Psychological Help Abroad: Ways to Get 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, waiting times, and language barriers vary from country to country, and talking about emotional topics in a foreign language is hard for many people. A second option: continuing psychotherapy covered by statutory health insurance. The Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists considers this possible in principle during a stay abroad; however, the statutory health insurance rules require that the therapist themselves work from Germany. Anyone already in treatment should clarify this with their own therapist.

German-Language Counseling and the Time Difference

A third option is 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 an emergency abroad, a rule of its own applies: Save the emergency number of the country you are in before you need it. Since early 2024, my practice has been operating exclusively online because I’ve been traveling a lot during that time.