About alcohol addiction
Problematic drinking ranges from regular excess to dependence. Psychological support helps understand the role alcohol plays, set goals (reduction or abstinence) and prevent relapse. Stopping suddenly after heavy drinking can be dangerous: talk to a doctor first.
Psychotherapists are professionals trained in one or more models of psychotherapy (psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural…). The protected title and requirements vary by country; profiles show each professional’s training and registration.
Getting mental health care in Switzerland
Public health system · Mandatory basic health insurance (OKP/LAMal)
Since 1 July 2022 psychological psychotherapy is paid by basic health insurance when prescribed by a doctor (Anordnungsmodell). A prescription covers 15 sessions, a further 15 can be prescribed, and after 30 sessions the insurer must approve continuation; the usual deductible and co-payment apply. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH/BAG), Psychology Professions Register PsyReg (Psychology Professions Act, PsyG); cantonal practice licences. The title psychologist is protected by federal law. PsyReg lists holders of federal postgraduate titles (psychotherapy, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, child and youth psychology, health psychology) and shows whether a psychotherapist is licensed to practise on their own responsibility. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Basic insurance covers doctor-prescribed psychological psychotherapy by PsyReg-listed psychotherapists, 15 sessions per prescription and up to 30 before insurer approval is needed, subject to deductible and co-payment.
Urgent help in Switzerland
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 144 · Ambulancia (Sanitätsnotruf)
- 143 · Die Dargebotene Hand / La Main Tendue / Telefono Amico – 143
- 0800 143 000 · Heart2Heart English Hotline
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: bag.admin.ch, bag.admin.ch, newsd.admin.ch, comparis.ch
Signs to look out for
Drinking may be becoming a problem when you often drink more than you planned, need alcohol to relax, sleep or face social situations, feel guilty about it, or others express concern. Other signs include memory gaps, missing responsibilities, drinking in the morning, needing more to feel the effect, and feeling shaky, sweaty or anxious when you have not had a drink.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychological treatments with good evidence include motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), relapse prevention and couples or family-based approaches. Psychologists with addiction experience, psychiatrists, family doctors and specialised alcohol services often work together. A doctor can assess whether medically supervised withdrawal or medication to support reducing or stopping is appropriate. Mutual-help groups support many people alongside treatment.
When to seek urgent help
Stopping drinking suddenly after heavy, regular use can cause dangerous withdrawal, so speak to a doctor before stopping. Contact your local emergency services immediately if someone is unconscious, has trouble breathing, has a seizure, is very confused or is seeing things that are not there. Seek urgent help too for thoughts of suicide or when someone is at risk.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep a simple diary of when, where and how much you drink, and notice what triggers it. Set alcohol-free days, avoid keeping alcohol at home, and plan alternatives for difficult moments, such as a walk or a call to someone. Tell people close to you about your goal so they can support you. Reliable health sources explain low-risk guidelines and where to find help.
What does a psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist helps people understand and change emotional, relational and behavioural patterns through a structured therapeutic relationship. Their work is shaped by one or more models, such as cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic or integrative therapy. They meet individuals, couples, families or groups, usually in regular sessions, and spend time outside sessions on notes, preparation and their own supervision.
When to see a psychotherapist
Psychotherapy suits people who want to work in depth on recurring difficulties: anxiety, low mood, relationship patterns, self-esteem, the effects of past experiences or major life transitions. It can also help when you feel stuck without a clear diagnosis. If you need a formal diagnosis, a specific psychological assessment or medication, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may need to be involved.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Switzerland cover psychological care?
Since 1 July 2022 psychological psychotherapy is paid by basic health insurance when prescribed by a doctor (Anordnungsmodell). A prescription covers 15 sessions, a further 15 can be prescribed, and after 30 sessions the insurer must approve continuation; the usual deductible and co-payment apply.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in Switzerland?
Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH/BAG), Psychology Professions Register PsyReg (Psychology Professions Act, PsyG); cantonal practice licences: The title psychologist is protected by federal law. PsyReg lists holders of federal postgraduate titles (psychotherapy, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, child and youth psychology, health psychology) and shows whether a psychotherapist is licensed to practise on their own responsibility.