How can I find a psychiatrist or psychotherapist who's right for me?

Psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist?

For laypeople it can be confusing: what distinguishes a psychiatrist from a psychologist, and what happens during psychotherapy? Psychiatrists have a medical degree and have completed further training to specialize in psychiatry and psychotherapy. They can only call themselves psychiatrists after passing a specialist examination, which allows them to practise medical psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are not only permitted to provide therapeutic consultations but may also prescribe medication and physically examine or hospitalize patients. Basic insurance covers the services offered by psychiatrists.

In contrast, psychologists are not doctors, but rather specialists who have studied psychology. Psychotherapists are psychologists who have completed officially recognized specialist training in psychotherapy. Psychologists must have completed this officially recognized training and need to have a cantonal licence to practise. Otherwise they may not diagnose mental illnesses or conduct psychotherapy in private practice. Psychotherapists are not permitted to prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists and psychotherapists always require a cantonal licence to treat patients in private practice. They must also be listed in the register of medical professionals or the register of professional psychologists.

Basic insurance covers psychotherapy as long as the psychologist or therapist in question is employed by a psychiatrist and practises therapy under their supervision (also known as delegated psychotherapy). Starting with the 40th hour of therapy, a report needs to be submitted to your insurer's medical advisor to clarify whether further sessions will be covered. As of 1 July 2022, psychotherapists are permitted to independently bill basic insurance for their services provided the therapy was prescribed by a doctor.

Supplemental outpatient insurance also covers some of the costs for psychotherapists who practise independently. The Federation of Swiss Psychologists (FSP) provides an overview of the services reimbursed by the different health insurers (in German only).

FAQs

What is a psychiatrist?

Education: medical degree, specialization in psychiatry and psychotherapy, subsequent advanced training

Authorized to: provide full scope of treatment, prescribe medication, issue a certificate of occupational disability and arrange referrals to a clinic; services are covered by basic insurance

Licence to practise: mandatory

Required to practise under supervision: mandatory if they do not have their own licence to practise

What is a psychologist?

Education: psychology degree

Authorized to: NOT authorized to diagnose illnesses, treat mentally ill patients or prescribe medication; not considered a medical professional

Licence to practise: mandatory if providing therapy (e.g. as a psychotherapist)

Required to practise under supervision: mandatory if providing therapy (e.g. as a psychotherapist)

What is a psychotherapist?

Education: psychology degree with officially recognized specialist training in psychotherapy, subsequent advanced training

Authorized to: diagnose psychological disorders and treat them using psychotherapy. NOT authorized to prescribe medication or issue certificates of occupational disability. Basic insurance covers the cost of delegated psychotherapy (as of July 2022, therapy is also covered without the supervision of a psychiatrist if it was prescribed by a doctor).

Licence to practise: mandatory

Required to practise under supervision: must be supervised by a doctor for delegated psychotherapy (only applies until July 2022, see above)

How can I find the right psychotherapist?

The Comparis medical directory can help you find a therapist in your area. Many psychiatrists also state whether they are currently accepting new patients. When making your choice, keep the following points in mind:

• Are the basic requirements met?

• Psychiatrist: medical degree and specialist medical title

• Psychotherapist: psychology degree and psychotherapy training

• How much professional experience do they have? (number of years)

• Where have they gained their professional experience?

• What training have they completed for the kind of therapy on offer?

• Is their training up to date?

Psychiatrists and psychotherapists are often very booked up with patients. Comparis currently does not offer a directory for psychotherapists.

Schedule a trial appointment

For psychotherapy to be successful, it's important for you and your therapist to be on the same page. To find out if this is the case, you should schedule an appointment as a trial to get to know your therapist. This lets both parties determine whether there's a trust-based foundation for proceeding with therapy.

What should a good psychotherapist be able to offer?

Psychotherapy is very personal. Having trust in your therapist is therefore crucial. Likeability is important but shouldn't be the only criterion for your choice. Here are some indicators of a competent psychiatrist or psychotherapist:

• Good listener, puts the focus on you as the patient

• Takes you seriously

• Creates trust and builds a relationship with you

• Provides easy-to-understand courses of action and ways of thinking that are compatible with everyday life – as opposed to complicated theories and statistics

• Addresses topics at the right moment and finds the right time to address unpleasant issues

• Has a balanced manner

When does health insurance pay for psychotherapy?

Basic insurance only covers the costs of psychotherapy offered by a psychologist if they are working under the supervision of a doctor. After 40 sessions, you must obtain confirmation from your health insurance provider that the cost of additional sessions will be covered.

Starting in the summer of 2022, a new system will be introduced: if a doctor prescribes therapy for a patient, an independently practising psychologist can provide the therapy and directly bill their services to the health insurer. A prescription is limited to 15 therapy sessions. After 30 sessions, the therapy can be extended if approved by the health insurance company.

What should I do next?

If you're struggling with your mental health, you can either directly seek out a psychiatrist or first visit your general practitioner (which may be mandatory depending on your type of insurance). Your general practitioner can refer you to a psychiatrist, who can help find the cause of your difficulties. After that, you can start therapy with a psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
In any event, do not hesitate to get the help you need.