Guides
Finding therapy in Germany, explained
Practical guides on finding a therapist, understanding insurance and cost, and knowing what to actually expect on timing. No sign-up needed to read any of this.
Finding a therapist
How to find an English-speaking therapist in Germany
A step-by-step guide to finding an English-speaking therapist in Germany: where to search, what your insurance changes, and what to ask before you commit.
Ways to find a therapist in Germany, compared
116117, directories, calling practices, Kostenerstattung, therapy apps on prescription and booking services: what each costs and when it's the right choice.
How to use 116117 to get a therapy appointment in Germany
How to use 116117, Germany's free appointment service, to get a therapy appointment: what it books, the PTV 11 code, booking online, and what to say in German.
Psychotherapist, psychologist, Heilpraktiker or coach: who's who in Germany
Only licensed professionals may call themselves Psychotherapeut in Germany. What psychologists, Heilpraktiker and coaches may do, and who insurance pays.
By city
How to find an English-speaking therapist in Berlin
Where to search for an English-speaking therapist in Berlin, what 116117 can and can't do here, why to search citywide, and where to turn in a crisis.
How to find an English-speaking therapist in Munich
Where to search for an English-speaking therapist in Munich, how KV Bayern's coordination service helps, how long the waits are, and where to get crisis help.
How to find an English-speaking therapist in Hamburg
Where to search for an English-speaking therapist in Hamburg, why there's a wait despite a formal surplus of therapists, and who to call in a crisis.
How to find an English-speaking therapist in Frankfurt
Where to find an English-speaking therapist in Frankfurt: the Hessian chamber's English list, 116117 in Hesse, the Goethe University clinic and crisis help.
Insurance and cost
Therapy costs and insurance in Germany: what expats actually pay
How public and private health insurance actually cover psychotherapy in Germany, what Kostenerstattung is, and what self-pay sessions really cost in 2026.
How to apply for Kostenerstattung for psychotherapy, step by step
A step-by-step guide to Kostenerstattung under § 13 Abs. 3 SGB V: what to document, what to send your Krankenkasse, the deadlines, and what to do after a no.
How the German system works
How long is the real wait for a Therapieplatz in Germany?
What Germany's official wait-time data actually says about getting a Therapieplatz: the BPtK and vdek numbers, why they disagree, and what shortens the wait.
German therapy terms, explained in the order you meet them
What Sprechstunde, PTV 11, Akutbehandlung, probatorische Sitzungen, Kassensitz, Approbation and Kostenerstattung mean, in the order you meet them.