GP and Mental Health in Norway: What Your Doctor Can Do

Published July 23, 2026 · Updated October 16, 2026 · 3 min read

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Your GP (fastlege) is often the first point of contact for mental health in Norway, and the one who can refer you on. Here is an overview of the services, what they cost and when you need a referral.

Your GP

At your GP you pay the standard co-payment, NOK 179 during the day in 2026. Everyone under 18 is exempt. Your GP can issue a sick note and refer you on.

Psychologist with a public agreement

Psychologists with a public agreement charge a co-payment of NOK 443 for a regular session in 2026. Children, young people and young adults are exempt up to and including the calendar year they turn 26. The co-payment counts towards the exemption card (frikort), which you get after paying NOK 3,278.

To have the costs covered, you need a referral from a doctor, psychologist or child welfare manager. Without a referral, up to three assessment sessions are covered. At a psychologist without an agreement you pay the full price yourself.

DPS and BUP

District psychiatric centres (DPS) are for adults, and child and adolescent mental health clinics (BUP) for children and young people. Both are part of the specialist health service and require a referral. The referral must be assessed within ten working days, and you are told whether you have a right to treatment and when it should start.

The municipality

Municipalities have their own mental health services, and some can be used without a referral. Ask your municipality what is available where you live.

Without a GP

If you have no GP, the out-of-hours service (116 117) can help with what cannot wait. See what to do when GP lists are full.

Frequently asked questions

Can my GP refer me to a psychologist?

Yes. Your GP can refer you to a psychologist with a public agreement, to a district psychiatric centre (DPS) and, for children and young people, to BUP.

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

To have the costs covered at a psychologist with a public agreement, you need a referral from a doctor, psychologist or child welfare manager. Without a referral, up to three assessment sessions are covered.

What does a psychologist cost in 2026?

At a psychologist with a public agreement, the co-payment is NOK 443 for a regular session. Children, young people and young adults are exempt up to and including the year they turn 26. At a psychologist without an agreement you pay the full price yourself.

What do I do in a crisis without a GP?

Call the out-of-hours service (legevakt) on 116 117. Mental Helse's helpline 116 123 is free and open 24/7. If life is at risk: 113.

Sources

• Helfo og Helsenorge: Betaling hos psykolog. Egenandel hos psykolog med avtale, at alle under 26 år er fritatt, og når du trenger henvisning. Sist oppdatert 1. januar 2026.
• Helfo og Helsenorge: Egenandel hos lege. Gjeldende egenandeler hos allmennlege og legevakt, og hvem som slipper å betale. Sist oppdatert 1. januar 2026, med satsene som gjelder i år.
• Helsenorge: Om Henvisninger. Hvordan henvisning fungerer og hvilke frister som gjelder. Sist oppdatert 19. juni 2025.
• Lovdata: Pasient- og brukerrettighetsloven. § 2-1c, retten til fastlege for alle som er folkeregistrert i en norsk kommune. LOV-1999-07-02-63, gjeldende lov.
• Mental Helse: Hjelpetelefonen. 116 123, gratis og døgnåpen, og du kan være anonym. Hentet 16. oktober 2026.
• Helsenorge: Legevakt. Når du skal bruke legevakt framfor fastlege. Sist oppdatert 9. mars 2023.

This article was written with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Last verified 17 October 2026. If something looks wrong, tell us at hei@dinlos.no and we will correct it.

This article provides general information about the Norwegian GP scheme, not medical or legal advice. Rules, rates and waiting times change. For binding information about your own situation, see helsenorge.no or contact Helfo.