Gesy psychologists will provide online sessions for patients from Jan 20

Clinical psychologists registered in the national health scheme (Gesy) will be able to provide online sessions to their clients starting January 20, the psychologist association (Pasypsy) said on Saturday.

Following a suggestion by the association, the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) decided to include online sessions in the list of the services provided by clinical psychologists which are covered by Gesy.

The decision concerns only existing patients.

In a statement expressing their satisfaction with HIO’s decision, the association said it was important to continue the treatment of their patients despite the pandemic.

“Taking into account the epidemiological picture of our country and bearing in mind the importance of protecting the mental health of the citizens, the continuation of the provision of mental health services to all our fellow citizens who need it was considered necessary,” it said.

Citing the American psychiatric association, they added “teleconferencing can be as effective as a face-to-face session.”

Pasypsy also recommended that online sessions are charged the same as live sessions.