RIZIV Convention for Therapists in Belgium: What It Means

What the Convention Regulates

Since 2022, RIZIV has been funding primary psychological care more broadly. A client can, after contact with a general practitioner or directly, consult a conventional psychologist for a maximum of eight individual sessions (or five group sessions) per year at 11 euros per session (4 euros for increased reimbursement). The remainder is reimbursed by RIZIV to the care provider via the local mental healthcare network.

Who Can Participate

Only clinical psychologists and clinical educationalists with recognition from the FOD (Federal Public Service) Public Health can join a mental healthcare network. Affiliation takes place via the local networks (one per care region). Somatic therapists, body-oriented practitioners, counselors, and coaches without a clinical psychologist title cannot participate directly.

What This Means for Somatic Therapists

Three strategic options. One: you explicitly position yourself outside the RIZIV convention and focus on self-paying clients plus mutualiteit (health insurance fund) reimbursement. Two: you work under supervision or in collaboration with a conventional colleague who handles the reimbursed part and engages you for specific body-oriented work. Three: you still obtain the recognition as a clinical psychologist (requires a master's in psychology plus internship).

Common Misconception

Stating on a website that sessions are reimbursed via RIZIV without being conventionalized. This is misleading information and can lead to complaints. Only mention reimbursement if it actually applies to your work, and be specific: 'mutualiteit (supplementary insurance)' is different from 'RIZIV convention'.