Psychotherapy: What does CSS pay?
Mental health is important. CSS pays a share of the costs for psychotherapy via basic insurance and – depending on the situation – via supplementary insurance. Look in myCSS to see what CSS pays.
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What options are available when experiencing psychological stress?
- Psychotherapy from a professional recognised by CSS, with or without a doctor’s prescription – depending on the insurance
- Psychological counselling and digital offers
- Treatment of a psychological disorder by a psychiatrist, with or without a stay in a clinic
What does basic insurance pay for psychotherapy?
Mandatory basic insurance assumes the cost of psychotherapy if prescribed by a doctor.
Basic insurance pays when:
- a doctor prescribes the psychotherapy
- the treatment is performed by a recognised psychotherapist
Important: Basic insurance will not assume any costs without a doctor's prescription. You pay the deductible and retention fee out of your own pocket. Clear up these points before your treatment starts to avoid unexpected costs.
What does supplementary insurance pay?
Supplementary insurance gives you more freedom to choose your treatment.
Depending on the supplementary insurance plan, CSS pays a share:
- of psychotherapy or psychological counselling without a doctor’s prescription.
The condition: The professional must be recognised by CSS. myCSS lets you see at any time what benefits your supplementary insurance pays. The Client Service Centre can tell you which therapists are recognised by CSS.
Share of costs for psychotherapy per supplementary insurance plan
| Insurance | Share paid |
|---|---|
| myFlex Balance Outpatient Insurance | 75%, max. CHF 1,000 / calendar year |
| myFlex Premium Outpatient Insurance | 75%, max. CHF 3,000 / calendar year |
| Standard Insurance | CHF 40 per session for 20 sessions / calendar year |
| Standard Plus Insurance | CHF 40 per session for 20 sessions / calendar year |
| Health Insurance Livo Smart | 50%, max. CHF 500 / calendar year |
| Health Insurance Livo Top, Balance | 75%, max. CHF 1,000 / calendar year |
| Health Insurance Livo Top, Premium | 75%, max. CHF 3,000 / calendar year |
Do I need to see my family doctor before getting psychotherapy?
- Yes, under basic insurance
You need a doctor’s prescription for psychotherapy under basic insurance. You can usually get one from your family doctor. - No, under supplementary insurance
A doctor's prescription isn’t normally needed for benefits under supplementary insurance or for prevention so long as the professional is recognised and the service they offer is included in the cover. Exception: A doctor’s prescription is required under UNO+ and DUE+ Supplementary Insurance.
Psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist: What's the difference?
| Psychologist | Has studied psychology, no medical training, no medication. Basic insurance doesn’t pay. Supplementary insurance pays, depending on the product, if the psychologist is recognised. |
|---|---|
| Psychotherapist | Has studied psychology, plus recognised advanced qualification in psychotherapy. Basic insurance pays with a doctor’s prescription, supplementary insurance without (depending on the product). |
| Psychiatrist | Doctor who specialises in psychiatry. Permitted to prescribe medication and perform psychotherapy. Basic insurance pays according to the rules set out in law, supplementary insurance may also contribute. |
FAQs
Yes. Basic insurance pays for psychotherapy if prescribed by a doctor and the professional in question is recognised. You pay the deductible and retention fee out of your own pocket. Take a look in myCSS to see how much CSS pays.
Basic insurance: No, there are no benefits without a doctor’s prescription.
Supplementary insurance: Yes, depending on the insurance plan.
Many supplementary insurance plans from CSS contribute towards psychotherapy without a doctor’s prescription. Ask the CSS Client Service Centre. It can tell you whether your therapist is recognised.
Supplementary insurance is worthwhile if you:
- want to go ahead without a doctor’s prescription.
- would like more freedom to choose a therapist.
The Client Service Centre (0844 277 277) can tell you which therapists are recognised under supplementary insurance.
For basic insurance, it’s best to ask your family doctor which professionals are accredited.
