Psychotherapy is a treatment for mental (or emotional) disorders, using scientifically recognized methods, techniques, and procedures. Mental illnesses can significantly affect a person’s experience, behavior, and both mental and physical well-being. They often come with suffering, anxiety, uncertainty, and limitations in quality of life.
Psychotherapy is advisable when psychological problems can no longer be resolved independently or with the support of family and friends, when they lead to symptoms of illness, or when everyday demands can no longer be managed effectively.
Before beginning psychotherapy, it is important to consult a doctor to clarify whether any physical causes might be responsible — or partially responsible — for the mental condition.
All forms of psychotherapeutic treatment have one thing in common: they are based on personal conversation, which may be supported by specific methods and techniques. These can include free expression of thoughts and ideas, practical exercises to manage fears, or playful activities used in the therapy of children.
Psychotherapeutic treatment helps to reduce or improve emotional suffering and mental illness through conversations with a therapist who has specialized training in treating psychological disorders. The therapy can take place individually with the therapist or as part of a group therapy session.
Individual sessions usually last about 50 minutes, while group therapy sessions typically last around 100 minutes. When treating children and adolescents, it can be helpful — and sometimes necessary — to include important caregivers or family members in the process. This can be done through additional therapeutic conversations exclusively with those trusted individuals.
A key condition for successful psychotherapy is a trusting relationship between the patient and the therapist. It’s also important to clarify whether the planned therapy method aligns with the patient’s expectations.
Based on this trust, psychotherapy offers a safe space where patients can explore their emotions, behaviors, and relationship experiences. They can reflect on these aspects and ultimately try out and initiate meaningful changes in their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
In Germany, statutory health insurance (public health insurance) covers the costs of psychotherapy when it is necessary for treating a mental health condition. Outpatient psychotherapy is a service that does not require any co-payment.
A referral from a doctor is not required — presenting your electronic health card (eGK) is sufficient. If you change health insurers, please inform your therapist promptly.
During the initial consultation (known as the psychotherapeutische Sprechstunde ), you and the therapist will discuss whether psychotherapy or another form of intervention is appropriate for your individual situation.
Please note: Pure educational counseling, marriage counseling, life coaching, or sexual counseling are not considered psychotherapy and are therefore not covered by statutory health insurance . These services are usually offered free of charge by specialized counseling centers.
Before beginning psychotherapy, trial sessions , known as probatorische Sitzungen , are usually held. During these sessions, the patient and therapist get to know each other and assess whether there is a good fit and whether a trusting therapeutic relationship can be established.
The therapist explains how therapy typically proceeds. Together, you will discuss and define the therapy goals, treatment plan, and expected duration of therapy.
If both patient and therapist agree to start psychotherapy, the patient submits a cost-coverage application (Kostenerstattungsantrag) to their health insurance provider.
If long-term therapy (more than 24 sessions) is planned, the therapist prepares an additional anonymous report explaining why long-term treatment is necessary. This report is sent in a sealed envelope — without mentioning the patient’s name — to an external expert (Gutachterin / Gutachter) for review.
Once the application is received, the health insurance company reviews it — and in the case of long-term therapy, also considers the expert’s opinion — to decide whether to approve funding. The insured person is then informed of the decision.
Under the statutory health insurance system in Germany, psychotherapeutic treatments may only be conducted by the following professionals , provided they have been granted approval (Kassenzulassung) to provide services covered by public health insurance:
- Psychological Psychotherapists (Psychologische Psychotherapeuten/Psychotherapeutinnen)
- Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists (Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapeutinnen und -psychotherapeuten)
- Physicians practicing psychotherapy (Ärztinnen und Ärzte mit psychotherapeutischer Tätigkeit)
These professionals are authorized to offer treatment for mental health disorders within the framework of scientifically recognized psychotherapeutic methods.
In addition to psychotherapy, medication treatment may also be appropriate in some cases — however, only licensed physicians (including psychiatrists) are permitted to prescribe medication.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that psychological difficulties often result from conscious and unconscious learning processes. At the beginning of treatment, the therapist and patient work together to identify which factors from the patient’s life history and current situation have contributed to the development and maintenance of their psychological symptoms.
Based on this understanding, therapy goals and a treatment plan are jointly established. In CBT, patients are encouraged and guided to actively change their behavior, thoughts, and emotions. The therapy focuses on building on the patient’s existing strengths and abilities, making them valuable tools for the process of personal change and growth.