About burnout
Burnout is exhaustion linked to work: emotional fatigue, distance or cynicism towards the job and a feeling of not being effective. Psychological support focuses on recovery, workload and boundaries, values and, when needed, decisions about the work situation.
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 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
Burnout develops gradually under prolonged work pressure. Common signs include exhaustion that rest does not fix, feeling detached, cynical or numb about your job, a sense that nothing you do makes a difference, and difficulty concentrating. You may dread Monday, feel irritable with colleagues or family, get ill more often, or find that weekends and holidays no longer help you recover.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychologists, clinical psychologists and occupational psychologists can help with burnout. Cognitive-behavioural approaches, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and stress-management programmes help with recovery, boundaries and values. Support often includes looking at workload, job demands and possible changes at work. A doctor should assess exhaustion and rule out physical causes or depression, and may advise on time off.
When to seek urgent help
Burnout can overlap with depression. If you feel hopeless, cannot function at all, or have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Seek prompt medical care for physical symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations or fainting.
What you can do in the meantime
Try to protect clear boundaries between work and rest, such as switching off notifications after hours. Prioritise sleep, regular meals and gentle exercise. Talk to someone you trust about how you feel, and, if possible, discuss workload with your manager or occupational health service. Reconnecting with activities and people outside work helps. Avoid relying on alcohol or stimulants to keep going.
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 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 psychotherapist 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.