This page is initial orientation and does not replace medical or legal advice. If there is immediate danger, call 112 right away.
How to get a therapy place: the path to help
Finding a therapy place takes patience almost everywhere. This is not your fault, but a result of too few insurance-funded places (Kassensitz). These steps help you not to lose time.
1. Secure a consultation
The psychotherapeutic consultation (psychotherapeutische Sprechstunde) is the first official step and needs no referral. Call several practices and ask for an appointment.
2. Take several routes at the same time
Do not wait for a single appointment. In parallel:
- Call several practices and put yourself on the waiting list (Warteliste).
- Call the appointment service centre (Terminservicestelle) on 116 117, which helps to find a place.
- Note the calls with date and result. This record matters later.
3. If there is no place within a reasonable time
If you cannot find an insurance-funded place within a reasonable time (usually more than a few weeks), the insurer can also pay for a practice without such a place through cost reimbursement (Kostenerstattung). Details are on the Costs page.
What can you do while waiting?
Waiting time is not empty time. Note symptoms with date and situation, talk to the school or kindergarten, and keep a calm daily routine. If there is an acute crisis, see the Emergency page.
The search is in German, but you can filter by language (Sprache) to find practitioners who speak English.