Paragraph 2 of § 1 PsychThG (Psychotherapists Law) states that psychotherapy is any activity carried out professionally or commercially by means of scientifically tested and recognized psychotherapeutic procedures or methods in order to determine, cure or alleviate disorders for which psychotherapy is indicated. This paragraph goes on to say that activities whose sole purpose is to work through or overcome social conflicts or for other purposes outside the field of healing, do not belong to the practice of psychotherapy.
Accordingly, the Federal Association of German Psychologists summarizes the offer of psychological counseling as follows: "Psychological counseling is a process based on interrelationships between persons or groups for the promotion of psychological competence and action competence (change of thought, feeling and action patterns), for the activation of existing and development of new resources, for the reduction of disturbing factors. In this process there is agreement between the participating persons (psychologist, psychologist, person/group seeking advice) about the need for counseling. The counseling process is carried out towards described goals. Methods are used that are based on findings from scientific psychology."
In summary, then, psychological counseling is explicitly not for the purpose of curing or alleviating mental disorders. Accordingly, it is not a service that is covered by private or statutory health insurance.
