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The most important questions
Sometimes you can not go on with your problems alone. Get help and get psychotherapy. They have to know that.
Do I need a psychotherapy ?
Mental highs and lows are part of life. But if depression, anxiety or other psychological problems occur again and continue for days (except bereavement), you should ask yourself some questions: Can I do my daily work only with difficulty? Can I confide in friends or am I trying to cover up my problems? Does the change also affect others? Do I sleep badly or too much? Do I feel better with alcohol? Am I often on sick leave? If you answer yes to two or more questions, you should seek professional help.
How do I find an expert?
You can contact a psychotherapist directly and without referral. Unfortunately, there are too few experts in this country with state treatment permit (approval) and cash register approval. A list can be found on the internet pages of the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung der Bundesland. The waiting time for a first meeting, however, can take several months.
When should I become a psychiatrist?
In order to find the strength to look after a psychotherapy, it can be helpful in many cases, first of all to be prescribed medication. This is the responsibility of the psychiatrist - there you often get an appointment faster. Ask your family doctor.
How do I avoid the waiting times?
Try to get an appointment with at least five therapists in the foreseeable future. Make a note of the date, time, the names and the respective waiting time - you need this voucher for the health insurance. Because if the waiting period is longer than three months, you may also choose a therapist who does not have a POS. Ask if "expertise in a policy process" exists - otherwise pay the cash.
Telephone psychotherapy is available day and night: 0800/1110111 or 0800/1110222 (free of charge).
When does the cashier pay?
Psychotherapy must be requested in advance from the health insurance. Application forms have the therapist. If the therapist does not have a POS, the procedure is more complicated: you need a certificate from your family doctor that a therapy is necessary and can not be postponed. You also have to file an informal application for the costs. A sample letter can be found on the website of the Federal Psychotherapeutic Chamber: www.bptk.de (Ratgeber: Kostenerstattung). If the fund rejects the application, you can appeal, and there is also a sample letter.
Psychotherapy or Coach?
Sometimes one, two talks with an expert can help to make things clearer again. Those who shy away from the effort with phone calls, waiting time and cashier application, should ask the circle of acquaintances for a recommendation for a good coach. These counselors are not psychotherapists, but can help with problems in the job. Costs: from 80 euros per hour. Even easier are online therapies: A first call is already available from 20 euros. The Professional Association of German Psychologists has listed serious providers: www.bdp-verband.de/service/onlineberater.html
