About quit smoking
Quitting smoking is easier with support. Psychological programmes work on habits, triggers and cravings and can be combined with medical treatment. Planning a quit date and preparing for difficult moments increases the chances of success.
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
Many people who smoke want to stop but find it hard. Signs that nicotine has a strong hold include smoking soon after waking, feeling irritable, anxious or unable to concentrate without it, failing despite several attempts, and smoking even when ill. Professional support makes particular sense if you have tried alone before, smoke to manage stress or low mood, or have a health condition.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Combining behavioural support with medical treatment increases the chances of quitting compared with trying alone. Psychologists use cognitive-behavioural techniques, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention to work on habits, triggers and cravings, individually or in groups. A doctor or pharmacist can advise whether nicotine replacement or other medication is suitable for you. Many health services run stop-smoking programmes.
When to seek urgent help
Quitting smoking is not usually an emergency, but contact your local emergency services immediately for chest pain, severe breathlessness or signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or difficulty speaking. If quitting brings a sharp drop in mood or thoughts of harming yourself, seek help urgently. People with mental health conditions should involve their doctor when stopping, as some treatments may need adjusting.
What you can do in the meantime
Choose a quit date and prepare: remove cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays, identify your triggers and plan what you will do instead. Cravings usually pass within minutes, so distraction, water, a short walk or slow breathing can help. Tell people around you so they can support you, and avoid alcohol early on. A slip is not the end; learn from it and continue.
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.