Mental Health Services for English Speaking Expats in Oslo Area, Norway

The following summary is based on my current knowledge and may contain some inaccuracies. Norway offers a range of mental health services that cater to diverse needs. Below is a summary of available resources, their access methods, and key considerations for expatriates seeking mental health support. My aim is to provide helpful information for those exploring English-speaking mental health services in the Oslo area. By understanding the range of mental health services available in Norway, expats can make informed decisions to access the support they need. Whether through public healthcare, private practitioners, or community organizations.

If you have any feedback on the information below, please feel free to email me at: dr.raysannerud@gmail.com

Public Healthcare System

General Information:

Mental health services are integrated into Norway’s public healthcare system, which is accessible to all residents, including expats with valid residence permits.
Services include general practitioners (GPs), psychologists, and psychiatrists.Public services are typically more affordable but may involve long wait times.
Right to Interpretation: Patients have the right to clear communication with healthcare providers. If you are not fluent in Norwegian, you can request a professional interpreter free of charge when accessing public healthcare services. Inform the healthcare provider (e.g., GP, hospital, or clinic) in advance that you need an interpreter. They are responsible for arranging and covering the cost.

How to Access:

Register with a GP (fastlege), who can provide referrals to mental health specialists. I recommend providing your GP with a brief summary of your symptoms, including their duration and the impact they have had on your functioning (e.g., parenting, work, relationships, and overall well-being). Symptoms to include typically are: sleep quality, energy levels, appetite, work and relationship satisfaction, mood (e.g., anxious, depressed, restless), interest levels, weight changes, hygiene, and any current or past thoughts of harming yourself or others.
Psychologists and psychiatrists in the public system typically require a referral.

Cost:

A small co-payment is required for consultations, but expenses may count toward Norway’s annual “free healthcare threshold” (Årsfrikort).

Private Mental Health Services

General Information:

Private practitioners, including psychologists and therapists, often have shorter wait times than public services.
Sessions are available in multiple languages, including English, which is advantageous for expats.
How to Access:
No referral is needed; you can contact private providers directly.
Many private clinics specialize in expatriate mental health.
At the end of this document, I will provide a list of English Speaking Psychologists and Therapists in the Oslo area.

Cost:

Fees in Oslo area range from 1,300 to 2,000 NOK per session. Some providers have agreements through private insurance providers which can cover the cost.

Workplace Mental Health Programs

General Information:

Many Norwegian employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that include free or subsidized mental health support for employees.
Services are often confidential and include counseling, stress management, and crisis intervention.

How to Access:

Contact your HR department for details about available EAP services.

Cost:

Usually free for employees.

University and Student Services

General Information:

Universities often provide mental health support to students, including counseling services.
Sessions are typically available in English.

How to Access:

Contact the student welfare organization (SiO or similar) at your institution.

Cost:

Included in the student welfare fee.

Online and Remote Services

General Information:

Online therapy and counseling services are widely available, providing flexibility and accessibility for expats. However, clinical psychologists are generally restricted to practicing within the territory in which they are licensed. This ensures they can effectively refer patients to local resources, have knowledge of relevant support systems, and coordinate with emergency services if needed. Psychologists licensed in the U.S. cannot legally or ethically provide therapy to individuals residing in Norway via video, unless they are also licensed to practice in Norway. Licensing regulations require psychologists to adhere to the laws and ethical standards of the jurisdiction where the client resides, ensuring they have appropriate knowledge of local resources, healthcare systems, and emergency protocols to provide safe and effective care.
Teletherapy platforms operate by tailoring their services to accommodate international clients, but their ability to offer therapy depends on how "therapy" is defined in the relevant jurisdiction. For clients needing formal diagnosis or treatment, it’s critical to confirm whether the provider is licensed to practice in their country or if the services are positioned as general support rather than clinical care.

Platforms often provide services in English and other languages.

Cost:

Varies by platform, typically 900 to 2,500 NOK per session.

Crisis Services

General Information:

Immediate support is available for urgent mental health crises.

Key Resources:

Mental Health Helpline (Hjelpetelefonen): 116 123 (24/7, English available)
Emergency Psychiatric Services (Akutteam): Contact through legevakt
Emergency Number: 113 for urgent medical or psychiatric emergencies.

Cost:

Free.

Support Groups and Community Organizations

General Information:

Community organizations and non-profits offer support groups in English.

Examples:

Mental Helse Norge: https://mentalhelse.no
ADHD Norge: https://www.adhdnorge.no
Dyslexia Norge: https://dysleksinorge.no
Autism Norway: https://autismeforeningen.no

Cost:

Usually free or low-cost.

Insurance Considerations for Expats

General Information:

Many private and employer-provided insurance plans cover mental health services.
Check your policy for details on coverage for therapy, counseling, or psychiatric care.
US Embassy Healthcare Plan: Based on my experience, most families affiliated with the Embassy Healthcare Plan follow a provider approval process and submit their paid invoices for reimbursement.
Helseøkonomiforvaltningen (HELFO) subsidizes mental health services provided by publicly approved psychologists and psychiatrists, significantly reducing costs for residents. Patients pay a small co-payment per session until reaching the annual free-card (frikort) threshold. Accessing these services typically requires a referral from your GP (fastlege). Specialist services, such as therapy and assessments through District Psychiatric Centres (DPS), are also covered, though waiting times may apply. Private mental health services are generally not covered by HELFO, and costs must be paid out of pocket unless specific criteria for reimbursement are met.

Psychological Evaluation / Testing in Norway

I will address this for adults and Children separately via the public sector, followed by the private sector. If you choose the public route for yourself or a monolingual English-speaking child, I recommend requesting psychological tests that are both administered in English and use materials in English. This is important because psychometric tests are validated based on the language in which they were designed and standardized, ensuring more accurate and reliable results.

Public Sector - Children:

In Norway, the process for parents or caregivers seeking comprehensive psychological, behavioral, and/or neurodevelopmental assessments for example for ADHD, Autism, Specific Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia) such as for their children typically involves several steps through the public healthcare and educational systems. I recommend keeping detailed records, providing written documentation, and being a proactive advocate for your child, as the public system can sometimes take time.

1. Initial Concerns and Referral

Contacting the School or GP: Parents begin by discussing their concerns with the child's school or general practitioner (fastlege). The school may observe the child's behavior and provide initial support through the learning support team. The GP may refer the child to specialist services for further evaluation.
Norwegian School System Overview: https://www.udir.no
Find a GP in Norway: https://www.helsenorge.no

Cost:

Free (services through public schools and GP consultations covered under the public healthcare system).

2. Evaluation by the PPT

The Pedagogical-Psychological Service (PPT) assesses learning and developmental needs. This may involve classroom observations, standardized tests, and collaboration with parents and teachers.

Link:

PPT Services Information: www.utdanningsetaten.oslo.kommune.no

Cost:

Free (public service).

3. Assessment by BUP

If psychological or neurodevelopmental concerns are identified, the GP or school may refer the child to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (BUP). Assessments typically include interviews, psychological testing, and behavioral observations.

Link:

BUP Information: https://www.helsenorge.no

Cost:

Free (covered by Norway’s public healthcare system).

4. Follow-Up and Support

Based on assessment results, tailored support may include Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) at school, learning aids through NAV, or therapy and counseling services.

Link:

Individualized Education Plans: https://www.utdanningsetaten.oslo.kommune.no
NAV Learning Aids: https://www.nav.no

Cost:

Free (school-based services); support through NAV is also free but may require approval.

Public Sector - Adults

In Norway, the process for adults to be referred for psychological testing is typically done through the General Practitioner “fastlege” or by contacting specialized mental health services. The Distriktspsykiatrisk Senter (District Psychiatric Centre-DPS) is part of the public mental health system that provides psychiatric and psychological assessments and treatment.

1. Contact a GP “fastlege”

The first step for most adults is to visit their GP, who acts as the primary healthcare provider. The GP will assess the situation and determine whether a referral to specialized mental health services (such as DPS) is needed.
Find a GP in Norway Helsenorge: https://www.helsenorge.no

2. Referral to DPS (District Psychiatric Centre)

If the GP determines that psychological testing or assessment is required, they will refer the individual to the DPS. This referral can be for a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, or other mental health conditions that may require formal evaluation.
The referral will be evaluated by mental health professionals at the DPS, who will decide the next steps based on the symptoms and concerns presented.

3. Waiting for Assessment

Once referred to DPS, the individual may need to wait for an assessment, as there can be waiting lists for non-urgent cases. During this time, individuals may be offered initial support, such as counseling or therapy, depending on the urgency of their situation.

4. Psychological Testing and Evaluation

Once the individual is seen by a psychologist or psychiatrist at the DPS, they may be asked to undergo psychological testing. This can include assessments for cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, personality assessments, or diagnostic testing for specific mental health conditions.
The testing is typically used to better understand the person’s mental health needs and to guide treatment or further interventions.

5. Results and Follow-up

After the psychological tests are completed, the individual will meet with the psychologist or psychiatrist to discuss the results. If needed, the professional may recommend a treatment plan, which can include therapy, medication, or referrals to other specialists.

Cost and Insurance

The referral to DPS is part of the public healthcare system and is free of charge for individuals who are registered in Norway. If referred to a private specialist or clinic, there may be additional costs.
For individuals using private healthcare or seeking reimbursement, the cost of testing can vary and may be eligible for reimbursement through private insurance or, in some cases, through the U.S. Embassy healthcare plan for expatriates.

Private Psychological Evaluation / Testing Options

For faster results, parents or adults can opt for private assessments, which include evaluations for psychological and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Follow-up: The parent, guardian, or adult client owns the assessment results and can choose their follow-up options through either the private or public sector. In my experience, if medication consultation and management are recommended, the process tends to be expedited by continuing through the private sector. If the public sector is chosen, the psychological testing report is shared with the GP and included in the referral.
In my practice, I refer clients to two psychiatrists (one focused on adults and the other on children), who receive the psychological reports with the client’s consent.

Cost:

Costs typically range from 15,000–40,000 NOK, depending on the scope of the evaluation.

Rights and Legal Protections

Parents have the right to request assessments and appeal decisions about educational or healthcare support. Norwegian law ensures inclusion and proper accommodations for children with special needs.

Link:

Norwegian Education Rights: www.barneombudet.no

Cost:

Free (legal protections and guidance).

Private English-Speaking Psychologists and therapists in the Oslo Area

1. https://www.bobbieraysannerud.com

2. https://ingagentile.net

3. http://www.dianecooper.no

4. https://www.amysexton.no

5. https://psykologfionapedersen.no

Private English-Speaking Psychiatrists in the Oslo Area

1. Marianne Hatle - https://www.legevaktvest.no/psykisk-helse/psykiater

Private Psychological Testing in English with English Material and US / UK normative data in the Oslo Area

1. https://www.bobbieraysannerud.com