Private psychiatrist in Copenhagen: price, process and waiting time

Professionally reviewed by Martin Bergholtz, doctor in specialist training in psychiatry

Many people seeking help for mental health difficulties start by looking for a psychiatrist. Perhaps you have long suspected ADHD, perhaps you already have a diagnosis and want medical treatment, or perhaps your GP has suggested that you get an assessment from a specialist. Whatever the background, it is often hard to work out what a psychiatrist actually does, what it costs and how long you will have to wait.

In this article you get an overview of what it means to see a private psychiatrist in Copenhagen, how it differs from the public system, and what options you have if you need help sooner than the waiting lists allow.

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a doctor who has specialised in psychiatry. The title specialist in psychiatry is protected and is only granted once the doctor has completed both the general medical degree and several years of specialist training in psychiatry. In total, the path to becoming a psychiatrist typically takes around 12 years.

Because a psychiatrist is a doctor, the psychiatrist can, among other things:

• carry out psychiatric assessments and make diagnoses
• assess whether medication is relevant and prescribe it
• follow up on the effect and side effects of medical treatment
• assess the connection between mental symptoms, physical health and other medication

Many psychiatrists also work with talking therapy, but in practice the psychiatrist's special role is often the medical assessment and the medical treatment.

When do you need a psychiatrist?

Not all mental health difficulties require a psychiatrist. For many conditions – for example mild to moderate anxiety, stress or relationship problems – psychological treatment is often the first choice. However, there are a number of situations where a medical assessment is particularly relevant:

• If ADHD is suspected and medical treatment may be considered
• If you already have a diagnosis and want to start or adjust medication
• In moderate to severe depression, where medication can be part of the treatment
• In OCD or anxiety, where psychotherapy alone has not brought sufficient improvement
• When several conditions overlap, e.g. ADHD, anxiety and depression, and an overall view is needed
• When physical illness or other medication plays a role and must be included in the assessment

If you are in acute crisis, have suicidal thoughts or experience sudden, serious changes, do not wait for a scheduled appointment. Call 1813 (Capital Region of Denmark), contact the psychiatric emergency department, or call 112 if life is at risk. You can also call Livslinien on 70 201 201.

Waiting time for a psychiatrist – public and private

In the public system

If you want to see a practising psychiatrist through the public system, you first need a referral from your GP. The consultations are then free for you. The downside is the waiting time: many practising psychiatrists have long waiting lists, and the wait can often be several months – longer in some places. The Danish Health Authority has repeatedly pointed out that waiting times for practising psychiatrists are a challenge.

The same applies to assessment in the regional psychiatric services, where adults with suspected ADHD or autism in particular may wait a long time for an assessment.

With a private psychiatrist

With a private psychiatrist or private psychiatric clinic, the waiting time is usually considerably shorter – often a few weeks. On the other hand, you pay yourself, unless you have health insurance that covers it.

How much does a private psychiatrist cost?

Prices vary from clinic to clinic and depend on what the consultation includes. As a rule of thumb, you should expect a first consultation with a private psychiatrist in Copenhagen to cost a couple of thousand kroner, and shorter follow-up sessions to cost less. A full assessment – e.g. for ADHD – typically costs more, because it consists of several sessions, structured interviews and a written report.

Always ask the clinic for the total price before you start, so you know what you are agreeing to.

For comparison, the prices at Nordisk Psykiatri are:

• Medication consultation (assessment and start of treatment): DKK 2,500 (approx. 60 min.)
• Medication review: DKK 1,200 (approx. 30 min.)
• Full ADHD assessment: DKK 9,750
• ADHD assessment incl. medication consultation: DKK 12,250

See all prices on our prices page.

Can you get a subsidy?

Sygeforsikringen "danmark" does not provide subsidies for medical treatment with a private psychiatrist, but may in some cases provide subsidies for psychological assessment and treatment. Many private health insurance policies fully or partly cover psychiatric assessment and treatment. Always contact your insurance company before you start, as the requirements – e.g. for prior approval or a referral – vary.

Do you need a referral?

No – not for a private clinic. A referral from your GP is only necessary if you want to see a practising psychiatrist in the public system, or if your insurance company requires it. With a private psychiatric clinic, you can contact the clinic directly.

However, it can be a good idea to inform your GP, especially if you start medical treatment. Once the treatment is stable, it can often be transferred to your GP.

Psychiatrist, doctor in psychiatry or psychologist – who does what?

When you seek help, you often meet three professional groups. They complement each other but have different roles:

Psychiatrist (specialist in psychiatry)

A doctor who has completed specialist training in psychiatry. Can assess, diagnose, prescribe medication and be responsible for the overall medical treatment.

Doctor in specialist training in psychiatry

A qualified and authorised doctor who is undergoing specialist training in psychiatry. The doctor works with psychiatric assessment and medical treatment and typically has several years of experience in psychiatry. According to the guidelines of the Danish Health Authority, medical treatment – including ADHD medication – can be provided by a doctor under the supervision of a specialist in psychiatry.

Clinical psychologist

An authorised psychologist with particular experience in clinical work. Carries out psychological assessment, testing and psychotherapy, but cannot prescribe medication.

In many courses of treatment it makes most sense for the psychologist and doctor to work together, so that both the psychological and the medical parts are covered. You can read more in the article Psychologist or psychiatrist – what is the difference?

Do you need to see a psychiatrist to get ADHD medication?

Not necessarily. Starting ADHD medication in adults requires a thorough medical assessment, but it can be carried out by a doctor under the supervision of a specialist in psychiatry. This means that you do not necessarily have to queue for a practising psychiatrist to get started.

A typical medical treatment of ADHD goes like this:

1. Assessment: The doctor reviews your assessment, your symptoms and your health – including pulse, blood pressure and any other medication.
2. Choice of medication: There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications. The choice depends on your symptoms, your health and any previous experience.
3. Starting and adjusting: The dose is increased gradually while effect and side effects are closely monitored.
4. Check-ups: Typically three check-ups at 1–1½ month intervals during the start-up period.
5. Stable treatment: Once the treatment is stable, it can continue with us or be transferred to your GP.

Read more about medical treatment of ADHD.

How it works at Nordisk Psykiatri

Nordisk Psykiatri is a private psychiatric clinic in Vesterbro, Copenhagen. The clinic is run by clinical psychologist Felix Klich and doctor Martin Bergholtz, who is in the final part of his specialist training in psychiatry. The clinic also has a psychiatrist (specialist in psychiatry) affiliated as an external consultant, who provides ongoing professional supervision.

What this means for you:

• No referral: You can contact us directly.
• Short waiting time: Typically a first consultation within 1–2 weeks.
• One coherent course: Psychologist and doctor work closely together on both assessment and treatment.
• Professional safety: The medical treatment takes place with ongoing supervision from a psychiatrist.

You can start in two ways:

• Do you already have a diagnosis? Then you can go straight to medical treatment, where the doctor reviews your previous assessment.
• Have you not been assessed yet? Then the course starts with a psychiatric assessment – e.g. for ADHD or autism – which can typically be completed in 4 weeks.

Good advice before your first appointment

• Write down your symptoms – when they started, how they affect your everyday life and what you have already tried.
• Bring previous documents, e.g. assessment reports, discharge summaries and a list of the medication you take.
• Consider bringing a relative, especially if ADHD or autism is suspected, where information about your childhood is important.
• Prepare your questions, e.g. about side effects, price and what happens after the first consultation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a private psychiatrist in Copenhagen cost?

Prices vary, but a first consultation typically costs a couple of thousand kroner, while follow-up sessions are cheaper. At Nordisk Psykiatri, a medication consultation (assessment and start of treatment) costs DKK 2,500, and follow-up medication reviews cost DKK 1,200.

How long is the waiting time for a private psychiatrist?

At private clinics, the waiting time is usually a few weeks. At Nordisk Psykiatri you can typically get a first consultation within 1–2 weeks.

Do I need a referral to see a private psychiatrist?

No. A referral is only required for a practising psychiatrist in the public system or if your insurance company requires it.

Can I get ADHD medication without seeing a psychiatrist?

Yes. Medical treatment of ADHD can be provided by a doctor under the supervision of a specialist in psychiatry. At Nordisk Psykiatri, the treatment is provided by our doctor in specialist training in psychiatry with ongoing supervision from an affiliated psychiatrist.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

A psychiatrist is a doctor and can prescribe medication. A psychologist is trained in psychology and works with assessment, testing and talking therapy, but cannot prescribe medication.

Does the public health insurance pay for a private psychiatrist?

No, the public health insurance only covers practising psychiatrists with a referral. Private health insurance often covers this fully or partly – check your terms.

Sources

• Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen): Analysis of waiting times for practising psychiatrists
• Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen): National guidelines and guidance on medical treatment of ADHD in adults
• Danish Patient Safety Authority (Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed): Register of authorised health professionals
• Sygeforsikringen "danmark": Subsidy for psychologist