Psychotherapy in Germany faces crisis over new law

Psychological psychotherapists in Germany are sounding the alarm over a new health care law, the GKV-Beitragsstabilisierungsgesetz, which they argue will destabilize their practices and jeopardize patient care. Martin Badzura, a psychotherapist from Offenbach, described the situation as one of "total planning uncertainty," with many practices facing potential income reductions of 20 to 30 percent.

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I am preparing myself for it to be a bit more difficult.

"The opposite is the case. From my perspective, it is one of the biggest interventions in the care and remuneration of outpatient psychotherapy in Germany," Badzura stated. The law, which took effect in late July, imposes billions in spending brakes on various healthcare sectors, including higher co-payments and cuts for insured individuals. Its aim is to relieve statutory health insurance funds and prevent increases in supplementary contributions.

Under the new regulations, psychotherapy will be subject to budgeting, meaning a fixed, capped sum will be allocated per quarter for therapeutic services. Sessions exceeding this limit will be poorly or not at all reimbursed. Crucially, surcharges for short-term therapies are being eliminated. Badzura called this scandalous, predicting significant impacts on waiting times and the overall provision of care for those with statutory insurance.

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It sounds more exciting, more challenging.

He illustrated the potential impact: a therapist with a half-time practice contract, who can currently treat up to 28 patients weekly, might have the number of fully reimbursed sessions reduced to 18. "Therapists will likely have to think carefully about whether to offer therapy slots to more than 18 statutory insured patients, where previously 28 per week had a place," Badzura warned. This is particularly concerning given the current average waiting time of 140 days for a therapy appointment.

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It fascinates me to study in an area where we can help shape things.

Laura Pacios Prado, who works in a private practice in Frankfurt, expressed a mix of anger, fear, and uncertainty. While her practice is currently busy, she is unsure about its future viability under the new law, especially as it affects private patients as well. The therapists' concerns highlight a potential crisis in mental healthcare access for those reliant on statutory insurance in Germany.

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We are training for what companies need right now.