Fees

Who pays for therapy?

Many patients wonder why I run a private practice. This is not because I only want to work with privately insured clients, but because of the way the German healthcare system is organised: the number of therapists who are authorised to bill public health insurance is legally limited. As a result, many qualified psychotherapists work in private practice despite the high demand for therapy.

Private health insurance

If you have private health insurance, psychotherapy is usually covered by your insurer. The exact level of reimbursement depends on your individual insurance plan.

Fees for psychotherapy are based on the official German billing regulations for psychotherapists (GOP). Before starting therapy, I recommend checking with your insurance provider about the conditions for reimbursement of psychotherapy in private practice.

If you have any questions about reimbursement or the application process, I am happy to support you.

Paying privately

You are also welcome to attend psychotherapy sessions without using health insurance.

Self-pay may be a suitable option if, for example:

  • you would like to start therapy without a long waiting period,
  • you prefer not to involve your health insurance,
  • you would like more flexibility in the therapeutic process,
  • you are interested in coaching.

Fees for psychotherapy are based on the official German billing regulations for psychotherapists (GOP). I will provide clear information about costs before we begin.

Public health insurance

As a private practice, I cannot bill public health insurance directly. However, under certain circumstances, public health insurance companies may reimburse the cost of therapy through the so-called cost reimbursement procedure (Kostenerstattungsverfahren).

This may apply if you have made serious efforts to find a therapy place covered by public insurance but still cannot access treatment within a reasonable timeframe, and timely support is needed.

To apply, you will usually need to document your search for a therapy place. Health insurers often also require proof of an initial psychotherapeutic consultation and additional documents. The exact requirements vary depending on your insurer.

Your health insurance provider will review your request and decide on reimbursement on an individual basis. I am happy to explain the process and support you with the necessary steps. Please note that approval must be obtained before therapy begins, and reimbursement cannot be guaranteed.

Helpful information

Initial psychotherapeutic consultation
Before applying for cost reimbursement (see information above on public health insurance), an initial psychotherapeutic consultation (Sprechstunde) is usually required. Appointments can be arranged through the appointment service of the Kassenarztliche Vereinigung Berlin: www.kvberlin.de/fuer-patienten/terminservice.

Information about the cost reimbursement procedure
www.therapie.de/psyche/info/fragen/wichtigste-fragen/psychotherapie-kostenerstattung/.

Information leaflet on cost reimbursement from the German Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists (BPtK)
www.pro-psychologie.de/Kostenerstattung Flyer BPtK.pdf.

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