change over time. I'm Malin Rignéus, a qualified Counsellor in private practise, with over seven years of clinical experience specialised in providing support to internationals struggling with stress, anxiety and low mood. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any further assistance or reach out to the appropriate governmental body for further advise.

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