Fee Cuts: Psychotherapists in the North Protest Again

Psychotherapists across northern Germany are escalating their protests, joining a nationwide movement against recent fee reductions for their services. The demonstrations highlight growing concerns over the accessibility and quality of mental healthcare.

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We agree that outpatient psychotherapeutic care is an indispensable part of needs-based healthcare.

In Kiel, approximately 120 demonstrators gathered on Wilhelmplatz despite inclement weather, according to police reports. Lübeck saw around 160 people assemble at Holstentorplatz to voice their opposition to the cuts. Hamburg anticipates up to 600 participants in a demonstration planned for later Sunday.

These actions follow a decision to implement a 4.5% reduction in fees for psychotherapeutic services nationwide. The protests, organized by the Psychotherapy Action Alliance, are demanding not only the reversal of these cuts but also the creation of additional subsidized therapy slots, comparable remuneration to other specialist physicians, and funding for ongoing professional development.

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The decision by the Expanded Assessment Committee of March 11, 2026, to reduce the remuneration for psychotherapeutic services by 4.5 percent, I view with great concern in light of the possible effects on the care situation.

Schleswig-Holstein's Health Minister, Kerstin von der Decken, has expressed significant concern over the fee adjustments. She stated that the reduction, decided on March 11, 2026, by the Expanded Assessment Committee, could negatively impact the availability of care. Von der Decken emphasized the essential role of outpatient psychotherapy in a needs-based healthcare system and called for an immediate federal evaluation of the fee changes. She noted the increasing demand for psychotherapy services in recent years, urging federal authorities and self-governance bodies to address the consequences of the adjusted remuneration.

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The remuneration system must adequately take into account the increased demand for psychotherapeutic services.