Online psychotherapy: where can I find these services?
Psychotherapy can also be very effective online. Where can I find these services? Comparis introduces three providers and explains the costs.
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1. How does online therapy work in Switzerland?
Psychotherapy is available not only in person, but also online. A range of technology is used such as video call, chat and e-mail.
Research on online therapy is still relatively new. But its effect on mental health has already been scientifically proven. The Federation of Swiss Psychologists (FSP) lists Swiss studies that demonstrate positive effects.
There are a few providers in Switzerland that offer psychological help online. This can be a good alternative, as it’s not always easy to find therapy places. Comparis presents three providers.
Important: only seek the care of trained psychotherapists. The article “Finding a psychotherapist” shows what criteria help you to choose a reputable professional.
Since 1 July 2022, psychotherapy can also be billed through basic insurance if prescribed by a doctor. Find out more about this in our article on the new regulations for 2022.
For legal reasons, a diagnosis cannot be made online. In the case of mental disorders, a physical meeting must take place at least for the first session. After that, online therapy may make sense.
2. Wepractice
What does Wepractice offer?
Wepractice is a digital platform where people seeking help can find the right therapy, including online therapy. In addition, Wepractice offers a physical group practice.
How much does it cost?
Payment is made directly through the therapist. The prices vary depending on their qualifications and experience. Individual sessions with federally recognised psychotherapists start at 170 francs per hour.
The therapy can also be billed through supplemental insurance. The psychotherapists indicate in their profile whether their services are recognised by supplemental insurance providers.
Here, Wepractice provides an overview of which supplemental insurance policies cover which services and to what extent.
How does it work?
No registration is required. Anyone seeking help can start directly by selecting a location or opt for online therapy.
You are next asked about your current feelings (such as aggression, grief or stress), life topics (such as bullying or relationship crises) and diagnosed complaints (including ADHD, bulimia or bipolar disorder).
You are then presented a suitable selection of specialists. You can get in touch with them via the contact form. It’s not possible to book appointments directly.
After getting to know each other, therapy can be started. This is booked via Wepractice or directly with the therapist.
3. Bewell
What does Bewell.help offer?
Bewell.help is an appointment booking platform that helps you find and book the right specialist quickly. Sessions can be held in person or online.
Online sessions take place directly on the platform via a protected connection. Upon request, you can attend therapy anonymously.
How much does it cost?
The prices depend on the qualifications of the specialist as well as on the specific offer. Therapies are generally more expensive than psychological counselling. In addition to certified psychotherapists, there are also psychologists, psychological consultants and coaches on the platform.
Treatments with recognised psychotherapists start at 130 francs per hour. Some also offer free initial consultations.
Psychologists without psychotherapeutic training charge at least 40 francs per hour. Here, too, some offer free initial consultations. Crisis counselling by e-mail from a psychologist costs upwards of 60 francs per hour.
How does it work?
If necessary, different areas for treatment (such as work or family) or topics (such as burnout) can be selected or narrowed down on the platform. You can also select the type of treatment desired (such as coaching, mediation or therapy) and then your preferred specialist.
Psychotherapy may only be carried out by recognised psychotherapists. Counselling can also be provided by psychological specialists.
Appointments can be booked online. Therapy is available in person or online, directly via Bewell.help’s own privacy-compliant platform.
4. Aepsy
What does Aepsy offer?
Aepsy is a Swiss company that helps people find therapy services online. More than 100 specialists are connected to the digital platform. With the help of matching, people seeking help can find the right specialist, make appointments and pay via the app.
How much does it cost?
Online therapy costs from 160 francs per hour. Appointments in person can also be booked through Aepsy. The costs here are around 170 francs per hour.
Aepsy acts as a mediation platform. The psychotherapists have their own pricing policies. All costs can be seen transparently on the specialist’s profile.
You can pay for online counselling yourself or it may be covered by supplemental insurance. Here you can find Aepsy’s insurance check. There you can see whether your supplemental insurance covers the costs and to what extent.
How does it work?
Aepsy can be used as a website or app. First, you can state your current problem (such as work, relationship or life crisis).
You are next asked about your feelings of stress or symptoms (such as panic, trauma or compulsion). Therapists are then proposed accordingly.
Those seeking help can view the profiles of various specialists and book a free initial telephone consultation. If you are satisfied with your choice, further appointments can be booked.
