German psychotherapists warn of patient rejections amid government savings plan

Psychotherapists in Germany are sounding the alarm over potential cuts to their services, warning that patients in crisis may soon face even longer waiting lists or outright rejection. The federal government's plan to cap reimbursement rates for psychotherapists, aligning them with those for general physicians, is at the heart of the concern.

Gregor Peikert, who runs a psychotherapy practice in Jena and serves as honorary president of the East German Psychotherapists' Chamber, stated that patients already wait four months for an appointment. He anticipates that the new regulations will force therapists to turn away more individuals seeking help. "The pressure on patients will continue to rise – and we will have to turn away people in crisis situations more often or refer them to clinics," Peikert said.

The proposed savings are part of a broader package aimed at improving the financial health of health insurance funds. The Bundestag is set to vote on the package soon. Therapists argue that these measures will disproportionately affect those most in need of mental health support, potentially exacerbating existing crises.

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The pressure on patients will continue to rise – and we will have to turn away people in crisis situations more often or refer them to clinics.