Fees
All fees follow statutory guidelines for German mental healthcare professionals. Diagnostic and therapy sessions include at least the following services:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation (50 minutes) | €134.06 |
| Diagnostic session (50 minutes) | €134.07 |
| Structured clinical interview | €109.27 |
| Psychological tests | €109.27 |
| Gathering the biographical history | €123.34 |
| Therapy initiation | €53.62 |
| Therapy session (50 minutes) | €167.58 |
All fees are usually fully reimbursed by civil service health benefits (Beihilfe and Heilfürsorge) and private health insurance. There may be differences depending on the insurer and the insurance plan. It is best to check with your insurer in advance.
As I run a private practice, the costs are not covered by statutory health insurance. However, you can use your right to ‘cost reimbursement’ (Kostenerstattung): you pay for the therapy yourself and then submit the invoices to your health insurance fund (Krankenkasse) for reimbursement. You will need to apply for this in advance with your Krankenkasse. To do so, you must provide evidence of the following:
- You require psychotherapy promptly (attestation from the consultation at a statutory practice – the appointment service can assist with scheduling).
- You cannot find a therapy place in a statutory practice within a reasonable distance and with a reasonable waiting time (no more than three months).