Psychologists have completed a degree in psychology but are not allowed to provide psychotherapy without additional training.
Licensed psychological psychotherapists have completed state-recognized psychotherapy training after their studies. If they have statutory health insurance approval, treatment costs can be covered by public health insurance. However, insurance providers restrict the range of therapeutic methods, and therapy is always recorded in the patient’s medical file.
Non-medical practitioners for psychotherapy hold a state license to practice psychotherapy, work privately, offer short waiting times, and a wide range of methods. Treatment can be provided without being recorded in insurance medical records.
In short:
Psychological psychotherapists usually work within the statutory health insurance system.
Non-medical practitioners for psychotherapy work on a self-pay basis, with greater flexibility, no insurance record, and short waiting times.