About insomnia
Chronic insomnia means difficulty falling or staying asleep several nights a week for months. Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first treatment and works on habits, schedules and the thoughts that keep sleeplessness going.
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
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
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
Signs to look out for
Everyone sleeps badly sometimes, especially during stress. Insomnia may need attention when you regularly struggle to fall asleep, wake up often or very early and cannot get back to sleep, or wake unrefreshed, for several weeks, and it affects your mood, concentration, energy or safety during the day. Worrying about sleep itself often becomes part of the problem.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. It includes sleep scheduling, stimulus control, work on unhelpful beliefs about sleep and relaxation techniques. Psychologists and clinical psychologists trained in CBT-I usually provide it, individually, in groups or through guided digital programmes. A doctor should rule out physical causes and other sleep disorders.
When to seek urgent help
Seek prompt medical attention if you stop breathing or gasp during sleep, fall asleep while driving or in dangerous situations, or go several nights with almost no sleep alongside unusual energy, racing thoughts or confusion. If lack of sleep comes with hopelessness or thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep a regular wake-up time every day, including weekends, and only go to bed when you feel sleepy. If you cannot sleep after a while, get up and do something calm in dim light until you feel drowsy. Limit caffeine after midday, alcohol and heavy meals at night. Reduce screens before bed and get daylight and movement during the day.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
When to see a psychologist
It makes sense to see a psychologist when anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship problems, a loss or a difficult change start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, or when you simply want to understand yourself better. If symptoms are very severe, you may need medication, or there are signs of a medical cause, a psychiatrist or your doctor should be involved too.
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 psychologist 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.