How do I make an appointment with a psychologist?

If you have public health insurance and would like to determine what kind of help you need, you can schedule a psychotherapy consultation directly. You do not need a referral to do so. You can request an appointment at a practice or by calling 116117. Those with private insurance or who are self-paying should contact the practices directly.

In case of immediate danger, dial 112 in Germany and the local emergency number when abroad. The Telephone Counseling Service Call 0800 1110111, 0800 1110222, or 116 123—toll-free, day or night. In Germany, call 116117 to be connected with medical assistance outside of office hours.

How to Request an Appointment

Request an appointment directly at the doctor’s office and call 116117 at the same time. This service is covered by health insurance at a practice that is approved by the health insurance system—that is, one authorized to bill statutory health insurance providers. According to Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists The physician search provided by the Associations of Panel Physicians; private practices are not listed there. The psychotherapist search provided by the State Chambers of Psychotherapists lists psychotherapists who are licensed—that is, who have permission to practice under this professional title. The 116117 service has its own practice search at psychotherapiesuche.116117.de.

The hours during which a practice can be reached by phone are listed on its website or on its answering machine. You can schedule your first appointment during these hours. Practices that accept health insurance must be available to answer calls in person during specific, published hours. Here’s a suggestion for when you call:

„Hello, I'd like to schedule an appointment for psychotherapy. I have public health insurance and am seeking help with (briefly describe your concern). When can I get an appointment?“

Please leave your name and phone number on the answering machine, along with the times when you can be reached.

The 116117 Patient Page explains how to book an appointment there: by phone at 116117 or online at eterminservice.de. The 116117 hotline must arrange an appointment for you within one week, and that appointment must be no more than four weeks in the future. Talk to several practices: Initial consultations with different therapists are allowed because it’s important that you click with them.

How much the first appointment costs

For those with public health insurance, the health insurance provider covers the cost of a consultation at a practice approved by the public health insurance system. Be sure to bring your insurance card to your appointment. For private health insurance, coverage varies: Check your policy and obtain written confirmation of coverage before treatment begins. If you are paying for psychotherapy out of pocket, agree on the type, duration, and costs—preferably in writing—before treatment begins.

Psychological counseling at a private practice is often paid for out of pocket. To contact a counseling practice, send an email or use the contact form. Depending on your situation, free counseling services may also be an option. For parenting questions or family problems, there are over 1,000 government-run and church-run Parenting and Family Counseling Centers. Counseling there is free of charge and strictly confidential. Health insurance does not cover counseling that focuses solely on parenting, marriage, life, or sexuality, nor does it cover counseling that focuses solely on couples or families; the psychotherapy guidelines expressly exclude these services. What constitutes Counseling and Psychotherapy The differences are explained in a separate article.

What the consultation covers

You don't need a definitive diagnosis to attend the consultation, because it determines whether treatment is necessary and what kind of help is appropriate. This includes counseling, information, an initial assessment, and, if necessary, referrals to other resources. At the end of the consultation, the psychotherapist will fill out the form PTV 11 that contains the findings and recommendations.

Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist: The Terms

„Psychologist“ refers to the degree, not a license to practice. According to the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP) Courts almost without exception rule that practitioners may call themselves „psychologists“ only if they have majored in psychology and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree—or, previously, a diploma—in that field.

A degree in psychology alone does not qualify a person to practice psychotherapy independently. This requires an additional qualification, such as a medical license or a license as a non-medical practitioner limited to psychotherapy. According to the Non-Medical Practitioners Act, the practice of medicine refers to diagnosing, curing, or alleviating illnesses. Only physicians may prescribe prescription medications; if the focus is primarily on medications, then Psychiatrists a suitable place to turn to. The article on explains how these professional groups are related and who treats which conditions: the path through the system.

What to Do After Your Appointment a therapy spot A separate page explains how to get it.

I offer online psychological counseling. This does not include the diagnosis or treatment of mental health conditions. This counseling is not a substitute for necessary psychotherapy.