Transparent costs and fair terms for psychological counseling in Zurich.

No. According to the Swiss Health Insurance Act (KVG), psychological counseling cannot be billed through basic insurance. The self-pay principle applies, meaning the invoice is issued directly to you. Benefits of the self-pay principle: Protection of your privacy: Since no insurance process is initiated, no sensitive data is passed on to your health insurer. Protection against follow-up issues with supplemental insurance: By eliminating the insurance claim process - unlike psychotherapy - you avoid the risk of future problems when applying for or switching supplemental policies. For example, for semi-private hospital care or daily sickness benefits with your current or new provider. No medical referral or bureaucracy: Since basic insurance requirements do not apply, there is no need for a doctor's order or an insurance approval process. Fast Start: Because administrative and access barriers are removed, appointments are usually available within a few days to two weeks. Note regarding supplemental insurance: If you have premium supplemental insurance and agree to data disclosure, please check directly with your insurer beforehand whether they cover a portion of psychological counseling. In that case, the invoice would be submitted to the insurer through you.

No. You do not need a medical order or referral for counseling, nor do you have to wait for coverage approvals. You can book an initial consultation and start directly.

From the perspective of the Swiss Health Insurance Act, psychotherapy is the specialized treatment of psychological disorders with clinical diagnostic value according to the international classification system ICD-10/11. Typical examples include recurrent panic attacks, personality disorders, severe clinical depression, or complex post-traumatic stress disorders. If this applies to you, I cannot assist you, and you must see a psychotherapist. The advantage is the clinical expertise as well as coverage by mandatory basic insurance—after deducting your annual deductible (Franchise) and 10% co-payment. In return, strict legal requirements apply in Switzerland: Medical Order: A physician (e.g., primary care doctor or psychiatrist) must formally confirm the necessity in advance and issue a limited number of sessions. Mandatory Diagnosis: The treating psychotherapist must issue an official diagnosis according to the international ICD 10/11 classification system at the start and confirm the clinical relevance.Service Review: After a certain number of sessions, a detailed medical report including justification and diagnosis must be submitted to the insurance company’s medical officer to receive approval for continued coverage. Note regarding potential follow-up issues with supplemental insurance: Please be aware that these requirements transfer sensitive data to your insurer, which often causes follow-up problems when applying for or switching supplemental plans. Since you must fill out health questionnaires during application and are bound by pre-contractual disclosure duties, switching insurers in this area becomes ineffective.

Yes. I am bound by professional confidentiality. Professional secrecy applies to everything discussed. Furthermore, the ethical guidelines of the professional association apply, and your data is secured in accordance with the Swiss Data Protection Act.

I will call you by phone so we can discuss your concern, answer questions, and schedule the appointment for the initial consultation. This is free of charge for you and helps you get a sense of whether it is a good personal fit.

The initial consultation serves to get to know each other personally and addresses your concern, needs, wishes, and questions in depth.    How should I prepare for the initial consultation?

Contrary to common belief, no preparation is necessary for an initial consultation.

Yes. I also offer counseling via MS Teams or phone. Especially for individuals who cannot visit the practice due to location, work, illness, or mobility reasons. For an online session via MS Teams, you will receive an invitation email with a link. Opening this link leads to a webpage where you can easily join. Please test the link before the appointment and ensure your video and audio are working properly.

Psychological counseling is available in German and English.

The duration of psychological counseling depends on your willingness to engage in the personal change process and actively cooperate. Additional factors include the specific concern as well as personal needs and wishes.

No. In Switzerland, only physicians are allowed to prescribe medication or issue sick notes. This can be a primary care doctor, who may in turn refer you to a psychiatrist for a report, especially when daily sickness allowance insurance is involved. Psychological counselors and psychological psychotherapists are not medical doctors and are therefore not permitted to prescribe medication or issue sick notes.