herstelacademie ads

What herstelacademie ads does

HerstelAcademie ADS is a Belgian mental health recovery education organization operating as part of a 13-academy network coordinated by the non-profit Psyche vzw (BE 0716 849 301, headquartered in Gent, Belgium; HerstelAcademie ADS is itself rooted in Dendermonde). It delivers short-term, open-enrollment courses on psychological well-being, recovery, loneliness, communication, resilience, burnout, depression, and creativity to individuals with mental health challenges, their families, and care professionals. Every course is co-taught by a professional trainer and an experiential expert (ervaringsdeskundige) who has lived experience of mental health challenges. The firm runs no proprietary technology stack beyond a course-catalog website (herstelacademie.be); courses are in-person at community centers, libraries, hospitals, and cultural centers across 14+ regions in Flanders and Brussels.

The organization monetizes through two streams: course fees (€4-€40 standard, with reduced UITpas/kansentarief rates for low-income participants, UITpaspunten redemption, and free sessions such as Samen Veerkrachtig and Herstelcafé) and structural grant funding from the Flemish Government (€1.58 million allocated to the 13 academies December 2023 - December 2025, under Minister Hilde Crevits). Course delivery is supported by an ecosystem of 40+ partners across each region, including regional GGZ networks (Reling, Noolim, Kohesi), municipalities, hospitals (AZT Zorggroep Alexianen, OPZC Rekem), and welfare organizations (CAW, Similes, Buddywerking). Distribution is decentralized: regional academies manage their own course rosters and partnerships under Psyche vzw governance.

The product portfolio spans 251+ active courses including standardized modules (Krachtenmatrix, Herstelverhaal Schrijven, Veerkrachtcafé, Herstelcafé, Learn to Relax), nature-based programs (Bostherapie, Herstelwandeling), creative programs (PhotoVoice, Filosofisch Atelier, Schrijftuin), and a Train de Trainer certification track to develop future facilitators. Annual campaigns such as Samen Veerkrachtig (October 1-10) deliver free workshops as the lead-conversion channel. Headcount is reported at 11-50 employees, consistent with a small coordinator body managing a much larger regional trainer and partner network.

Name

herstelacademie ads

Legal name

Psyche vzw

Website

https://herstelacademie.be

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

HerstelAcademie ADS, operated by Psyche vzw, delivers short-term mental health recovery courses across Flanders and Brussels, co-taught by professional trainers and lived-experience experts for individuals, families, and care professionals seeking non-clinical recovery education.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mental Health Recovery Education

NAICS

Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Academic Enrichment Camps (General Studies) (EDAMALAB)

Keywords

• Mental health education
• Recovery oriented courses
• Psychological wellbeing training
• Peer support programs
• Community mental health

Headquarters

HQ city

Dendermonde

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices38 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Course fees: HerstelAcademie ADS generates revenue through course enrollment fees. Pricing varies by course type, with standard rates, reduced rates for individuals with UITpas (social tariff), and free offerings for certain activities like Samen Veerkrachtig events. Many courses offer tiered pricing based on income level.
2. Government funding: The Flemish government (Vlaanderen) provides structural funding for the HerstelAcademie network. For the period December 2023 to December 2025, the Flemish Government allocated 1.58 million euros to 13 HerstelAcademies under the initiative of Flemish Minister of Welfare, Public Health and Family Hilde Crevits.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

HerstelAcademie ADS operates a network of short-term, recovery-oriented educational courses across Flanders and Brussels in Belgium. Each course is co-facilitated by a professional trainer and an experiential expert (ervaringsdeskundige), focusing on mental wellbeing, resilience, communication, loneliness, depression, burnout, and recovery storytelling. The organization reaches participants through 15+ regional offices and a catalog of 251+ active courses offered at local community venues.

Product overview

HerstelAcademie ADS is a Belgian mental health recovery education organization offering an open catalog of short-term courses centered on societal themes, well-being, and mental health recovery. The organization operates a platform-plus-regional-chapters model, with courses offered across 14 regions throughout Belgium (including Flanders and Brussels). Courses are co-taught by professional trainers and experience experts (ervaringsdeskundigen), emphasizing peer learning and shared recovery. The core product is the course catalog (Cursussen), supplemented by community formats such as Herstelcafé and Veerkrachtcafé, walking programs (Herstelwandeling, Bostherapie), creative programs (PhotoVoice, Schrijftuin), the Train de Trainer program, and thematic campaigns such as Samen Veerkrachtig. The course portfolio covers recovery stories, loneliness and connection, resilience, assertive communication, mindfulness, depression, burn-out, alcohol use, work reintegration, philosophy, and nature-based therapy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HerstelAcademie Courses (Cursussen) Open catalog of short-term recovery-oriented courses for individuals experiencing mental vulnerability, covering topics including loneliness, resilience, communication, mindfulness, assertiveness, depression, burnout, and recovery storytelling. Each course is co-facilitated by a professional trainer and an experiential expert (ervaringsdeskundige). Delivered at regional community venues across Flanders and Brussels.
• Herstelcafé (Recovery Café) Free, low-threshold community meeting places where participants share their recovery stories, experience recognition, and connect with peers. Open to everyone without obligation.
• Veerkrachtcafé (Resilience Café) Free information and introductory sessions where prospective participants learn about the HerstelAcademie approach, hear shared experiences, and try introductory exercises before committing to a full course.
• Ontdek je krachten en bouw creatief aan je herstel (Discover Your Strengths) 4-session course using the Krachtenmatrix (Strengths Matrix) to map what makes participants strong and how to apply those strengths in daily life. Uses creative techniques and produces a personal Goed Gevoel Plan for use during difficult moments. Targeted at individuals seeking to build on personal strengths in their recovery.
• Herstelverhaal Schrijven (Recovery Story Writing) Course in which participants explore meaningful moments in their recovery through concrete assignments, learn what a recovery story is, and create their own story in a group setting. No prior writing talent required. Targeted at individuals wanting to articulate and share their recovery journey.
• Train de Trainer (Train the Trainer) Certification program for experienced experts and care professionals who want to become HerstelAcademie trainers. Covers HerstelAcademie principles, course development, and group facilitation. Targeted at ervaringsdeskundigen and healthcare professionals seeking trainer roles.
• Introductie tot verbindende communicatie (Introduction to Nonviolent Communication) Two-session course on communication styles and principles of nonviolent/connective communication, with empathy as the guiding thread. Targeted at individuals seeking to improve interpersonal communication.
• Communicatie met naasten (Communication with Family and Loved Ones) Module helping participants reconnect with family members or loved ones when communication has broken down. Provides insights and tools for clear communication, better listening, and genuine understanding. Targeted at family members and caregivers.
• PhotoVoice 5-session course in which participants tell their recovery story through photos, exploring themes of hope, connection, resilience, and personal meaning. Targeted at individuals seeking creative expression in their recovery process.
• tussen-STOP (Burn-out Recovery Group) Peer support group for people with experience of burn-out. Participants share their story, listen to others, and reflect together on what helps recovery. Targeted at individuals recovering from burn-out.
• Leer ontspannen (Learn to Relax) Course teaching practical breathing and body relaxation exercises to help cope with daily stress. Participants learn exercises for managing stress through conscious breathing and simple relaxation techniques. Targeted at individuals experiencing stress and tension.
• Bostherapie / Herstellen in het groen (Forest Therapy / Recovery in Green) Nature-based recovery course including forest therapy and forest bathing. Uses sensory engagement with nature to let go of thoughts and focus on self, emotions, and connection with nature. Targeted at individuals seeking outdoor recovery experiences.
• Herstelwandeling (Recovery Walk) Guided walks in nature combined with mindfulness, connection, and resilience exercises. Walks are held outdoors and designed to support recovery through physical activity and reflection. Targeted at individuals who benefit from outdoor group activities.
• Filosofisch Atelier (Philosophical Atelier) Low-threshold group activity where participants reflect together on life questions and themes such as happiness, honesty, identity, connection, and meaning through open dialogue. Targeted at individuals seeking reflective group engagement.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.58 million euros in Flemish government support demonstrates institutional recognition and validation of the HerstelAcademie model.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

61 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Psyche vzwcoreOthers · 1 December 2023Psyche vzw is the parent organization operating HerstelAcademie. The organization is headquartered at Tenderstraat 14, 9000 Gent and holds enterprise number BE 0716 849 301. Psyche vzw owns the HerstelAcademie website and is responsible for the intellectual property and governance of the recovery education network.
• Vlaams Ministerie van Welzijn, Volksgezondheid en GezincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2023The Flemish Ministry of Welfare, Public Health and Family, led by Minister Hilde Crevits, provides primary government funding for HerstelAcademie. The Flemish Government allocated 1.58 million euros for the period December 2023 to December 2025 to support the 13 HerstelAcademies across Flanders.
• Departement Zorg VlaanderencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDepartement Zorg Vlaanderen (Department of Care Flanders) provides ongoing support and funding for HerstelAcademie Limburg and other regional academies. Listed as supporting organization on course materials and regional pages.
• Netwerk GGZ Reling (West-Limburg)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGGZ network Reling supports HerstelAcademie Limburg as a mental health network partner. Provides framework and connections within the regional mental health ecosystem for course development and participant referral.
• Netwerk GGZ Noolim (Oost-Limburg)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGGZ network Noolim supports HerstelAcademie Limburg as a mental health network partner in East Limburg. Collaborates on course development and participant outreach within the regional mental health ecosystem.
• Limburgs Ervaringsdeskundigen Forum (LEF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLimburgs Ervaringsdeskundigen Forum (LEF) provides experiential expertise and supports the development of ervaringsdeskundigen (people with lived experience) within HerstelAcademie Limburg.
• GGZ Netwerken LimburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGGZ Netwerken Limburg (Limburg Mental Health Networks) support HerstelAcademie through course collaborations and participant referrals. Partners include Reling and Noolim networks covering different regions of Limburg.
• AC TreAdeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAC TreAde (Activatiecentrum TreAde) collaborated on the development of the 'Van eenzaamheid naar verbinding' course in Sint-Truiden. Provides venue and support for recovery education activities.
• CGG Mandel en LeieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCGG Mandel en Leie (Centrum voor Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg) collaborates on courses in the Zuid-West-Vlaanderen region, such as the 'Ontdek je krachten' creative recovery course in Kortrijk.
• Zorg MenenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZorg Menen (Menen Care) partners with HerstelAcademie for the 'Samen in verbinding' 10-day GGZ event, providing venue and support for mental health awareness activities.
• CAW RivierenlandmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAW Rivierenland (Centrum voor Algemeen Welzijnswerk) collaborates on courses in the Mechelen region including 'Communiceren met je familie' and assertiveness training. Provides venue and participant connections.
• Stad GentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Gent partners with HerstelAcademie for courses in the Gent region. The Buurtcentrum Rabot venue is provided for recovery education courses.
• Stad GenkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Genk supports HerstelAcademie Limburg as a municipal partner, providing venue access and local support for recovery education activities.
• Stad HasseltminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Hasselt supports HerstelAcademie Limburg as a municipal partner, contributing to the local recovery education ecosystem.
• Stad BeringenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Beringen partners with HerstelAcademie Limburg, providing Het Blauw Huis venue for 'Van eenzaamheid naar verbinding' courses.
• Stad Sint-TruidenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Sint-Truiden supports HerstelAcademie through venue partnerships and local health initiatives.
• Stad LommelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Lommel supports HerstelAcademie Limburg as a municipal partner in the regional recovery education network.
• In-SpraakmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn-Spraak is a Flemish organization supporting people who hear voices. Collaborates with HerstelAcademie on courses including 'Praatgroep In-Spraak' and 'Leven met stemmen' information sessions across multiple regions.
• KruispuntenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKruispunten collaborates with HerstelAcademie on relaxation courses ('Leer ontspannen') in the Antwerpen region, providing venue and professional support.
• KruispuntenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKruispunten provides venues and professional trainers for 'Leer ontspannen' courses in Boechout and Antwerpen locations.
• Alexianen Zorggroep TienenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlexianen Zorggroep Tienen supports HerstelAcademie Oost-Brabant through venue provision (OverHoophuis) and participant referrals. Residential patients and staff can participate free of charge.
• AZT Zorggroep (Alexianen)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAZT (Algemeen Ziekenhuis Tienen) Zorggroep Alexianen operates HerstelAcademie Zuidoost-Hageland. Contact email [email protected] indicates direct organizational involvement.
• Detentiehuis KortrijkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDetentiehuis Kortrijk (Kortrijk Detention House) partners with HerstelAcademie for introductory communication courses conducted with detainees, bringing recovery education into the justice system.
• Huis van de Mens DiestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHuis van de Mens Diest (House of People Diest) collaborates on Vertelsalon and other courses, providing venue and co-facilitation for recovery-themed storytelling sessions.
• Uilenspiegel vzwminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUilenspiegel vzw collaborates on nature-based recovery courses including 'Wandeling naar herstel' walks in the Webbekoms Broek area near Diest.
• Bezoekerscentrum Webbekoms BroekminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBezoekerscentrum Webbekoms Broek provides venue for nature-based recovery walks and mindfulness sessions organized by HerstelAcademie Diest.
• ELZ MidWestLimminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEerstelijnszone MidWestLim (Primary Care Zone MidWest Limburg) collaborates on resilience courses in Lummen, providing local healthcare network connections.
• ELZ West-LimburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEerstelijnszone West-Limburg collaborates on courses in Beringen and Tessenderlo-Ham, connecting HerstelAcademie with primary care networks.
• Gemeente LanakenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipality of Lanaken supports HerstelAcademie Limburg through the 'Aan de Statie' services center and local partnerships.
• Gemeente LummenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipality of Lummen collaborates with HerstelAcademie on resilience training courses through CC Het Oosterhof venue.
• Gemeente Tessenderlo-HamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipality of Tessenderlo-Ham partners with HerstelAcademie for personal growth courses at Den Heuvel community center.
• Gemeente AsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipality of As collaborates on connection and recovery courses held at the 't Sas leisure building.
• Nature mindminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNature mind provides professional nature guides for resilience walks and outdoor recovery activities in collaboration with HerstelAcademie.
• Boothuis LimburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoothuis Limburg is listed as a partner organization supporting HerstelAcademie Limburg, providing venue and programming connections.
• Te Gek?!minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTe Gek?! (Mental health awareness organization) is listed as a supporting partner of HerstelAcademie network.
• CeraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCera (cooperative bank) supports HerstelAcademie Limburg as a social enterprise partner.
• Avansa Regio GentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAvansa Regio Gent provides venue and support for Positieve mindset courses in Brugge and other activities in the Gent region.
• Avansa Midden en Zuid West-VlaanderenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAvansa MZW collaborates on the 'tussen-STOP' burnout recovery group in Roeselare, providing venue and participant connections.
• CGG KohesiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCGG Kohesi (Centrum voor Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Kohesi) supports HerstelAcademie Limburg as a mental health partner.
• Beschut Wonen (Protected Housing Organizations)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple Beschut Wonen (protected housing) organizations in Limburg support HerstelAcademie including De Overstap Bilzen, BW Noord-Limburg, and BWHetVeer.
• Buddywerking VlaanderenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuddywerking Vlaanderen (Buddy Work Flanders) is listed as a supporting partner of HerstelAcademie Limburg.
• CAW (Centrum voor Algemeen Welzijnswerk)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAW (General Welfare Center) is a major network partner across multiple regions including CAW Rivierenland for Mechelen courses and CAW for Gent region activities. Provides venues and participant referral pathways.
• Permeke Bibliotheek AntwerpenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPermeke Bibliotheek (main library of Antwerpen) provides venue for PhotoVoice courses and other creative recovery workshops.
• SensieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSensie (mental health practice) provides professional facilitation for Filosofisch Atelier sessions in the Roeselare region.
• ZORA werkt MortselminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZORA werkt (employment support service in Mortsel) collaborates on 'Werken aan werk in je herstel' courses, helping people return to work through recovery.
• UpmindminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUpmind (mental health platform) collaborates on 'Herstel en boost je zelfvertrouwen' courses within the first-line psychology convention framework.
• Hedera HelixminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHedera Helix is listed as a supporting partner of HerstelAcademie Limburg.
• Saamo LimburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaamo Limburg supports HerstelAcademie Limburg as a social welfare organization partner.
• SimilesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSimiles (family organization for mental health) is listed as a supporting partner of HerstelAcademie.
• SOS NuchterheidminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSOS Nuchterheid (Sobriety organization) supports HerstelAcademie Limburg.
• VisthaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVistha provides activation and support services, collaborates on AC Balans courses within HerstelAcademie Limburg.
• Integra LimburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegra Limburg supports HerstelAcademie Limburg as an integration and welfare organization partner.
• KatarsisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKatarsis is listed as a supporting partner of HerstelAcademie Limburg.
• Buurtgezondheidscentrum AltheaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuurtgezondheidscentrum Althea (Neighborhood Health Center) supports HerstelAcademie Limburg.
• Het LezerscollectiefminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHet Lezerscollectief (Readers Collective) supports HerstelAcademie Limburg and may collaborate on reading-based recovery activities.
• Gezonde Buurt CMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGezonde Buurt CM (Healthy Neighborhood Christian Mutual Fund) collaborates on Veerkrachtwandeling (resilience walks) in Tienen.
• MultiversumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiversum (mental health care provider) collaborates on 'Leven met stemmen' courses in Wuustwezel.
• GTB (Gespecialiseerde Trajectbepaling en -begeleiding)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGTB supports HerstelAcademie Limburg as a specialized guidance and trajectory organization.
• Zorggroep MynaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZorggroep Myna supports HerstelAcademie Limburg as a care group partner.
• Openbaar Psychiatrisch Zorgcentrum Rekem (OPZC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOPZC Rekem supports HerstelAcademie Limburg as a psychiatric care center partner.
• IPSO (Initiatief voor Psychosociale Ondersteuning)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIPSO supports HerstelAcademie Gent region through mental health peer support initiatives.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Recovery College UK Network: UK network of recovery colleges offering co-produced mental health courses with peer and professional facilitators. Operates the same open-course, recovery-oriented education model as HerstelAcademie across multiple regions, making it the closest structural peer.
• Nottinghamshire Recovery College: NHS-affiliated recovery college using the same co-production model of professional trainers and peer experts delivering recovery courses. Closely mirrors HerstelAcademie's course structure, target audience, and co-facilitation approach.
• South London and Maudsley NHS Recovery College: NHS-operated recovery college applying the same co-production model where professional trainers and peer experts co-deliver recovery-oriented courses. Closely aligned with HerstelAcademie's co-facilitation approach and target audience of adults in mental health recovery.

Broad incumbents

• Mind UK: UK's largest mental health charity providing information, support, and education services. While broader in scope, Mind runs mental health education programs and represents an established incumbent in a comparable category.
• Trimbos-instituut: Dutch knowledge institute for mental health and addiction that develops and disseminates recovery-oriented programs in the Netherlands. Comparable as a knowledge and program development hub serving a neighboring Dutch-speaking region with similar public-sector backing.
• GGZ Nederland: Dutch umbrella organization for mental health and addiction care providers. Similar GGZ networks (Reling, Noolim) directly partner with HerstelAcademie, indicating close functional comparability at the network/system level.

Regional players

• CAW (Centrum Algemeen Welzijnswerk): Belgian welfare organization network with regional centers across Flanders offering mental health support, courses, and welfare services. Comparable regional network serving overlapping populations in the same geography, with several CAW centers as direct HerstelAcademie partners.
• Lister: Dutch mental health and welfare organization offering support, recovery programs, and education in the Netherlands. Comparable service portfolio with a regional focus, though serving the Dutch market rather than Belgium.
• TEJO: Belgian non-profit offering free therapeutic support to youth across Flanders. Comparable as a Flemish non-profit mental health service organization with regional coverage, government partnership, and a similar volunteer-supported delivery model.

Emerging players

• Phrenos: Dutch knowledge center supporting recovery and social participation in mental health. Comparable as a specialized recovery-focused knowledge and program development organization operating in the same Dutch-speaking region.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookprotect-de.mimecast.com/s/aUrhCx6Y2rIJ0Gc8upI6?domain=m.facebook.com
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/herstelacademie-ads

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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