Before you can begin therapy, legislature requires a minimum of 50 minutes „consultation“. This serves the purpose of initial diagnostics and deliberation of further course of action. This may mean that psychotherapy is not the ideal support for you in your given situation, but that rehabilitation or detox are required first. It may also mean that you are best supported by a social counselling service or parental counseling service. Other options are possible, as well.
German statutory health insurance pays for up to 150 minutes of initial consultation with a psychotherapist. If you then decide to see a different psychotherapist, another 150 minutes will be available to you. Please note that your health insurance will not cover these costs if you are simultaneously receiving inpatient or day case care at a hospital or rehabilitation facility. This includes the day of your discharge.
If during the initial consultation it becomes clear that psychotherapy is indicated, you will receive a form which is meant to help you in your search for a place on a treatment program. On it, you will find an initial diagnosis, as well as suggested treatments. It does not entitle you to a therapy slot with that same therapist with whom you had your initial counseling session. Note that it may take several months for you to find a therapist who is accepting new patients for therapy, while initial consultation appointments may be available more quickly.
When you are placed in a therapy program in a private practice, you and the therapist will be allotted an additional 2 to 4 50-minute sessions (called: „probationary period“) to jointly decide whether to work together as a therapeutic team. These additional sessions are also automatically covered by German statutory health insurance. After the probationary period, if you and your therapist decide to move forward, coverage of therapy sessions is requested with your health insurance.
The two deciding factors in terms of therapy effectiveness are a) the patient’s commitment and participation, and b) the therapeutic relationship. For you, this means: a) Participate and engage in the process so as to set the stage for success. b) Trust your gut. If you find that after a few initial sessions you feel uncomfortable speaking to your therapist and cannot see yourself building up trust, discuss it with them and consider switching therapists.
German statutory health insurance covers up to 100 psychotherapeutic sessions which are generally requested in batches of 12 + 12 + 36 + 40 based on the therapist’s assessment. Your therapist will help you throughout that process. Under German statutory health insurance, you will not have to pay any additional fees – with the exception of missed sessions / late cancellations (<48hrs).