Services · Nicosia
Seeing a psychologist through GeSY
You have decided to talk to a psychologist and want to know whether you can do it through GeSY, Cyprus's General Healthcare System. Here is a plain guide to how it works, what you need and what to ask before you book.
Which psychologists are in GeSY
At the moment, clinical psychologists contract with GeSY. In April 2026 Parliament passed a law to include counselling psychologists as well. When this page was written, however, no start date had been announced. The Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) first needs to set out how it will work.
This means that, for now, sessions with a counselling psychologist are private. If you hear otherwise, please check with your doctor or on gesy.org.cy.
The referral from your doctor
To see a clinical psychologist through GeSY, you need a referral from your personal doctor or a specialist doctor. Your doctor will see you first and, if they feel psychological support would help, will issue the referral. Going straight to a clinical psychologist without a referral is not covered by the HIO.
A referral does not mean something is seriously wrong. It is simply how the system works. The same applies to children: the referral comes from the child's personal doctor or a specialist doctor.
What to know about visits
Each referral covers a maximum number of visits. If therapy needs to continue, a new referral is needed. The number of visits and other details are set by the HIO and can change, so it is a good idea to check them with your personal doctor or on gesy.org.cy.
Before you book, it is worth asking:
- whether the psychologist you will see is contracted with GeSY
- what you need to have ready, such as the referral
- whether the session can also be online in your case
How it works at our centre
At Safe Space Psychology Center, clinical and counselling psychologists work together, all registered with the Cyprus Psychologists' Registration Board. Sessions are available privately and through GeSY where it applies, in person in Latsia or online, in Greek, English or Romanian.
When you call, let us know you would like to come through GeSY. We will explain what applies, which psychologist you can see and what to bring.
The first session is mostly about getting to know each other, whether you come through GeSY or privately. You do not need ready answers, but it can help to note down beforehand:
- what made you ask for help now
- how long you have been feeling this way
- whether you take any medication or have any health conditions
- any questions you want to ask about therapy
When private sessions may suit you
You can also see a psychologist privately, without a referral. Private sessions may suit you if:
- you want to start without waiting for a referral
- you would like to see a counselling psychologist
- you need sessions at a particular frequency or over a longer period
- you prefer to choose the psychologist yourself, based on their experience
Both routes are fine
There is no right or wrong choice. What matters is taking the first step. You can start privately and continue through GeSY later, or the other way round, always in line with the rules that apply at the time.
Therapy is not an emergency service. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, call 112 or go to the A&E department of your nearest hospital.
Frequently asked questions
Can I come through GeSY without a referral?
No. For the HIO to cover a visit to a clinical psychologist, you need a referral from your personal doctor or a specialist doctor. Without one, you can come privately.
Are counselling psychologists in GeSY?
Their inclusion was voted through in April 2026, but it had not started when this page was written. Please check with your doctor or on gesy.org.cy.
How many visits does a referral cover?
Each referral covers a maximum number of visits, set by the HIO and subject to change. Ask your personal doctor or see gesy.org.cy.
Is my child covered by GeSY?
To see a clinical psychologist through GeSY, your child needs a referral from their personal doctor or a specialist doctor. Get in touch and we will tell you what applies.
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Sources and further reading
- Γενικό Σύστημα Υγείας (ΓεΣΥ)
- Σύνδεσμος Ψυχολόγων Κύπρου: Ψυχολόγοι και ΓεΣΥ
- Sigmalive: Parliament approves inclusion of counselling psychologists in GESY
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a psychologist or doctor.