About family therapy
Family therapy works with several members together to improve communication, resolve conflicts and support everyone through changes such as separations, illness or adolescence.
Social workers support people and families in difficult situations: access to social and health resources, dependency, family conflicts, addictions or social exclusion. They coordinate with public services and other professionals.
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
Signs to look out for
Every family goes through tension. Family therapy may help when conflict is constant or very intense, communication has broken down, a child’s difficulties are straining everyone, members feel stuck in the same patterns, or the family is struggling to adapt to a change such as a separation, a new partner, illness, migration, a loss or a child leaving home.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Systemic family therapy looks at relationships and patterns rather than blaming one person. Approaches with evidence include structural and strategic family therapy, family-based treatment for adolescent eating disorders, multisystemic and functional family therapy for behaviour problems, and parent training. Family therapists, psychologists and social workers with systemic training usually lead the work, sometimes alongside individual therapy.
When to seek urgent help
If there is violence at home, a child or adult is being harmed, or someone is afraid for their safety, contact your local emergency services or specialised protection services. Safety comes before family therapy. Seek urgent help too if any family member talks about suicide, has harmed themselves seriously, or is at risk of harming others.
What you can do in the meantime
Set aside calm times to talk, and try to listen to understand rather than to reply. Agree on a few household rules together and keep them consistent. Avoid involving children in adult conflicts. Make room for enjoyable shared moments, even short ones. If tensions run high, take breaks before continuing a discussion. Each person looking after their own well-being also helps the family.
What does a social worker do?
A social worker supports individuals, families and communities facing social, economic or relational difficulties. Day to day they assess needs, inform people about their rights and available resources, help with applications, coordinate with health, education, housing and legal services, and accompany people through crises. Some offer counselling or family intervention, especially in mental health, child protection, ageing and disability settings.
When to see a social worker
A social worker can help when practical problems add to emotional strain: caring for a dependent relative, financial or housing difficulties, isolation, a separation affecting children, a disability, or navigating services after a diagnosis. They are also key when there is risk of abuse or neglect. For psychological therapy itself, a psychologist or psychotherapist is usually more appropriate.
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 social worker 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.