The waiting list for mental health care is too long — what are my options?
A waiting list is not the end of the road. Telefono Amico Italia — 02 2327 2327 (02 2327 2327) is the mental-health line for Italy: free, anonymous, staffed by trained people, for now, tonight, or whenever it gets heavy. Your ASL — scelta del medico / URP (salute.gov.it) has a duty to arrange timely care in most countries — ask in writing for care mediation, which often finds a place faster. Your family doctor (GP) can refer you to a bridging service, group programme or online therapy in the meantime and adjust medication.
🗣️ What to say
"I have been referred for [treatment] on [date] and the waiting time is [months]. My situation is [getting worse / not stable]. I ask you to arrange an earlier place through care mediation, or a bridging service, and to confirm what you can offer within [weeks]."
🪜 Step by step
- Now: Telefono Amico Italia — 02 2327 2327Whenever it is too much. Also for someone you are worried about.
- Ask for care mediation: ASL — scelta del medico / URPThe insurer or health service looks for a provider with a shorter list, sometimes further away or online.
- Bridging options: Your family doctor (GP)GP-based mental-health workers, group programmes, online therapy, peer support — they exist in most countries and start within weeks.
- Stay on the listAnd ask to be called if a place opens early; be reachable.
- Crisis planWrite down who you call, what helps, and the emergency numbers. Share it with someone.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Is there a legal maximum waiting time?
Many countries set standards (weeks for an intake, months for treatment); a breach is a complaint to ASL — scelta del medico / URP and often a right to care elsewhere at their cost.
Can I go private and get reimbursed?
Sometimes, when the public system cannot deliver within the standard time. Ask ASL — scelta del medico / URP in writing before you start.
I am in crisis now
Call Telefono Amico Italia — 02 2327 2327 or 112. Emergency departments and crisis teams see people without any referral.
📎 Sources
- Telefono Amico Italia — 02 2327 2327 →
- ASL — scelta del medico / URP →
- Tribunale per i diritti del malato (Cittadinanzattiva) →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “mental health waiting list too long Italy”
- “mental health helpline Italy”
- “care mediation insurer psychologist”
- “therapy waiting time maximum”
- “crisis line Italy”
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