Do I need a referral from my primary care physician, or can I see a therapist directly?
No, you can schedule an appointment with me directly.
What is the difference between psychological psychotherapists, medical psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and alternative practitioners of psychotherapy?
State-licensed psychological psychotherapists (psychologists with at least 3 to 5 years of additional therapeutic training) in Germany typically provide analytical, depth psychology-based, systemic, or cognitive-behavioral therapy through talk therapy, but are not authorized to prescribe medication.
Psychiatrists are specialists in psychiatry and psychotherapy and can prescribe medication.
Medical psychotherapists are state-licensed physicians with a different medical specialty and additional training in psychotherapy.
Alternative practitioners in psychotherapy do not require specialized vocational training in healthcare; they only need to be vetted by the public health department. In most cases, the costs are not covered by statutory or private health insurance.
How do I find an available therapy slot?
As a privately insured patient or self-paying patient, the best way is to use therapist search tools such as those provided by the Psychotherapists’ Chamber of your respective federal state or therapie.de, using the “Billing” filter.
As a patient with statutory health insurance, the best way is to contact the appointment service center of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Vereinigung) directly.
It’s best to send a brief email (including your insurance status, contact information, and availability) or call the practices directly (during office hours, if available).
How long are the wait times?
Wait times often range from several weeks to months, depending on the region; they’re shorter in cities and often significantly longer in rural areas. With psychotherapy, it’s generally difficult to predict how long treatment will ultimately last, so unfortunately, it’s usually not possible to provide exact details.
How does the initial consultation work?
During the first session—which typically lasts 50–100 minutes—we get to know each other. You’ll describe your concerns and symptoms, as well as what makes you who you are and what your life is like. I’ll ask many questions, and together we’ll assess whether working together is a good fit for both of us—in terms of logistics, content, and personal compatibility. We’ll also explore together what support options are available (including those outside of therapy). If the initial session isn’t sufficient, we’ll schedule additional sessions to get to know each other better, for diagnostic purposes, and to gather further information.
Are my symptoms serious enough?
Yes, there’s no need for them to be particularly severe. If something is weighing on your mind and you’d like some support, that’s reason enough to come for an initial consultation. It’s the therapist’s job to work out whether psychotherapy or another form of support would be appropriate.
How do I know if we click?
After the first few sessions, you’ll have a good gut feeling, feel that you’re being taken seriously, and be able to speak openly.
Can I switch therapists if it isn’t working out?
Yes, at any time. That’s normal and not a problem.
Is everything confidential?
Yes, medical confidentiality applies. The only exceptions are in cases of immediate danger to you or others.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with psychotherapy?
Yes, although unfortunately there is still insufficient information provided on this subject. A good therapist will discuss such potential negative effects openly with you and adjust the approach if something isn’t helping.
If you’re currently considering starting therapy and the following points make you feel uneasy, or if you notice any side effects during the course of therapy, you can and should raise these concerns directly at any time.
Examples of side effects include:
- Emotional exhaustion: Sessions can be draining. Where possible, make sure you set aside enough time for yourself afterwards.
- Dependence on therapy: In rare cases, people develop a strong emotional attachment to the therapeutic relationship, which can interfere with daily life or other relationships. This can be counteracted by taking sufficient breaks from therapy and phasing the therapy out gradually.
- Changes in relationships: If therapy leads to changes in your own patterns or needs, this can put a strain on existing relationships (with a partner or family) – sometimes therapy can also lead to conflicts and break-ups.
- Lack of success: Therapy does not work equally well for everyone. Some people experience no noticeable improvement at all. This can be due to a wide variety of reasons.
- (Temporary) Worsening or chronicity: When distressing issues are actively addressed, symptoms such as anxiety, sadness or sleep problems may initially increase before improving or, in some cases, worsening further. There are numerous reasons for this as well. Sometimes, during the course of therapy, it becomes apparent that an inpatient stay at a clinic is more appropriate than continuing with outpatient therapy.
- Misdiagnosis or incorrect choice of method: If the approach or diagnosis does not match the actual problem, the therapy may be of little benefit or, in rare cases, may even be harmful (e.g. in the case of inappropriate trauma work).
Does therapy affect insurance policies (private health insurance, occupational disability insurance) or civil service appointment?
In the case of both occupational disability insurance and switching to or between private health insurance policies, psychotherapy is relevant to the health-related questions asked when taking out a policy – it is best to clarify this before starting therapy. However, any diagnoses made by other doctors are also relevant. The insurance company may request details of these at any time, and you can get information by your insurance company and discuss your diagnosis with the doctors concerned if necessary.
When applying for a civil service post, a medical examination by a public health officer is carried out; this may take past therapy into account, but it is not usually an automatic ground for exclusion.