Is psychotherapy covered?
Yes, and the rule changed fundamentally on 1 July 2022. Psychotherapy with a psychologist is now covered on a doctor’s prescription — including your family doctor’s.
What changed in 2022
Before July 2022, basic insurance covered psychotherapy with a psychologist only where it was “delegated”: the psychologist had to practise within a doctor’s practice, under their responsibility. Many patients therefore paid out of pocket, or went without.
Since then the prescription model applies: a doctor — GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist — prescribes the therapy, and the licensed psychological psychotherapist bills basic insurance directly. You no longer need to go through a psychiatrist to be reimbursed.
How many sessions
One prescription covers fifteen sessions. It is renewed once on the doctor’s decision alone, making thirty sessions in total.
Beyond that, continuation requires a supporting report and approval by the insurer’s medical adviser. In a crisis, a doctor can prescribe rapid care without waiting: do not wait for the paperwork to be “in order” before seeking help.
What remains yours
The ordinary rules: your deductible, then the 10 per cent co-payment, capped at CHF 700 a year for an adult. A session typically bills at CHF 150 to 200.
This is precisely the case where a low deductible makes sense. Thirty sessions in a year easily come to CHF 5,000 of costs: with a CHF 2,500 deductible you front all of them before any reimbursement begins.
Sophie’s guides
- CHF 300 or CHF 2,500 deductible?
- Family doctor, HMO or telemedicine?
- Cancelling your health insurer
- Premium subsidies
- Understanding LAMal
- Supplementary insurance (VVG)
- Pillar 3a taxation 2026
- Our status and your rights
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