Psychological Assistance Abroad: Ways to Provide Support

Anyone looking for psychological support abroad has more options than might seem obvious at first. The most obvious option is the local healthcare system in the respective country’s language, although quality, wait times, and language barriers vary from country to country, and regarding mental health issues in a foreign language Many people find it difficult to talk about this. A second option: continuing psychotherapy covered by health insurance. The Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists generally considers this possible during a stay abroad; the statutory health insurance rules However, they require that the therapist work from Germany. Anyone already in treatment should discuss this with their own therapist.

German-Language Counseling and the Time Difference

A third option is the Online Counseling in German, as a self-pay service, via video or phone. The time difference is more a matter of scheduling than a real obstacle. Early evening in Bangkok coincides with noon in Berlin, and because Germany changes its clocks but Thailand does not, an appointment scheduled according to German time shifts by one hour in Bangkok twice a year.

In case of an emergency abroad

For the Emergency When traveling abroad, there’s a rule of thumb: Make sure to save the emergency number for the country you’re visiting before you need it. Since early 2024, my practice has been operating exclusively online because I’ve been traveling a lot during that time.