My mental health support: 12 sessions reimbursed and soon no upfront payment

Seeing a psychologist without a prescription, without excess fees and soon without having to advance a single euro for the Assurance Maladie share: this is now made possible by Mon soutien psy, the public scheme for reimbursed sessions with a psychologist. As mental health has taken center stage in the public debate, the mechanism is gaining momentum in 2026 with an anticipated development: the generalization of third-party payment starting October 1. An issue that affects as much psychology as household budgets.

Twelve sessions per year, direct access: the scheme explained

Designed for people experiencing mild to moderate psychological distress, Mon soutien psy is open from the age of 3. It entitles beneficiaries to 12 sessions per year: an initial assessment interview, then up to 11 follow-up sessions. Each session is charged 50 euros, a regulated fee: a participating psychologist cannot charge any extra fees within this framework.

On the reimbursement side, Assurance Maladie covers 60% of the fee, the remaining 40% being covered by complementary health insurance for those who have it. Another key point: access is direct. It is no longer necessary to go through your GP to obtain a prescription; you can make an appointment directly with a psychologist who is a partner of the scheme.

Generalized third-party payment starting October 1, 2026

This is the most concrete change of the year: the 2026 Social Security financing law establishes mandatory third-party payment on the Assurance Maladie portion of the sessions. As of October 1, 2026, patients will therefore no longer have to advance this portion of the costs at a participating psychologist. This development aims to remove one of the main barriers to consultation: having to pay upfront, often discouraging for students, young workers or low-income households, even though psychological follow-up is as much about prevention as it is about care, like other health measures.

How to benefit from it in practice?

• Check your situation: the scheme is intended for people, from age 3, facing mild to moderate psychological distress (anxiety, malaise, sleep difficulties, exhaustion…).
• Find a participating psychologist: the official directory of partner professionals can be consulted online, notably via the Assurance Maladie website.
• Make an appointment directly, without a prescription, in-person or by teleconsultation depending on the practitioners.
• Follow your pathway: after the assessment interview, the number of follow-up sessions is adjusted with the professional, within the limit of 12 sessions per calendar year.

For acute situations or severe disorders, the scheme is not the right entry point: referral to a doctor or a specialized facility remains essential.

Mental health is improving, but gaps are widening

This boost comes in a more favorable but still fragile statistical context. According to the 3rd edition of the Mental Health & QVCT barometer carried out by Qualisocial with Ipsos among 3,000 workers, 22% of workers — that is nearly 6 million people — report poor mental health in 2026, a drop of 3 points compared with 2025. The improvement is particularly marked among women (25%, versus 29% a year earlier), while the rate falls from 21% to 19% among men.

The study’s authors nevertheless point out that disparities are widening between populations and sectors of activity. The freeing of speech, encouraged by the national mobilization around mental health, appears to be paying off: the French talk about it more and ask for help more easily — an issue that connects with everyday fitness and well-being.

Frequently asked questions

Is a prescription required to benefit from Mon soutien psy ?

No. Access is direct: you just need to make an appointment with a psychologist participating in the scheme, without a prescription from your GP.

How much does a session cost and how is it reimbursed ?

A session costs 50 euros, with no possibility of extra fees. Assurance Maladie reimburses 60% and complementary health insurance can cover the rest. From October 1, 2026, third-party payment will eliminate the advance payment on the Assurance Maladie share.

Who can use the scheme ?

Anyone from the age of 3 with mild to moderate psychological distress, within the limit of 12 sessions per year. Severe disorders or emergencies require specialized medical care.

Sources

• Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr) — Reimbursement of sessions: Mon soutien psy
• Appines — Generalized third-party payment for Mon soutien psy from October 2026
• Qualisocial x Ipsos — Mental Health & QVCT Barometer 2026