Lesson 1 How to get help?/ Steps to do

• Talk to your personal doctor (GP) for a recommendation. If you are a woman, consider referring to a gynecologist.
• Call your health insurance company, they can refer you to a clinical psychologist for a certain number of sessions.
• You have the option to search for a private therapist yourself (important keywords are: Psychotherapy; professional treatment). Call the practice directly. Important: Inquire about the professional’s training, method, experience and licensure to make your choice and to check billing with your insurance.

• Ask your health insurance company in advance whether the costs will be covered.
• The statutory health insurance companies pay for the costs of treatment of mental illnesses, provided that this is defined as medical treatment; for this, the practitioner must be licensed by the health insurance companies (you can find this on the practice sign or by asking)
• In some cases for public health systems the treatment is free

• Inpatient therapy is implemented when outpatient therapy is no longer sufficient, suicidal ideation increases/intentions become urgent/environment is toxic or too stressful or burdensome and physical condition generally worsens.
• Switch between ambulatory or stationary treatments are possible.

Referral to a specialist is always necessary in case of:

• Diagnostic uncertainty
• Lack of improvement or insufficient improvement
• Complication by other existing diseases (addiction, depression, etc.)