How to Find Therapy in Sweden as a Foreigner: From Free Options to Private Therapy
Moving to a new country can be exciting – dealing with bad mental health when you’re living abroad less so. As a foreigner who has lived in Sweden for 12 years, I know how confusing it can feel to sort through the options for therapy here, especially when you’re struggling with your mental health.
The good news is: you do have choices. From free hotlines and student clinics, to app-based psychologist sessions covered by the national healthcare system, to private English-speaking therapists like me – you can find something that fits.
I’ve used some of these services myself, but not all, so I can’t speak from direct experience in every case. I’ve tried to fact-check everything carefully, but if you notice something that’s off, feel free to reach out so I can update it.
1. Healthcare Through Your Region (Vårdcentral & Psychiatry Clinics)
Your first stop for therapy in the public system is usually your vårdcentral (primary care center). You can book an appointment with a doctor and ask for a referral to a psychologist or counselor. See 1177 for details.
Cost: Around 200–300 SEK per session depending on region. After you’ve paid a certain amount in patient fees in a 12-month period (1,450 SEK in Stockholm), you get a frikort (free card) and won’t pay anything more for covered visits until the year resets.
Languages: Some therapists speak English, but availability varies.
Waiting times: Can be weeks or months.
Number of sessions: Varies by region. Some offer short-term counselling (e.g. 4–8 sessions); specialist psychiatry can provide longer care, but waits are longer and you might not be referred until you’re seriously ill.
Pros:
Affordable.
Covered by the national healthcare system.
Possibility of longer-term care if referred to specialist psychiatry.
Cons:
Often long waiting times.
English availability may be limited but in my experience is usually accommodated
You can’t choose your therapist
Therapy methods are usually limited to CBT
Session numbers are usually limited.
2. University Clinics & Training Programs
Some psychology programs in Sweden run training clinics, where therapy is provided by students under supervision at reduced cost.
Cost: Free or low-cost (100–200 SEK per session).
You can explore options at:
Pros:
Low cost or free.
Supervised by licensed professionals.
Cons:
Limited availability.
Last time I checked, all clinics offered therapy only in Swedish
3. Non-Profit & Community Services
Some non-profits and community groups provide support, often for free or at very low cost:
MIND – Hotlines and online support groups, some in English.
Red Cross Sweden – Trauma support for refugees and migrants
RFSL – Support service for LGBTQ+ individuals
Churches / religious groups – Some offer pastoral counselling in English. For example:
University Chaplaincy in Stockholm for students (LGBTQ+ affirmative)
Immanuel Church (Stockholm) (LGBTQ+ affirmative)
Students – Student Health Services at universities may include free short-term counselling
Pros:
Often free or very low cost.
Targeted support for specific groups (LGBTQ+, refugees, students).
Can provide community and peer connections.
Cons:
Usually not long-term therapy.
Limited therapist choice.
4. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) & Företagshälsovård
EAPs exist in Sweden, especially in larger or international companies. They usually include a handful of free, confidential sessions with a counselor or psychologist.
Another route is through företagshälsovård (occupational health services). Many employers in Sweden are connected to an occupational health provider who can offer counselling, stress management, and other mental health support.
Cost: Free to the employee.
Languages: More likely to be available in English at international companies.
Tip: Check with HR to see if your employer offers either an EAP or företagshälsovård.
Pros:
Free and easy to access if your employer offers it.
Often quicker to get an appointment compared to the national health care system
Cons:
Usually limited to a small number of sessions (3–6).
May not be suitable for long-term therapy needs.
Language availability may vary by provider.
5. Online Therapy Platforms
Sweden has several app-based online platforms where you can book psychologist sessions by video. These are part of the public healthcare system, so the same patient fees and frikort rules apply.
Mindler – Licensed psychologists, video sessions, homework programs. Patient fee ~100 SEK/session, free with frikort.
Kry – General medical app also offering mental health assessments and psychology sessions. Same patient fee rules.
Doktor24 – Digital healthcare app with psychologist services, covered under the healthcare fee system.
Pros:
Very affordable (100 SEK or free with frikort).
Easy to access via an app.
Shorter waiting times than public clinics.
Cons:
Short-term, structured methods (mainly CBT).
You usually can’t get in-person sessions.
English availability may be hit or miss.
6. Private Therapy
Private therapy gives you the most choice over therapist, language, and therapy method. This is usually the route foreigners take if they want English-speaking therapy, long-term work, minimal waiting times, or a specific therapy modality like IFS.
Cost: Anything from ~800–2,000 SEK per session.
Languages: Many private therapists offer therapy in English, and some in other languages.
Flexibility: Online or in-person
You can simply Google private therapists in Sweden – many are not listed in directories but have their own websites. Many work online, so you don't need to limit yourself to your own city.
You can also check international directories such as Psychology Today or It’s Complicated, which list many English-speaking therapists in Sweden.
If you have a specific therapy modality in mind, you can check that modality’s international directory for therapists based in Sweden. For example:
Pros:
You can choose a therapist you feel a connection with
Access to a wider range of therapy methods (e.g. IFS, psychodynamic, couples therapy, EMDR, somatic approaches).
Sessions can be longer-term and more flexible.
Often immediate availability.
Cons:
More expensive.
7. Exploring Online Options Abroad
You don’t have to limit yourself to Sweden. Many therapists in Europe (and beyond) see clients living abroad. This can be a good way to find someone who speaks your native language or understands your cultural background, or simply someone with lower fees.
You can Google online therapy in your home country; many therapists work internationally even if they aren’t in a directory.
You can also check international directories such as Psychology Today or It’s Complicated, which list many English-speaking therapists in different countries, especially for expats and internationals.
If you have a specific therapy modality in mind, you can check that modality’s international directory for therapists based in Sweden. For example:
Pros:
Access therapy in your native language
Therapists from your home country may share or understand your cultural background.
Fees may be lower than in Sweden, depending on the country.
Cons:
May still be costly
Final Thoughts
Finding therapy in Sweden as a foreigner can feel complicated at first, but there are more options than you might expect. Depending on your needs and budget, you can try everything from free hotlines and university clinics, to app-based psychologist sessions, to private therapists who work in English and offer longer-term support.
It might take some patience to figure out which path works best for you, but support is available.
