Hi everyone,

Let's just say I have a couple of issues that I'd like to discuss with a professional, preferably in Zurich area. Does anyone know a decent English speaking psychologist or therapist here? Also, do you have any idea on how much can such a meeting cost?

80-130 per hour afaik


Can't help with suggestions sorry

Thanks, that would be in line with what I was thinking of.

Hi Emstan. The cost of therapy ranges from 80-200 CHF per hour (though many therapists do a 50 min hour). If you find a therapist who works “delegated” (delegierte psychotherapie), the Krankenkasse will pay 90% of the cost. If you have supplemental insurance (zusatzversicherung) the insurance will pay a percentage of the cost. You would have to check with your insurance to see what they cover. There are some generous insurances, but the most pay a minimal amount.

Simple google search

http://www.drsallystern.com

https://www.martina-famos.ch

I can highly recommend Tanja Rom.

She is located right by Central and, if you have supplementary insurance, there is a good chance that they will cover her services (you have to check first).

good luck!

Why only 90%? Health insurance covers 100% of the cost after you have exhausted your excess and contribution.

Yes, I know how to google, but in such matters I'd rather trust someone's recommendation than Google's algorithm. Thanks, though!

In which case you would trust a totally stranger's opinion...But anyway, I get your point. I usually ask for recommendations too (not always happy with them though) but when I get none, I trust google search and then look at those people's credentials and work experience, also check out if they have some online reviews. Good luck, anyway.

Only if it is a "psychiatrist", i.e. a medical doctor.

Psychiatrists in Switzerland are primarily for medical mental health diagnosis and medication. You would also need a referral from your GP to make an appointment with a mental health doctor. Most therapists (i.e. a psychologist/psychotherapist) in Switzerland are not doctors, and therapy isn't covered by insurance, unless the patient has already private supplementary coverage. (Which is expensive and hard to obtain.)

I can highly recommend someone in Basel if anyone should ever need one here: http://praxisbs.ch/en/team/lic-phil-marina-poppinger/

Unfortunately a portion of the information above is not correct.

Yes, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses the mental health problem and can prescribe medication and/or other treatments.

Unless you have a restrictive health plan (which requires you to consult first with a GP), you can make an appointment with a psychiatrist directly.

The psychiatrist then "prescribes" a psychologist/psychotherapist if that mode of treatment is indicated. And in doing so, it is covered by LaMal.

My doctor did that for me and it was rejected by my insurance...

P.S. Also not on a restricted health plan, I am never able to make appointments with specialists directly - its the specialists that always request a referral. (Aside from a gynecologist etc.)

Happier its been easier for you, but I am speaking from direct experience here. Maybe its different by each canton.