4 Steps to Finding a Therapist
Please note that information provided on this website relates exclusively to the situation in Germany!
The path to therapy for patients with statutory/public health insurance always begins by attending a "psychotherapeutic consultation". After this, patients can attend so-called acute therapy, limited to 12 sessions. This can then be followed by regular therapy for a maximum of approximately two years. Sometimes, there will be a follow-up period after therapy (relapse prophylaxis).
Informing and selecting:
- Getting to know psychotherapeutic therapy methods
- Understanding your own problem areas
- Compiling your own list of suitable therapists
Read the notes:seaching for and finding psychotherapists
Get a certificate that indicates the necessity of therapy
You will receive this form from a registered psychotherapist with health insurance approval (PTV 11 form) after the psychotherapeutic consultation.
- Psychotherapeutic consultation hours are organised by the "Kassenärztliche Vereinigung" in your region
- Your insurance will support your search
- Call any therapist that you think will suit your needs
Regularly, patients are offered a therapy place directly
Document excessive waiting times
- Document at least 5 cases in which therapists you contacted had a waiting time that exceeds 3 months
- Find a therapy place in a private practice that offers cost reimbursement
- Apply for cost reimbursement using the correct forms
This will sometimes be approved immediately
file an appeal
- You have to appeal in due time and occasionally, the insurance company will grant your appeal, or:
- You hire a lawyer for social law and threaten to sue according to SGB V, § 13 Satz 3)
You have a legally enforceable entitlement for a therapy place!