Mental health waiting list — Hjálparsími Rauða krossins

Direct answer

A waiting list is not the end of the road. Hjálparsími Rauða krossins — 1717 (1717) is the mental-health line for Iceland: free, anonymous, staffed by trained people, for now, tonight, or whenever it gets heavy. Your Heilsugæslan — skráning á heilsugæslustöð / Sjúkratryggingar (1700) 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.

Call firstHjálparsími Rauða krossins — 1717

Report toHeilsugæslan — skráning á heilsugæslustöð / Sjúkratryggingar

If that failsYour family doctor (GP)

🗣️ 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: Hjálparsími Rauða krossins — 1717Whenever it is too much. Also for someone you are worried about.
Ask for care mediation: Heilsugæslan — skráning á heilsugæslustöð / SjúkratryggingarThe 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

Hjálparsími Rauða krossins — 1717Free, anonymous, 24/7When it gets too much📞 1717 🔗 www.raudikrossinn.is/hvad-gerum-vid/hjalparsiminn-1717

Heilsugæslan — skráning á heilsugæslustöð / SjúkratryggingarRegistration with a health centre, entitlementsFor finding a doctor and care questions📞 1700 🔗 www.heilsuvera.is

Your family doctor (GP)First point of contact for any health questionBefore a specialist, for a referral or a sick note

Embætti landlæknis — kvartanirReceives complaints about healthcare, issues opinionsWhen the provider did not resolve the complaint📞 510 1900 🔗 www.landlaeknir.is/gaedi-og-eftirlit/notendur-heilbrigdisthjonustu/kvartanir

❓ 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 Heilsugæslan — skráning á heilsugæslustöð / Sjúkratryggingar 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 Heilsugæslan — skráning á heilsugæslustöð / Sjúkratryggingar in writing before you start.

I am in crisis now

Call Hjálparsími Rauða krossins — 1717 or 112. Emergency departments and crisis teams see people without any referral.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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“mental health waiting list too long Iceland”
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🧠 The waiting list for mental health care is too long — what are my options?