Switching Therapists: A Guide
Switching Psychotherapists Under Statutory Health Insurance in Germany: A Comprehensive Guide
Ineffective therapy can sometimes occur when the chemistry between a patient and their psychotherapist isn't right. This guide aims to help those under statutory health insurance in Germany navigate the process of switching psychotherapists or therapy methods.
Scenario 1: If you're not satisfied with your current therapeutic relationship or approach, you have the right to request a change. This should be justified, for example, due to a lack of progress or poor therapeutic fit.
Scenario 2: In this scenario, the process involves requesting a change, discussing your intentions with your current psychotherapist, contacting your health insurance provider, obtaining new therapy approval, and waiting for a new therapy start, subject to availability and approval.
- Request a Change: You can request to change your psychotherapist or therapy method if necessary.
- Consult Your Current Therapist: Discuss your desire to switch with your current psychotherapist, who can document your progress or reasons for switching.
- Contact Your Health Insurance Fund: Inform your statutory health insurance provider about your intention to switch therapists or therapy methods.
- Obtain New Therapy Approval: Apply to your health insurance provider for approval of continued or new therapy sessions with the new psychotherapist.
- Waiting Times and Regulations: Depending on availability and approval, there may be waiting times for a new therapy start with the new therapist.
Switching Therapy Methods If you want to switch not only the therapist but also the therapy method, this must be medically justified. Different therapy methods have different approval and reimbursement conditions under statutory health insurance. The new therapist must attach a report explaining the reasons for switching methods. This report will be reviewed by an expert.
Losing Therapy Hours If you switch therapists while staying with the same therapy method, you don't need to worry about losing your therapy hours. The new practitioner can take over the remaining therapy hours without requiring a new application for psychotherapy.
Unprofessional Behavior Examples of unprofessional behavior by a psychotherapist include promises of a quick cure, breaking confidentiality, using sessions to fulfill their own needs, and sharing too much personal information. If you experience unprofessional behavior during your therapy, it's important to seek advice and consider initiating a complaint procedure against the therapist.
Andrea Beneke, President of the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists, advises trusting one's gut feeling when considering a switch. If a psychotherapist behaves unprofessionally, such as making sexual advances, insults, or breaking confidentiality, seek advice from the ombudsmen or complaint offices of the respective state psychotherapy chambers, the independent patient advice service, or the Ethics Association for Psychotherapy.
It's essential to remember that a discussion with the health insurance is necessary before switching therapists under statutory health insurance. This guide provides a general overview of the process, but specific procedures may vary depending on your insurer. If you require more detailed legal references or practical advice on navigating your specific insurer’s procedures, feel free to ask.
Switching therapists can be beneficial even if it results in waiting times. Four methods of psychotherapy are covered by statutory health insurers in Germany. Outpatient psychotherapy usually begins with a diagnostic assessment followed by a limited number of probatory sessions. Approval is then requested for longer-term therapy phases. If switching therapists mid-therapy, the new therapist will review your prior treatment records, and the health insurer will assess whether to approve further therapy without repeating the entire initial phase.
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