Christina Babich Psychology

Why Online Therapy Is Ideal for Expats in France

How working with an English-speaking therapist online can support your mental health abroad

Living in France as an Expat Isn’t Always as Romantic as It Seems

Moving abroad is exciting—but it's also stressful, isolating, and often emotionally complex. As an expat in France, you may be juggling:

Language barriers that make it hard to connect with local therapists
Long waitlists in the French public healthcare system
Limited availability that doesn’t fit your work schedule
Feeling emotionally misunderstood—or having to “over-explain” your cultural background

If you’ve felt frustrated trying to find support, online therapy may be the ideal solution.

Benefits of Online Therapy for Expats

Online therapy gives you:

- Access to English-speaking therapists
Work with someone who truly gets the expat experience—no awkward translations or cultural disconnects.

- Flexible scheduling
Many therapists offer evening or weekend sessions to accommodate your time zone and work hours.

- Comfort, privacy & ease
No need to commute or explain your situation in a second language. Especially helpful if you live in a rural area or have mobility challenges.

- Consistency, even if you move
Whether you relocate to a new city or travel often, your support continues uninterrupted.

What to Look for in an Online Therapist for Expats

Not all therapists are trained in the unique challenges of international life. Look for someone who:

Specializes in expat mental health, cultural transition, or identity concerns
Offers remote therapy to clients in France or across Europe
Has relevant training and clinical experience with international populations
Works with concerns common among expats—such as anxiety, burnout, grief, trauma, or cultural adjustment
Most importantly: someone with whom you feel safe, respected, and truly understood

Is Therapy in France Covered by Insurance?

Some in-person sessions with a psychologue conventionné may be partially reimbursed through the French healthcare system. However, most English-speaking online therapists work privately, which usually means:

Sessions are paid out of pocket (some offer sliding scale pricing)
You may be reimbursed through international or private insurance—check your specific policy

What Happens in Online Therapy?

This isn’t just passive venting or surface-level advice. A good therapist creates space for deep exploration, insight, and practical support. Together, you might:

Understand how your nervous system responds to stress and uncertainty
Explore how culture, family, and trauma shape your emotional patterns
Learn tools for managing anxiety, burnout, and emotional overwhelm
Reconnect with your values and feel more like yourself again

My own therapy approach includes CBT, DBT, somatic practices, ACT, and trauma-informed care—tailored to your lived experience.

You Deserve to Feel Supported—Wherever You Are

You don’t have to wait until you’re falling apart to seek help.

Therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about offering a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can finally stop performing, adjusting, or explaining—and start reconnecting with your truth.

Ready to Begin?

I work online with English-speaking expats across France and Europe, with a warm, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach. Book a free 15-minute consultation here.