Belgian Federation for
Outpatient Psychiatry
Our mission
The Belgian Federation of Ambulatory Psychiatrists (BFAP) is an independent professional association committed to effective, accessible, and evidence-based mental health care. The federation pays particular attention to strengthening ambulatory and community-based mental health care in Belgium and represents psychiatrists active in solo and group practices, CGGs, and other ambulatory care settings, where psychotherapy forms an essential part of ambulatory psychiatric care for complex mental health complaints.
It serves as an independent point of contact for policymakers and partners within mental health care and works in line with the objectives of the Federal Government Agreement 2025–2029 regarding outpatient mental health care, as well as the European and WHO recommendations regarding Community Mental Health.
What do we stand for?
🧠 Quality in ambulatory psychiatry
We advocate for high clinical standards and evidence-based practice in extramural mental health care, in accordance with the guidelines of the WHO and the EU, including scientifically substantiated psychotherapy within ambulatory psychiatric care.
👥 Accessible care for patients
We are committed to low-threshold, accessible, community-oriented mental health care, from transition age to the final phase of life, according to a Community Mental Health Model.
🏛️ Representation and advocacy
We act as an independent discussion partner for policymakers and care institutions, in line with the objectives of the Federal government agreement regarding outpatient psychiatry as well as the Mental Health Care Networks.
🧩 Integrated mental health care
We encourage collaboration between primary psychological care, general practitioners, specialized psychotherapists and outpatient psychiatrists working in independent and/or group practices and CGGs, with attention to care continuity and matched care, including mobile and residential care structures.
⚖️ Science, ethics and responsibility
We base our positions on scientific evidence, professional ethics and social responsibility within the complex Belgian context.
Would you like to work with us as a psychiatrist or association on the future
of outpatient mental health care?
