Options for financing psychological, psychiatric and psychotherapeutic services
In relation to the costs of psychological and psychotherapeutic services, a distinction must be made between curative treatments and counseling sessions. Basic Swiss health insurances will only cover illness treatments, wheras some supplemetary insurances come up for advisory consultations in varying amounts depending on the chosen insurance plan and company.
Medical services
All medical services are settled according to TARMED * rates and are covered by the compulsory basic health insurance of all Swiss health insurance companies, minus franchise and deductible. The covered medical services include delegated psychotherapy.
TARMED is a mandatory tariff for all outpatient medical services provided in Switzerland, in hospitals and in free practices, effective since 2004.
Psychological services
Services provided by certified psychologists have been included in the benefits catalog of the basic medical insurance since July 1, 2022.
Until now, however, health insurance companies have generally also made contributions from supplementary insurance policies, which, in contrast to basic insurance, do not know any deductible. However, the benefits vary greatly depending on the insurance company. The rates in this regard are subject to agreements with the therapists who perform the treatment.
In justified cases, the state disability insurance provides financing for psychological services, especially for psychotherapies with children.
Rates
Services payable bei basic Swiss health insurance
| Psychiatry and Psychotherapy | approx. CHF 16 per 5 minutes |
| Psychological Psychotherapy | approx. CHF 13 per 5 minutes |
- These services are ment for illness treamtments only.
- Swiss health insurance companies cover 90% of the costs minus the annual franchise.
Private rates
| Individual clients | CHF 180–220 per 50 minutes |
| Couples and groups | CHF 300–400 per 90 minutes |
- Contributions to these costs are possible by supplementary health insurances.
- The above rates apply also for supervision.
- In special cases lower rates can be negotiated with the individual therapist.
Services payable bei Swiss disability insurance
| Psychotherapy with individuals | CHF 35.50 per 15 minutes |
| CHF 142.00 per session |