Addiction and Mental Health in Austria: Where to Get Help in 2026

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, persistent anxiety or addiction, several free helplines, professional directories and treatment options are available in Austria. Since 2026, clinical psychological treatment is also available at the expense of the social health insurance system.

What changed in psychological care in 2026?

Since 2026, the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) has provided clinical psychological treatment (klinisch-psychologische Behandlung) as part of healthcare and at the expense of the fund. A nationwide service point called psyhelp organises access to this service at 0800 10 02 03.

You need valid health insurance to use the service. Your Austrian e-card confirms your entitlement to healthcare at the doctor.

Where to turn in an acute crisis

A crisis is not necessarily an illness. It is a situation in which problems have accumulated to the point that you can no longer cope alone. Despair, self-harm or suicidal thoughts may occur. Counselling is available not only to people directly affected, but also to relatives, friends and people providing support.

• psyhelp: 0800 10 02 03; ÖGK clinical psychological treatment, nationwide
• Kriseninterventionszentrum, Vienna: +43 1 406 95 95; Monday and Friday, 8:00–17:00
• Rat auf Draht: 147; for children and young people, available around the clock and anonymously
• Kindernotruf: +43 800 567 567; 24-hour crisis line
• Bäuerliches Sorgentelefon: +43 810 676 810; for farmers, Monday and Friday, 8:30–12:30, at local rates

For suicidal thoughts, the Austrian suicide prevention portal SUPRA provides first-aid tips, emergency contacts and support services by federal state. The bittelebe website is aimed at young people.

A psychiatric emergency (psychiatrischer Notfall) is usually connected to an acute mental illness, such as drug use or schizophrenia, or to a physical condition causing psychiatric symptoms, such as a stroke. In these situations, a hospital psychiatric outpatient department is the appropriate place to seek help.

Finding a psychologist or psychotherapist

Long-lasting problems such as anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma or obsessive thoughts require professional support. Without treatment, these problems can continue or become more severe in episodes.

• Psychologist: use the online directory of the BÖP (Austrian Association of Psychologists).
• Psychotherapist: use the online directories of the ÖBVP and VÖPP. The ÖBVP also lists professionals qualified to work with children and young people.
• Doctor: use the medical chamber’s doctor search (Arztsuche).
• Self-help group (Selbsthilfegruppe): search the directory on gesundheit.gv.at.
• Rehabilitation: use the Rehabilitationskompass.

What is addiction?

Addiction is an illness that can affect anyone. For a diagnosis, at least three of six criteria must occur together within one year. Typical signs include a strong desire for the substance, loss of control and increasing the amount used.

There are two main types of addiction: substance-related addiction, involving alcohol, nicotine, medicines or illegal drugs, and behavioural addiction (Verhaltenssucht), such as gambling, internet use or shopping. In Austria, considerably more people are dependent on legal substances than on illegal drugs.

Which forms of addiction treatment are available?

Treatment usually progresses in stages: contacting a counselling service, withdrawal or detoxification (Entzug), rehabilitation from addiction (Entwöhnung), and aftercare. The person’s own motivation is decisive throughout the process.

• Short-term rehabilitation from addiction: the goal is abstinence; inpatient treatment lasts 6–8 weeks.
• Medium-term rehabilitation from addiction: the goal is abstinence; inpatient treatment lasts 6–8 months.
• Long-term rehabilitation from addiction: the goal is abstinence; inpatient treatment lasts 1–2 years.

Other options include accompanying and harm-reduction treatment, such as needle exchange and overnight accommodation. People dependent on opioids may receive substitution treatment (Substitutionstherapie), in which a doctor prescribes a legal substance.

What should relatives know?

If you suspect that a family member or friend is using drugs, observe the situation carefully. Possible signs include changes in personality and behaviour, neglect of appearance, concentration problems or a sudden need for large amounts of money. These signs can also point to other problems.

If drug use is confirmed, contact a counselling service or self-help group. Also watch for co-dependency (Coabhängigkeit). Taking every responsibility away from a person with an addiction can unintentionally prolong the addiction. Only the affected person can stop using.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay for psychological treatment?

Since 2026, ÖGK provides clinical psychological treatment at the expense of the fund, organised through psyhelp at 0800 10 02 03.

Will I be punished for using drugs?

Obtaining and possessing illegal substances is punishable in Austria, which means that use is also indirectly covered by criminal law. In cases of personal use, however, proceedings may be suspended for a probation period of 1–2 years if the person agrees to a health-related measure (gesundheitsbezogene Maßnahme).

Where can I find a drug support service in my federal state?

The Austrian Addiction Support Compass (Suchthilfekompass) lets you search for services by federal state and target group.

Is help available to stop smoking?

Yes. The ÖGK Rauchertelefon website lists contacts for outpatient and inpatient smoking-cessation services.

Practical steps

1. If there is an acute crisis, contact the most suitable helpline above. Children and young people can call 147 anonymously at any time.
2. For clinical psychological treatment covered by ÖGK, contact psyhelp on 0800 10 02 03 and make sure you have valid health insurance.
3. For a longer-term problem, use the BÖP, ÖBVP, VÖPP, Arztsuche or gesundheit.gv.at directories to find appropriate support.
4. For addiction-related help, search the Suchthilfekompass by federal state and target group.
5. If you are supporting someone else, contact a counselling service or self-help group and avoid taking every responsibility away from the affected person.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice. If you need professional guidance, contact a healthcare professional or an appropriate counselling service.