About educational therapists
Educational therapists (psychopedagogues) support children, teenagers and adults with learning difficulties such as dyslexia or attention problems, study techniques and school guidance, in coordination with families and schools.
Getting mental health care in Germany
Public health system · Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV)
Psychotherapy by licensed psychotherapists and psychiatric care are covered by statutory health insurance without a GP referral, starting with a psychotherapeutic consultation (Sprechstunde). Appointments can be booked via the 116117 appointment service; waiting times for ongoing therapy are often long. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Landespsychotherapeutenkammern (umbrella body: Bundespsychotherapeutenkammer). Psychotherapist is a protected title requiring a state licence (Approbation); the title psychologist alone does not allow healthcare practice. Statutory-insurance therapists can be found in the 116117 doctor search. Search the official register
- Landesärztekammern (state medical chambers). Psychiatrists are licensed physicians with a specialist qualification registered with their state medical chamber. Search the official register
Typical private fees
- Session with a psychologist
- €100 – €153
Private fee for a 50-minute behavioural therapy session under the official fee schedule (GOÄ 870) at the 2.3 to 3.5 multiplier, 2021 billing table. Sources
Insurance and coverage
Statutory insurance covers approved psychotherapy methods by licensed psychotherapists; private insurance coverage depends on the tariff.
Urgent help in Germany
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 0800 111 0 111 · TelefonSeelsorge
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: api.bptk.de, 116117.de
What does a educational therapist do?
An educational therapist, known in Spanish as a psicopedagogo, helps children, teenagers and adults learn more effectively. Day to day they identify how a person learns, assess difficulties with reading, writing, maths, organisation or study skills, and design practical intervention plans. They work individually with students and coordinate closely with families and schools, adapting materials and strategies to each learner.
When to see a educational therapist
It can help when a student works hard but grades do not reflect it, struggles with reading or writing, finds it hard to organise or plan, needs support after a diagnosis such as dyslexia or ADHD, or is changing school stage. If there are significant emotional or behavioural problems, or a formal psychological diagnosis is needed, an educational or clinical psychologist should be involved.
How is it different from other professionals?
A psychopedagogue usually has a background in education and focuses on learning processes and intervention. An educational psychologist is a licensed psychologist who can carry out formal psychological assessments and address emotional or behavioural aspects. A speech therapist works on language, speech and communication. A private tutor teaches subject content, whereas a psychopedagogue works on how the student learns.
What happens in the first session
The first meeting usually involves an interview with the family, or with the adult learner, about school history, current difficulties and what has been tried, followed by observation or initial tasks with the student. Bring report cards, notebooks, previous assessments and teacher comments. Ask what the plan will include, how progress is measured and how they coordinate with the school.
How long does the process take?
Intervention is often organised in one or two sessions a week, frequently aligned with the school year. Some goals, like study techniques, can be worked on in a few months; persistent learning difficulties may need support over a longer period. Duration depends on the student’s age, the type of difficulty, motivation, practice at home and collaboration with teachers.
Online or in person?
Online sessions can work well for older children, teenagers and adults, especially for study skills, organisation and reading or writing practice with shared screens. They also make it easier to meet with families. Younger children, or those with marked attention difficulties, often benefit more from in-person sessions using hands-on materials and close guidance.
How to check their qualifications
Psychopedagogy is not a regulated profession in many countries, so check the professional’s degree in education, psychopedagogy or psychology, any postgraduate training in learning difficulties, and their experience with students of similar age and needs. Membership of professional associations and ongoing training are good signs. If a formal diagnosis is needed, confirm who will be responsible for it.
What affects the price?
Prices vary with the professional’s training and experience, session length and frequency, whether an initial assessment with report is included, the city and modality. Many offer monthly fees for regular sessions. Ask what is included, such as coordination with the school or materials, and whether schools or public education services provide learning support at no cost.
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 Germany cover psychological care?
Psychotherapy by licensed psychotherapists and psychiatric care are covered by statutory health insurance without a GP referral, starting with a psychotherapeutic consultation (Sprechstunde). Appointments can be booked via the 116117 appointment service; waiting times for ongoing therapy are often long.
How do I check that a educational therapist is licensed in Germany?
Landespsychotherapeutenkammern (umbrella body: Bundespsychotherapeutenkammer): Psychotherapist is a protected title requiring a state licence (Approbation); the title psychologist alone does not allow healthcare practice. Statutory-insurance therapists can be found in the 116117 doctor search.
How much does a session with a psychologist cost in Germany?
Usually between €100 and €153 per individual session in private practice. Private fee for a 50-minute behavioural therapy session under the official fee schedule (GOÄ 870) at the 2.3 to 3.5 multiplier, 2021 billing table.