Public health insurance (GKV) covers the full cost of psychotherapy in Germany, provided a licensed psychotherapist confirms that treatment is medically necessary during an initial psychological consultation. Coverage applies to conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, and addiction. Treatment must be provided by a medical or psychological psychotherapist holding a state license, and private clinics are generally not covered. Waiting times for a covered therapy place average around 20 weeks, and several free hotlines and chat services are available in the meantime.
Does public health insurance cover psychotherapy in Germany?
Public health insurance (GKV, gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) covers the full cost of psychotherapy in Germany. Coverage applies once a licensed psychotherapist confirms that the treatment is medically necessary. Several conditions apply to which therapists you may see and which treatments qualify.
What do I need before public health insurance covers my psychotherapy?
You need written confirmation from a psychotherapist stating that psychotherapy is medically necessary. Under the rules for treating publicly insured patients that came into effect in 2018, this confirmation can only be issued following an initial psychological consultation with a psychotherapist. Public health insurance does not cover therapy sessions that begin without this confirmation.
Which mental health conditions does public health insurance cover treatment for?
Public health insurance generally covers psychotherapy for the following conditions:
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Eating disorders
Personality disorders
Psychosomatic disorders
Addiction
Behavior disorders
Compulsive disorders
Severe physical illnesses that cause a high level of psychological suffering, where psychotherapeutic support is medically indicated
How long is the waiting time for psychotherapy covered by public health insurance?
The average waiting time for a psychotherapy place funded by public health insurance is around 20 weeks. The number of qualified therapists in Germany has not kept pace with demand, which is the main reason for the delay. Waiting times vary by region and by therapist availability.
Which therapists and clinics can I use with public health insurance?
Public health insurance covers treatment only from providers that meet specific licensing requirements:
Treatment must be provided by a medical psychotherapist or a psychological psychotherapist who holds a state license for medical treatment (Kassenzulassung).
Treatment by non-medical practitioners, such as Heilpraktiker, is not covered by public health insurance.
Private clinics are generally not covered by public health insurance.
How can I find a psychotherapist or doctor who accepts public health insurance?
Most public health insurance providers operate their own search tool for finding licensed doctors and therapists. You can use the following options:
TK doctor finder, at tk-aerztefuehrer.de
BARMER doctor finder, at barmer-arztsuche.de
AOK doctor finder, at aok.de
DAK doctor finder, at arztsuche.dak.de
Doctolib, at doctolib.de, which lists practitioners across multiple providers
What free mental health resources are available in Germany?
Several organizations offer free mental health support in Germany, independently of your public health insurance coverage:
TelefonSeelsorge, at telefonseelsorge.de, is a nonprofit staffed by trained volunteers, with an English-language helpline at 030-44 01 06 07.
Open Counseling, at blog.opencounseling.com, lists hotlines for a range of health topics in Germany.
7 Cups, at 7cups.com, is an online chat service with volunteers available 24 hours a day for listening support.
Suizidprophylaxe.de offers resources and support for mental health crises, in German only.
We are not affiliated with any of these organizations.