Paula Piechotta, a political figure from the Green party focusing on health policy, has voiced serious concerns regarding prospective budget restrictions on psychotherapy services, warning that such measures could lead to significantly longer waiting times. Piechotta told the news magazine Politico that while changes to reimbursement schemes are expected to alter the reality of the system, therapists may soon find it difficult to bill for services as readily. Consequently, the already protracted waiting periods are likely to extend further in numerous regions.
Piechotta strongly disagrees with the premise of the planned savings in mental health care. Although she acknowledges that statutory health insurance funds (GKV) must limit their expenditures, she points out that psychotherapy accounts for only “approximately one percent of the total expenditures” of the GKV, which amounts to about 3.8 billion euros annually.
Instead, she argues that the medical insurance system has far greater potential for savings in other areas. She highlights that the GKV currently spends around 60 billion euros per year solely on patented medications, stating, “They definitely should have made much stronger cuts there.” She adds that proposals for such savings were reportedly softened during the legislative process involving the governing coalition and the Federal Council.
While she concedes that simplifying the training process for psychotherapists might help attract more professionals, she contends that this does not solve the root problem. “They still have to be paid,” Piechotta noted. Considering the sharp increase in the number of mental health conditions, she insists that efforts must primarily be directed toward strengthening preventive measures.
