Finding an English-Speaking Therapist in Germany: What You Need to Know
- Raven Rinas
- Jun 28
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Finding an English-speaking therapist in Germany can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this post, we’ll go through the basics of licensure, insurance, costs, and where to look for support.
(1) Understanding Different Types of Licensed Therapists in Germany
In Germany, there are several legal and professional pathways under which therapists can offer services. These distinctions influence how therapy is delivered, who is authorized to provide it, and whether sessions are covered by public or private health insurance.
Psychological Psychotherapists (Psychologische Psychotherapeut:innen)
Psychological psychotherapist (Psychologische:r Psychotherapeut:in) is a protected, state-regulated title in Germany. This role is broadly comparable to that of a clinical psychologist in other countries: A highly trained mental health professional who provides psychotherapy, distinct from psychiatrists.
To obtain this license, practitioners must:
Complete a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in psychology
Undergo at least three years of full-time or five years of part-time postgraduate clinical training at an accredited institute
Fulfill requirements such as 600 hours of supervised therapy, 1,800 hours of clinical placement, and theoretical coursework
Pass a state licensing examination
Licensed psychological psychotherapists can apply for a Kassenzulassung, which allows them to bill public health insurance. They typically work within evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or psychoanalysis. Their services are recognized by both public and private insurers.
Alternative Practitioners of Psychotherapy (Heilpraktiker:innen für Psychotherapie)
Heilpraktiker:in für Psychotherapie is a legally recognized designation in Germany under the Heilpraktikergesetz (Heilpraktiker Law). It allows individuals to provide psychotherapy without being licensed as a psychological psychotherapist or medical doctor. This represents an alternative pathway into psychotherapy — often used by internationally trained professionals or those working with approaches not covered by public health insurance.
To obtain the license, individuals must pass a state exam through the Gesundheitsamt (local health authority), covering:
Psychological disorders based on ICD diagnostic criteria
Legal and ethical responsibilities
Risk assessment and crisis intervention
Referral procedures to medical professionals
Alternatively, individuals with a Master’s degree in Psychology that includes sufficient clinical content may be eligible to bypass the exam.
Because this licensure route draws individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, training and qualifications can vary. Prospective clients are encouraged to thoroughly review a therapist’s credentials, experience, and therapeutic approach.
In summary, psychological psychotherapists (Psychologische Psychotherapeut:innen) are trained within the state-regulated academic and clinical system and can work under public health insurance. In contrast, alternative practitioners of psychotherapy (Heilpraktiker:innen für Psychotherapie) are authorized to practice psychotherapy privately, through a different licensing path, and often bring diverse or international backgrounds. While both provide therapeutic services, the routes to licensure, level of clinical training, and insurance coverage may differ significantly.
(2) How Health Insurance Affects Access to Therapy
In Germany, access to psychotherapy, and whether it’s reimbursed, depends on the type of health insurance you have: public (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) or private. Both systems offer important benefits and drawbacks.
Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung)
If you're insured through the public system (e.g., TK, AOK, Barmer), psychotherapy is generally covered under the following conditions:
Therapist Requirements: Sessions must be conducted by a licensed Psychologische:r Psychotherapeut:in with a Kassenzulassung (authorization to bill public insurance).
Covered Methods: Public insurers reimburse only certain scientifically recognized therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and psychoanalysis.
Access and Wait Times: Due to high demand and a limited number of publicly funded therapists, it’s not uncommon to wait several months for an initial appointment, especially in larger cities.
Session Limits: Coverage is subject to approval and typically begins with a fixed number of sessions. Additional sessions may require medical justification.
Language Options: English-speaking therapists with a Kassenzulassung are available, but they can be hard to find and often have longer waitlists.
While public insurance provides comprehensive coverage with no out-of-pocket costs, clients looking for therapy in English or outside standard approaches may face limited options.
Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung)
Private insurance typically offers greater flexibility, but coverage depends on the details of your individual contract.
Broader Therapist Access: Many private plans reimburse sessions with therapists who do not hold a Kassenzulassung, including those licensed as Heilpraktiker:innen für Psychotherapie.
Recognized Therapies: Coverage may include both conventional and integrative approaches, provided the therapist is appropriately licensed and the treatment is deemed medically necessary.
Reimbursement: Therapists usually provide an invoice based on the GebüH (fee schedule for Heilpraktiker services), which clients submit to their insurer for reimbursement.
Documentation Requirements: Insurance companies often require a psychological diagnosis and proof of treatment necessity.
Coverage levels vary widely, some private plans cover 80–100% of costs, while others reimburse a set amount per session. It’s always advisable to check with your provider about:
What types of therapists are covered
How many sessions are reimbursable per year
Required documentation for claims
Supplementary Insurance (Heilpraktiker Zusatzversicherung)
For those with public insurance who want access to privately practicing therapists, supplemental plans are available. These may reimburse part of the costs for treatment provided by Heilpraktiker:innen für Psychotherapie. Premiums are usually modest, but coverage limits and conditions vary.
(3) How Much Does Private Therapy Typically Cost in Germany?
If you're seeing a therapist outside of the public health insurance system, such as a Heilpraktiker:in für Psychotherapie or a therapist without Kassenzulassung, you’ll typically be paying privately per session. Prices can vary depending on the practitioner’s qualifications, location, and the length of sessions.
General Price Range:
Most private sessions fall between 80 € and 120 € for 50 to 60 minutes.
Shorter sessions (30–40 minutes) may be offered for a reduced fee.
In most cases, VAT (Mehrwertsteuer) is not charged if therapy is classified as a health service and the therapist is licensed accordingly (e.g., under the Heilpraktikergesetz).
Keep in mind that:
Insurance companies often require a formal invoice following the GebüH (Gebührenverzeichnis für Heilpraktiker) billing format.
Some insurers may also request a diagnosis code or proof of medical necessity.
If you're publicly insured but paying privately, you’ll be responsible for the full cost unless you have a supplementary insurance plan that includes Heilpraktikerleistungen.
(4) Where to Search for English-Speaking Psychotherapists in Germany
TK Doctor/Therapist Search Tool
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) offers an online tool that allows users to search for therapists by language. Select “English” under the language filter to find psychological practitioners who offer therapy in English.
Note: Not all therapists on this list accept new patients or public insurance, so it’s helpful to follow up directly.
Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Bayern (KVB) – Koordinationsstelle Psychotherapie
If you are publicly insured and struggling to find an available therapist, the Coordination Office for Psychotherapy in Bavaria (KVB) can assist in connecting you to practices offering therapy in English with availability.
Tel: 0921 88099-40410
Hours: Monday–Thursday 9–16h, Friday 9–12h
Note that the phone consultation will likely be in German language.
Online Directories
Please note: While these directories can be helpful starting points, they do not all verify qualifications to the same degree. Therapist training, licensure, and scope of practice can vary. It’s always a good idea to review a therapist’s credentials, experience, and licensing status before starting therapy.
(5) Resources for Youth
If you are looking for support for youth, jugendnotmail.de is a free, anonymous online counseling service for young people in Germany. While the platform is primarily German-language, they also offer English-speaking support from trained volunteers with psychological backgrounds.
Jugendnotmail is especially suited for:
Adolescents facing emotional distress
Those who may not be ready or able to speak directly with a therapist in person
Young people seeking a confidential space to ask questions or get help
The service is funded by charitable organizations and has a focus on accessibility, including specific campaigns around topics like bullying, depression, and family conflict.
