Who pays for child psychotherapy in Germany

Statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenkasse)

The insurer pays in full for the Sprechstunde, the trial sessions and the therapy in the approved methods. There is no co-payment (Zuzahlung). This also applies when your child is insured through a parent (Familienversicherung). You only bring the child’s insurance card.

Kassensitz, privat, Selbstzahler

A practice with a Kassensitz (often listed as “alle Kassen”) bills statutory insurance directly. “Privat” or “Privatpraxis” means private insurance or paying yourself. “Selbstzahler” means you pay the full fee. Before the first appointment, ask: „Rechnen Sie mit der gesetzlichen Krankenkasse ab?“

Private insurance (private Krankenversicherung)

Many expats are privately insured. What is covered depends on your contract (Tarif). Some contracts pay a limited number of sessions, some only after prior approval. Ask your insurer in writing before therapy starts and keep the answer. Civil servants also have Beihilfe, which has its own rules.

Cost reimbursement

If you cannot find a place with a Kassensitz in time, the statutory insurer may pay a private practice instead. How to apply is explained on the waiting time page.

While you wait →

Asylum seekers and refugees

If you receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz), health care usually runs through the social welfare office (Sozialamt), with a treatment voucher (Behandlungsschein) or, in some federal states, a health card. Psychotherapy often needs approval from the Sozialamt first. Ask there or at a migration counselling service (Migrationsberatung).

Interpreters

Statutory insurance does not usually pay for an interpreter in therapy. Ask the practice before you start how they handle it. For many families a therapist who speaks the language is the simpler route.