Care pathways in Belgium

Getting oriented

Guide to the different types of care for ages 0–23.

Pathway diagram

Levels of care

We start with first-line care, then SMEA networks reinforce follow-up if needed, before reference centres for complex situations.

Consultation-based care (1st line)

Appointments with a clear, tailored plan.

A multidisciplinary consultation bringing together a GP, a psychologist, and a specialised dietitian.

Reinforced follow-up via SMEA networks (2nd line)

Reinforcement and support for consultation-based care.

If needed, consultations can be complemented by other supports (groups, TMF, …).

Specialized reference centers (3rd line)

Severe or complex situations.

Access to a specialised team for complex situations.

24+

For ages 24+

For adults, there is no specific care pathway. If in doubt:

Make an appointment with your GP to talk it through and be referred if needed (for example to a psychiatrist).
Make an appointment with a psychologist and a dietitian specialised in eating disorders.
Specialised inpatient care also exists for adults when the situation requires it.

In a life-threatening emergency, go to the emergency department.

Networks & services

List of reference centers and SMEA networks.

Reference centers

Centre de Référence Académique de Bruxelles pour les TCA (CRAB - TCA) - La Ramée/Saint-Luc
- 0 à 13 ans : Centre Atacama — Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc
- 13 à 24 ans : Clinique La Ramée, Epsylon
Clinique des troubles des conduites alimentaires au CHC MontLégia
Centre de Référence Suprarégional des Troubles Alimentaires - Centre Hospitalier Le Domaine
Centre de Référence Supra-Régional pour les Troubles du comportement alimentaire (TCA) chez les jeunes - HUB Bruxelles (Erasme et HUDERF)
Eetkliniek van het UZ Brussel
ZAS UKJA (Anvers) — Referentiecentrum Eetstoornissen
Eetherstel (Alexianen Tienen)
Referentiecentrum Eetstoornissen (UPC KU Leuven)
Referentiecentrum voor eetstoornissen (UZ Gent)

Choose a region

See the full list of networks

Indicative list from the SMEA networks. Check each site for up-to-date information.

BRU-STARS — Brussels. BRU-STARS is the SMEA network for Brussels. It coordinates guidance, information, and local resources for children and adolescents.
ARCHIPEL — Walloon Brabant. ARCHIPEL is the SMEA network for Walloon Brabant. It coordinates guidance, information, and local resources for children and adolescents.
RHESEAU — Hainaut. RHESEAU is the SMEA network for Hainaut. It coordinates guidance, information, and local resources for children and adolescents.
KIRIKOU — Namur. KIRIKOU is the SMEA network for Namur. It coordinates guidance, information, and local resources for children and adolescents.
REALISM — Liege. REALISM is the SMEA network for Liege. It coordinates guidance, information, and local resources for children and adolescents.
MATILDA — Luxembourg. MATILDA is the SMEA network for Luxembourg. It coordinates guidance, information, and local resources for children and adolescents.
YUNECO — Flemish Brabant. YUNECO is the SMEA network for Flemish Brabant. It coordinates guidance, information, and local resources for children and adolescents.
LIGANT — Limburg. LIGANT is the SMEA network for Limburg. It coordinates guidance, information, and local resources for children and adolescents.
PANGG — Antwerp. PANGG is the SMEA network for Antwerp. It coordinates guidance, information, and local resources for children and adolescents.
RADAR — East Flanders. RADAR is the SMEA network for East Flanders. It coordinates guidance, information, and local resources for children and adolescents.
WINGG — West Flanders. WINGG is the SMEA network for West Flanders. It coordinates guidance, information, and local resources for children and adolescents.

Key takeaways

Start with a consultation to set a clear plan.
SMEA networks reinforce care when needed.
Reference centers support complex situations.
If unsure, asking for guidance is the first step.

Official sources

Need help?

A first consultation helps assess the situation and direct you to the right level of care.

Book an appointment