Paris (AFP)
Consultations with psychologists will be reimbursed by the Social Security for the entire population from the age of three, on medical prescription, announced Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, also promising the creation of 800 positions in medico-psychological centers.
"The pandemic has revealed the importance of the subject of mental health", declared the Head of State at the end of the Assises de la santé Mental, acknowledging that "for a long time the resources put in have not been up to the task" .
To meet the strong demand for care, Health Insurance will therefore reimburse from next year consultations with liberal psychologists "for the entire population from the age of 3".
This coverage will however be subject to conditions: patients must be "referred by medical prescription as part of a consultation package", the first session being charged 40 euros and the following 30 euros each.
A "framework (which) seems fair" even if "the profession is not completely delighted", estimated the President of the Republic.
Means will also be released to create 800 positions in medico-psychological centers "from next year".
These reinforcements should make it possible to "reduce as much as possible the waiting times" in these structures, which are sometimes "longer than 18 months in the most stressed areas".
Another budgetary effort will be made in terms of research, with an envelope of 80 million euros "dedicated to mental health" within the framework of the fourth program of investments for the future (PIA4).
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