Online Therapy
What is Online Therapy?
Online therapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment conducted via secure video. Sessions take place using a protected, GDPR-compliant video platform and are equivalent in structure, process, and effectiveness to in-person sessions in my practice.
For licensed psychotherapists in Germany, online therapy is legally permitted and an established part of standard mental healthcare. Since 2019, it has been officially recognized by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) and can be billed just like traditional face-to-face sessions.
Data Protection and Confidentiality
Confidentiality applies fully and without exception – both online and in person. I exclusively use certified video platforms that meet all GDPR requirements and comply with the official Psychotherapy Guideline, such as the video services provided by EPIKUR or RED Medical.
Your data is transmitted in encrypted form to ensure that it remains protected at all times and that online therapy meets all legal and professional standards.
What are the benefits of Online Therapy?
- Location-independent
- Flexible and time-saving
- Suitable during illness or mild infections
- Possible during travel abroad or business trips
- No commuting required
- Can be combined with in-person sessions
What does Online Therapy cost?
Online therapy is a regular psychotherapeutic service and is billed exactly the same way as an in-person session. There are no additional costs and no extra fees for video sessions.
- Statutory health insurance: Online sessions are reimbursable when a guideline-based psychotherapy is in place.
- Private insurance / Beihilfe: Usually covered in the same way as face-to-face sessions; reimbursable under GOÄ/GOP or Beihilfe regulations.
- Self-payers: The fee is identical to an in-person session.This ensures that you can use online therapy just as conveniently as in-person treatment—without extra effort and without additional costs.
Can I attend Online Therapy while abroad?
Yes. If you are abroad—for example on vacation, a business trip, or visiting family—online sessions can still take place. Your location is not decisive as long as you:
- have German health insurance, or
- are privately insured, or
- choose to self-pay.
This allows your treatment to continue flexibly and independently of your physical location, provided you have a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space for the session.
Technical Requirements
For a secure online session, you will need:
- Laptop, PC, tablet, or smartphone with camera, microphone, and speakers
- A stable internet connection
- A quiet and private room
- Access to a certified video platform (I will send the link). No software installation is required.
How does an online session work?
- You receive an appointment and a secure video link from me.
- On the day of the session, please log in about ten minutes beforehand. No account creation is required.
- The video platform will ask for your full name so I can identify you correctly.
- The system performs a quick technical check. You will then enter a virtual waiting room until I begin the session.
- The session itself follows the same structure and content as a regular in-person therapy session—just digitally.
- When the session is over, you can simply close the browser window.
When is Online Therapy suitable?
Online therapy is particularly helpful:
- During longer stays abroad
- With limited mobility
- When long travel distances make attendance difficult
- As a combination with in-person sessions
Is Online Therapy effective?
Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy. With a clear therapeutic structure, a strong therapeutic relationship, and a secure technical setup, online sessions can achieve outcomes comparable to traditional face-to-face treatment.
When is Online Therapy NOT suitable?
Online therapy is not indicated in cases of:
- Acute crises or emergencies
- Acute self-harm or harm-to-others risk
- Severe psychiatric disorders requiring close in-person monitoring
- Situations that demand immediate on-site intervention
- Strong discomfort with digital communication
- Lack of privacy or a safe environment
In such situations, I recommend in-person treatment. I reserve the right to decline online therapy if it is not appropriate for legal or clinical reasons.
Important Note: Online therapy should always be conducted by a qualified psychotherapist who can assess whether this format is suitable for your situation and adapt the treatment accordingly.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me.
