Changing Therapists: A Guide on Switching Mental Health Professionals
Changing Psychotherapists Under Statutory Health Insurance in Germany
Switching psychotherapists under statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) in Germany can be a necessary step for some patients, but it may seem daunting due to the process involved. Here's a guide to help you navigate this situation.
First and foremost, if the chemistry between a patient and their therapist is not right, effective therapy may not occur. If you find yourself in such a situation, it's essential to seek a change. To initiate the process, contact your insurance provider to discuss the steps and verify whether the new psychotherapist is approved by your insurance.
Finding a new psychotherapist who accepts statutory health insurance patients can be done through your insurance’s directory or by asking your general practitioner for recommendations. Once you've found a suitable therapist, it's important to arrange an initial appointment.
In some cases, a referral may be required by your insurer or the new psychotherapist, especially for therapy starts or continuations. Notify your former psychotherapist about ending therapy, ideally in writing, to ensure proper closure and documentation.
If there are waiting times or difficulties finding a new therapist, your statutory health insurance may assist in finding alternatives.
Regarding unprofessional behavior by a psychotherapist, it's crucial to document the specific instances with details such as dates, descriptions, and any evidence. Report the issue to the psychotherapist's professional licensing board or chamber (Psychotherapeutenkammer) in your federal state, which oversees professional conduct and can investigate complaints.
Examples of unprofessional behavior include promises of healing within a specific timeframe, using sessions to satisfy personal needs, and constantly demanding praise or sharing too much personal information. If necessary, contact patient advocacy organizations or legal advisors for support. For severe misconduct potentially violating legal or ethical standards, it may be appropriate to involve healthcare regulatory authorities, ombudsperson offices, or even law enforcement.
Complaints against psychotherapists are handled by state psychotherapists’ chambers or professional associations, which can impose sanctions, demand corrections, or revoke licenses depending on the case.
Changing therapists may seem daunting, but it's important to remember that your well-being is paramount. Andrea Beneke, President of the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists, advises listening to one's gut feeling when considering a change. If a psychotherapist behaves unprofessionally with sexual advances, innuendos, insults, or breaks confidentiality, seeking advice is recommended.
In case you wish to change both the practitioner and the therapy method, a new application for psychotherapy must be submitted to the health insurance. However, if you wish to stay in the same therapy method, the new practitioner can take over the remaining therapy hours without requiring a new application for psychotherapy. If the change is approved, the patient will again have the full number of therapy hours.
These steps ensure continuity of therapy within the statutory insurance system and help protect patient rights and safety in case of misconduct. Specific procedures can vary slightly by federal state and insurer, so checking with your insurer and local psychotherapists' chamber is recommended for tailored advice.
