GGZzorg

GGZzorg is a Dutch term used to describe the sector of Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg, or mental health care, and is often employed to refer to the organizations and activities that provide this care in the Netherlands. The term encompasses a range of providers, including hospitals, independent treatment centers, and primary care teams, that offer assessment, treatment, and support for people with mental health needs.

Services within GGZzorg cover a broad spectrum. They include diagnostic evaluation, psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy for mood and anxiety disorders, and other modalities), medication management, crisis intervention, day programs, inpatient treatment, and rehabilitation. Services are available for diverse groups, including adults, adolescents, and families, with pathways linking primary care, specialized mental health services, and crisis support.

Organization and funding operate within the Dutch health system. Mental health care is funded through mandatory health insurance, with providers regulated by professional bodies and overseen by authorities such as the Zorginstituut Nederland, the Nederlandse Zorgautoriteit (NZa), and the Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd (IGJ). Care delivery relies on multidisciplinary teams comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, nurses, and other professionals, coordinated to provide stepped and integrated care.

Access and models of care emphasize early intervention, triage, and regional collaboration. There is growing use of e-mental health tools and community-based approaches to reduce waiting times and improve continuity of care, alongside ongoing efforts to ensure privacy, quality standards, and patient rights in line with legislation such as the GDPR.

See also: mental health care in the Netherlands; Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg.