A guide to psychotherapy in Germany: Where can I find help?

Most people find it easy to find the right doctor when they have a physical illness. But a lot of people do not know who to turn to if they have mental problems or illnesses. People are also often reluctant to talk about mental illnesses. We have put together some information to help you find your way through the health care maze. It presents the various treatment options, explains who is the right person to talk to in different situations, and answers practical questions that may arise if psychotherapy seems like it might be a good idea.

Who can I turn to first if I have mental health problems?

Many people turn to their friends and family first if they don't feel well. People who need professional help for psychological problems can first talk to their family doctor, a psychosocial counselor or go straight to a psychotherapist or psychiatrist. In an emergency there are also psychiatric practices with emergency services as well as psychiatric clinics.

Psychosocial counseling centers offer help for a variety of issues, including family, women, childcare and addiction. The staff at such centers have different professional backgrounds. You might find, for example, doctors, social workers (in German:Sozialpädagogen and Sozialarbeiter), psychologists, psychotherapists, as well as specially trained care workers all working together to help people solve their problems. The counseling centers are usually funded by supporting organizations, subsidies and donations. They do not offer therapy themselves, but they can offer advice, information about support options, and initiate contact.

Social psychiatric services are another point of contact. In Germany they are run by local health authorities and can be used for free by everybody. They particularly support people who need treatment for acute or chronic mental illnesses. The social psychiatric service teams are also made up of doctors, care workers, psychotherapists and social workers. The centers generally do not offer therapy themselves but can determine whether somebody requires treatment. They also offer extra support to people who are currently in therapy or have recently been in a clinic. Family, friends and colleagues can also contact the social psychiatric service if they have the feeling that somebody they know needs help. Where necessary the social psychiatric services also offer home visits.

Just like therapists, the staff at the social psychiatric services and psychosocial counseling centers are obliged to maintain patient confidentiality.

What is psychotherapy and when is it an option?

When people hear the word "psychotherapy" they might think of somebody lying on a couch talking about their childhood while the therapist is sitting in the chair next to them listening. This is a common image that we see of psychotherapy in films and other media. But there are lots of different kinds of psychotherapy that use very different approaches. The most commonly used methods are cognitive behavioral therapy and depth psychology therapy.

The goal of all psychotherapies is to relieve the symptoms caused by the mental illness and improve quality of life. The question as to which method is suitable depends on many aspects, including the type of problem or illness as well as the preferences and personal goals of the person who needs therapy.

The most common mental illnesses and disorders that are treated with psychotherapy include anxiety disorders, depression and addiction. By the way, psychotherapy is not just used to treat mental conditions: It is also an option for people who are dealing with chronic physical illnesses. Psychotherapists can also refuse to provide treatment if they believe that there is no need for therapy, or if psychotherapy does not seem appropriate.

Psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists - who is who?

There are various professional titles in the area of psychotherapy in Germany, and they can be quite confusing. For example, many people think that psychologists and psychotherapists are the same thing. But just because somebody has a degree in psychology does not mean that they can automatically offer therapy. To be able to do so psychologists first have to complete several years of practical psychotherapy training and then pass a state examination.