Denmark is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for tourists and expats. This is due to its high quality of life and excellent educational opportunities. The country is known for its laid-back culture and diverse attractions, particularly in Copenhagen. These range from historical landmarks to outdoor activities.
Students are particularly attracted to Denmark for its fantastic healthcare and infrastructure systems. The country offers generous tax benefits to retirees who choose to call it home. But as with any new environment, foreigners living in Denmark also face their share of challenges.
There’s more than one reason a student or expat might want to consider seeing a therapist in Denmark. Foreigners living in the country often struggle with culture shock and adjusting to the Danish lifestyle.
This post discusses offline and online therapy in the country and which of the two is probably right for you.
Cost comparison between in-person therapy & online therapy in Danmark
BetterHelp | In-person therapy |
Cost ranges from $65-$100 per week (you can message your therapist anytime) | $100 to $200 per session |
$260- $400 monthly Get 15% off for Healthy Minded visitors |
Which Mental Health Issues Can Online Therapy Help With?
Whether you’re struggling with life in Denmark or just need someone to talk to, online therapy can help with mental health issues.
Anxiety & stress
Denmark is notorious for having stringent immigration laws. This can make it difficult for expats to stay and work in the country.
Finding housing can also be challenging for visitors due to the low availability of affordable rentals. This is especially true in the country’s more populous cities like Aarhus or Odense.
The cost of living in Denmark is relatively high. It may be a struggle for those with lower incomes or limited resources to make ends meet. For some people, this can cause persistent feelings of stress or anxiety.
Social anxiety
Unlike French or Spanish, the Danish language is not widely spoken outside of Denmark. This means getting along can be difficult without taking time to learn the language. The resulting feelings of ostracization can worsen existing social phobias or low self-esteem.
Low mood & depression
The country also experiences a lack of daylight hours due to its northern latitude. In winter, the sun rises around 8:20 am and sets around 3:30 pm in Copenhagen. This can result in as few as 7 hours of daylight per day! Such little light can be especially difficult for individuals with seasonal affective disorder or depression.
Relationship issues
Visiting couples and families are at particular risk of experiencing mental health issues in Denmark. This is because of local conventions upholding financial inequality, gender roles, and expectations. Parenting styles and the integration (of immigrants) are also common issues.
Online vs. Offline Therapy Sessions in Denmark
Much of Denmark’s healthcare is paid for and made available by the National Board of Health. However, it isn’t perfect, and the system has some shortfalls.
The Danish mental healthcare system is one area that could use improvement. Even Danes sometimes find it challenging to take advantage of these services. Long wait times and the language barrier make it practically inaccessible to foreigners. This is why some are turning to online therapy services like BetterHelp.
Online
Access to thousands of specialized therapists from anywhere in the world. Users can select English speaking therapists who understand the nuances of Danish culture and language.
Convenience and flexibility. This is especially helpful in small coastal towns like Tisvilde with poor metropolitan access.
Lower costs: most savings are due to lack of need for rental office space or travel.
Quick response times. Sessions can sometimes be held in real time or within a few hours of scheduling an appointment.
Offline
Therapists can observe patients closely. Observing body language is important when working through complex emotions or topics. Being able to clearly see and monitor changes in micro-expressions is also helpful during sessions.
Wider range of available treatment methods. Some therapeutic modalities incorporate electromagnetic pulses and various light energies. These therapies can only be applied with specialized hardware.
Allows patients to interact face-to-face with a therapist. This makes it easier to quickly establish a connection between patient and psychotherapist than a phone call or video call.
Quick access to relevant support networks. This can include local hospitals, pharmacies and specialists who can provide additional help if needed.
How Much Do Therapists in Denmark Cost?
The cost of therapy in Denmark varies depending on the type of therapist. The length and frequency of sessions also typically influence rates and treatment plans. Generally, private sessions can range from 400-1,500 Danish kroner (DKK) per hour.
Some therapists may offer sliding scale fees based on income level. Group therapy sessions are much less expensive, ranging from 100-400DKK per session. More specialized treatment can cost significantly more based on individual requirements.
It’s important to note that many therapists in Denmark offer discounted rates for students or those with limited incomes. Additionally, some health insurance plans in Denmark will cover the cost of therapy. It’s worth checking with your provider to see what kind of coverage is available.
The Best Online Therapy Services for Foreigners in Denmark
Hejdoktor is arguably the top online therapy service provider in Denmark. However, it does have some downsides for tourists and expats. Most notably, it’s oriented toward servicing local Danes, as evidenced by its website being entirely in Danish.
Let’s compare Hejdoktor and BetterHelp below to help you determine which is best for you.
BetterHelp | Hejdoktor | |
---|---|---|
Prices | 417-626DKK a week | 450DKK |
Billing | monthly recurring billing | single consultations & subscriptions |
Availability | on demand | by scheduled appointment only |
Number of therapists | 31,000+ | small pool of Danish-authorized doctors |
Time taken to match with a therapist | up to a few days | after a 45-minute consultation |
Specialties | psychology & mental health | general medicine |
Platforms | iOS, Android, and desktop | iOS, Android, and desktop |
Prices and Billing
- BetterHelp prices range between 417-626 DKK a week. These are recurring monthly payments, but you can easily cancel your subscription anytime.
- Hejdoktor prices start at 450 DKK. They offer single consultation and subscription options.
Availability
- BetterHelp weekly limit to messaging. This is dependent on which plan you’ve chosen. Communications options include message exchange, live chatting, and phone or video calls.
- Hejdoktor video consultations are available by schedule only. Email consultations will get a response within 24 hours.
Counselors
- BetterHelp has over 31,000 counselors available to members. The platform matches you with a therapist, which can take anywhere from a few hours to days. Subscriptions only become active once a match is found.
- Hejdoktor requires a one-time 45-minute consultation to match you with your therapist.
Specialties
- BetterHelp therapists are available for individuals, couples, and even teens. They offer a wide range of services including in niche areas like depression and anxiety.
- Hejdoktor more of a consultation platform that grants access to specialists in general medicine.
Platforms
- BetterHelp available on iOS and Android. Can also be accessed on desktop computers using a web browser.
- Hejdoktor also available on iOS, Android and desktop via web browser.
Based on the information above, BetterHelp is the best choice for tourists and expats in Denmark. It leads Hejdoktor in communication options and mental health specialization. BetterHelp also claims full adherence to HIPAA guidelines, although they’ve yet to be certified.
Get personalized counseling and therapy with licensed, accredited professionals online anytime and anywhere. Take the first step toward a healthier you today by signing up for BetterHelp now!
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