From 1 July 2022, psychotherapy provided by trained psychologists will be reimbursed under Switzerland’s basic compulsory health insurance, reported RTS.

To qualify for reimbursement the service will need to be prescribed by a doctor and meet certain conditions. Prices for the service have not been set. The federal government and cantons still need to work out a price for reimbursable services. In the meantime, a provisional rate of CHF 154.80 will apply until 31 December 2024.
In addition, there will be limits on the number of sessions that are covered. A prescription will allow up to 15 with the possibility of a second prescription for a further 15. After 30 sessions a report will need to be made to the insurance company’s advisory doctor with a cap of 40 sessions.
Currently, psychotherapy is not reimbursed unless it is provided by a psychiatrist or a psychiatric practice of approved status.
The change comes as the World Health Organisation publishes its latest report on the state of mental health globally. According to the report nearly 1 billion were were living with a mental health disorder in 2019. Globally, around 70% of those suffering from psychosis have no access to any mental healthcare, said the report.
According to the Federal Council the change is expected to cost CHF 100 million a year with the possibility of rising to CHF 170 million. No information was provided on how the extra costs would be funded. Not withstanding cost savings in other areas, extra money will probably need to come from higher premiums or taxes. Wondering how to pay the cost of higher premiums and taxes can only add to anxiety.
More on this:
RTS article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
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