Psychotherapy

The 2022 reform: what changed

Before July 2022, psychologists could not bill KVG directly. Since 1 July 2022, federally licensed psychologists can bill KVG directly under the Anordnungsmodell (prescription model). This means:

• Your GP or any doctor can prescribe psychotherapy
• You choose a licensed psychotherapist directly
• The psychotherapist bills KVG for the sessions
• No psychiatrist is required as an intermediary

How to access psychotherapy under KVG

1. Get a prescription from any doctor — your GP, a psychiatrist, or any licensed physician can issue one
2. Find a licensed psychotherapist — search psychologie.ch for KVG-accredited psychotherapists
3. Book the first appointment — bring your prescription and insurance card
4. Attend your sessions — the psychotherapist bills KVG directly

What KVG covers

KVG covers psychotherapy sessions with a federally licensed psychotherapist with a KVG billing agreement. Sessions are subject to franchise and Selbstbehalt. There is no defined session limit — treatment continues as long as it is medically indicated. The insurer may request a progress report after about 40 sessions.

What KVG does not cover

• Coaching (not a medical service)
• Counselling by unregistered therapists
• Support groups
• Online therapy platforms not contracted with KVG
• Psychotherapy by a therapist without a federal licence or KVG billing agreement

Psychiatric care

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with psychiatric specialisation. Since 2022, they can be accessed directly without a GP referral. For conditions requiring medication, a psychiatrist is often the right contact. Many patients have both a psychiatrist (for medication) and a psychotherapist (for therapeutic work) simultaneously — covered by KVG.