Reform of the “My Psychological Support” system: This is one of the main measures proposed by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal in his general political speech to the National Assembly on January 30 “Do mental health [la] Youth is a big deal [l’]Government measures ».

Ten months earlier, in April 2023, the then Minister of Health, François Braun, had expressed his satisfaction with this system, introduced in spring 2022, which allows access to eight sessions with a psychologist, reimbursed by health insurance and supplementary health insurance. on the doctor’s instructions.

But the tone has changed. These sessions are open to people with mental health disorders “mild to moderate”didn’t give “the expected results”Gabriel Attal appreciated and promised a renovation “top down”. With several advanced options such as: B. increasing the cost of reimbursed counseling or even the possibility of having direct access to a psychologist.

An evaluation is expected in April

After almost two years of existence, what is the assessment of this system, which was launched in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis and the increasing psychological suffering that has come to light? The points of view differ. According to the latest health insurance figures, 243,000 patients have benefited and 1.2 million sessions have been carried out as of December 31, 2023.

Did it reach a young audience? This includes 70% of women, 12% of 18 to 25 year olds, a quarter of minors and 11% of those receiving supplementary solidarity health insurance. About 2,500 psychologists are registered in the system – of the 20,000 professionals who, according to the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM), meet the conditions set for participation, such as having worked as a practicing doctor for at least three years.

“The results are positive, supports Marguerite Cazeneuve, its deputy director. Few countries “provide” access to psychologists in this way; it is a real progress in terms of social protection and a necessity: given the prevalence of mental disorders, public care must of course be strengthened, but also resort to the liberal sector, otherwise we cannot achieve it. »

This is also what CNAM number two assures: “We have to improve the system and we are working on that”she said, pointing to a number of registered psychologists who “Ceiling”. “We need to think about prices, flexibility in the number of sessions, their duration or even the issue of direct access.”, she summarizes. The conclusions of an evaluation commission set up in summer 2023 are expected in April.

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