We show where you can go for outpatient psychotherapy and what the difference is between psychotherapists, psychologists and psychiatrists.
Mental health
Psychotherapist? Psychologist? Psychiatrist?

Outpatient psychotherapy

Which specialist is the right one for you? Give us a call: 
+41 41 228 09 94 

Distinguishing between the different professionals

Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish between the various specialists in the fields of psychology, psychotherapy and psychiatry. In general, the following rule applies:

  • Psychologists

    Psychologists have a degree in psychology but no specialist training in psychotherapy. As a result, they are not authorised to treat people with mental illnesses and work in non-medical areas such as career advice instead.

  • Psychotherapists

    Psychotherapists have a degree in psychology plus a specialist qualification in psychotherapy. This means that they are allowed to provide psychotherapy but not to prescribe any medicines.

  • Psychiatrists

    Psychiatrists have a degree in medicine and a specialist medical qualification in psychiatry and psychotherapy. As a result, they are authorised to provide medical psychotherapy treatment and prescribe medicines. 

Anyone who is suffering from a mental illness such as depression, anxiety or a compulsive disorder should therefore contact a psychotherapist or a psychiatrist.

Cost coverage of outpatient psychotherapy

When the disorder is classed as pathological, outpatient psychotherapy is paid for by mandatory health insurance (OKP/AOS/AOMS, basic insurance).

Psychiatrists are allowed to work independently and for their own account provided that they meet the statutory accreditation requirements. The same applies to self-employed psychotherapists; Please note however that a medical prescription for psychotherapy is necessary for the costs to be covered by mandatory health insurance. 

Find a specialist - use the following search engines:

How do I prepare for the initial psychotherapeutic consultation?

You would like to start psychotherapy? You should prepare well for the first consultation with a psychotherapeutic specialist and think about your wishes and expectations of both the therapy and the therapist in advance.

We have compiled a checklist for you, which you can use to prepare yourself for the first consultation with a psychotherapist.

Further information


Give us your feedback: What experiences have you had with the CONCORDIA Health Compass? Do you have questions about using it?
What suggestions do you have for us? Or maybe you didn't find what you were looking for?
Call us on +41 41 228 09 94. Or write your message to healthcompass@concordia.ch.

We would be happy to provide further assistance.