jaarlijks 1000 jongeren naar controversiële kliniek
Harderwijk, woensdag, 8 april 2026.
Elk jaar worden zo’n 1000 jongeren met mentale problemen naar Yes We Can Clinics gestuurd. Het zijn vaak jongeren die nergens anders meer terechtkunnen. Een onderzoek door BNNVARA naar de jeugdkliniek in Hilvarenbeek toont zorgwekkende beelden. Ruim 80 ex-cliënten en 20 ex-medewerkers melden psychologische schade. Sommigen werden gepest of vernederd. Experten noemen de behandelmethode onwetenschappelijk. De kliniek zou profiteren van een wankele zorgketen. Private-equityinvesteerders zien mogelijkheden in de winstgevende jeugdzorg. Jongeren met zware diagnoseën belanden daarbij in een systeem zonder toezicht. Er zijn geen harde regels voor behandeling of personeelsopleiding. Meerdere deskundigen stellen dat de aanpak schadelijk kan zijn. De kliniek erkent verdrietige gevallen, maar wijst fouten af. De omzet lag in 2024 op 56 miljoen euro.
yearly 1000 young people sent to controversial clinic
Approximately 1000 young people with mental health issues are referred to Yes We Can Clinics each year [Metro]. These are often adolescents aged 13 to 23 who have exhausted other care options [AD]. The clinic, located in Hilvarenbeek, presents itself as a last resort: ‘when nothing else works’ [Instagram]. Yet, an investigation by BNNVARA’s BOOS reveals troubling accounts from over 100 sources [Youtube]. More than 80 former clients and 20 former staff members report emotional distress following treatment [AD][Metro]. Experts question the scientific basis of the methods used [Metro].
clients describe humiliation and psychological pressure
Multiple former clients describe being shouted at and emotionally pressured during therapy sessions [AD]. One client, Ishara, recounts having to participate in a mock funeral after expressing suicidal thoughts [Metro]. Another, Nathan, reported being told to ‘stop being depressed,’ according to his sister Noa [AD]. His mother described instances of psychological and physical abuse [Metro]. After leaving the clinic, Nathan died by suicide [Metro]. Family members say he returned home more distressed than before admission [AD]. Such testimonies suggest that vulnerable youth may experience further trauma rather than recovery [Youtube].
experts criticize lack of scientific foundation
Nine independent experts reviewed the findings and raised serious concerns about the therapeutic approach [Youtube]. Professor Pim Cuijpers stated that such methods would not pass academic scrutiny, saying a master’s student proposing them ‘would not receive a passing grade’ [Metro]. The techniques reportedly involve group confrontation and personal exposure without clinical justification [AD]. Critics argue these practices resemble alternative spiritual retreats rather than evidence-based mental healthcare [Reddit]. There are no standardized protocols for staff training or treatment delivery at the facility [LinkedIn]. This absence of regulation increases risks for already fragile patients [Reddit].
profit-driven model amid weak oversight
Yes We Can Clinics operates as a commercial entity under private equity ownership [Youtube]. Its annual revenue reached €56 million in 2024 [Metro]. Former employees indicate strong financial incentives drive admissions and retention [LinkedIn]. Despite handling severe psychiatric cases, the clinic functions outside strict governmental supervision [LinkedIn]. Youth mental health services transferred from insurers to municipalities in recent years face limited monitoring [LinkedIn]. This regulatory gap allows facilities like Yes We Can to operate with minimal accountability [Reddit]. While the clinic states care is voluntary, critics argue systemic failures push families toward unchecked providers [AD].
institution denies wrongdoing despite mounting criticism
In response to the allegations, Yes We Can issued a written statement calling negative experiences ‘sad and unintended’ but did not apologize or accept responsibility [AD]. The organization emphasized that participation is voluntary and rejected reports of coercion or harassment [Metro]. CEO Johan Linssen declined to appear on camera for the BOOS documentary, though he offered an off-camera tour [Metro]. The company maintains its programs support long-term recovery [Youtube]. However, former clients and specialists remain skeptical, citing recurring patterns of harm [Reddit][LinkedIn]. As scrutiny intensifies, calls grow for immediate regulatory review of similar institutions across the Netherlands [AD][Metro].