Many people still believe that to see a psychologist in Switzerland, you first have to see a psychiatrist, that the process is long and complicated, or simply that it isn’t covered by health insurance. There has been a significant change that many are unaware of: since July 2022, registered psychologists have been able to bill the LAMal directly using the so-called medical prescription model.
What does this mean in practice? It means that if you need to see a psychologist, you can speak to your GP, ask for a referral, and take that referral directly to the psychologist of your choice. The referral entitles you to a maximum of 15 sessions. If, once these are finished, you need to continue, the GP and the psychologist will exchange information and a new prescription can be issued. After 30 sessions, the insurer must be consulted. The process exists, is regulated, and works.
The cost doesn’t disappear entirely. The sessions are subject to the same rules as any other medical treatment: first, your excess is deducted (300 CHF if you have the basic plan, or more if you’ve opted for a higher one), and then you pay 10% of the cost up to an annual limit of 700 CHF. Once that threshold is exceeded, the rest is covered by the health insurance fund. It isn’t free, but it doesn’t come out of your pocket at the cost of a private consultation either.
What you do need to bear in mind is that demand for psychologists in Switzerland is high and there are genuine waiting lists. It’s not always as simple as getting a referral and booking an appointment the following week. But the system is there. Many Spaniards who have been here for years are unaware of this. If you ever need to use it, the first step is to speak to your GP.