Step by step for a therapy session with shorter waits in my private psychotherapy practice
Cost Reimbursement (gesetzlich Versicherte) in my private practice
If you are statutorily insured and cannot find an available therapy spot with a contracted therapist, treatment in my private practice can proceed via the reimbursement procedure.
Process Overview
First, we assess if psychotherapy suits you and discuss the reimbursement process and required forms.
Together, we submit a reimbursement application to your insurer. Fees follow the Psychotherapists' Fee Schedule (GOP).
Once approved, therapy begins. You receive regular invoices, pay them, then submit for reimbursement from your insurer.
Reimbursement Steps
Obtain "Medical Urgency/Necessity Certificate" and referral from your GP, psychiatrist, or neurologist.
Call 116 117 for an initial appointment with a contracted therapist; if no timely spot, get diagnosis and PTV 11 form.
Contact 5-8 therapists, document futile searches (no spot within 3 months).
Get confirmation of timely spot in my practice; submit "Application for Outpatient Psychotherapy and Reimbursement per §13 Abs. 3 SGB V" to insurer.
Sessions billed as private; submit receipts for refund. Insurer must approve in writing before start - no approval means no reimbursement.
Use templates in Download Area for statutory insured reimbursement and Therapy Start 2026.
Insurers must offer spots within reasonable time (max. 3 months for adults). If not, §13 Abs. 3 SGB V grants reimbursement right for licensed private practices using guideline methods (e.g., behavioral therapy). Courts rule insurers/KV responsible - not patients.
I guide you through the application - feel free to contact me!
Psychotherapy within 3 months guaranteed for clients with public health insurance
Psychotherapy
Häufige Fragen/FAQs zu Psychotherapie
Differences Between Psychologists, Psychological Psychotherapists, Psychiatrists, and Non-Medical Psychotherapists
Psychologists complete a university Master's degree (M.Sc.) in psychology, focusing on scientific study of behavior, emotions, and cognition; only those with additional multi-year training and state licensure (Approbation) can provide psychotherapy as healing treatment. Psychiatrists are physicians with specialist training in psychiatry, able to prescribe medications like antidepressants and diagnose physical causes of mental issues, unlike psychotherapists. Heilpraktiker for psychotherapy lack university training or regulated scientific education, needing only a safety exam without guaranteed quality or efficacy standards.
Therapists With vs. Without Public Insurance Approval
Therapists with Kassensitz (KV approval) bill statutory insurers directly, but limited slots create long waits; those without treat via reimbursement procedures (§13 SGB V) when no timely approved spots exist. Unapproved licensed psychotherapists hold full psychology Master's and state-approved training including theory, patient work, supervision, and licensure for independent evidence-based practice.
Treatment Methods and Covered Conditions
Private practices use insurer-recognized methods like behavioral therapy, systemic therapy, depth psychology, and psychoanalysis, often supplemented by mindfulness or relaxation. Coverage applies to ICD-10 F-diagnoses (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD) and psychosomatic issues from physical illnesses like Long COVID or cancer; excludes coaching, couples therapy, or parenting advice.
Expectations, Duration, and Practical Details
Psychotherapy processes distressing thoughts, recognizes patterns, and builds coping strategies without instant cure; duration varies (e.g., 24-36 behavioral therapy sessions) based on needs. For waits, use reimbursement with doctor certification; self-payers avoid approvals (130-160€/50min per GOP); online sessions possible if secure. Bring records to first session; cancellations need 24h notice; therapy can be ended anytime, with possible short-term symptom worsening as normal.