Germany's Psychotherapy Budget Cuts May Extend Wait Times, Warns Paula Piechotta

Green health policy spokesperson Paula Piechotta warned that the planned budgeting of psychotherapeutic services in Germany could lengthen already long waiting periods for treatment.

She explained that changes to remuneration may stop therapists from billing for all sessions, which could cause waiting times to increase in many regions. The government aims to save about €3.8 billion a year – roughly 1 % of statutory health‑insurance outlays – while spending on patented medicines is around €60 billion. Piechotta argued that cuts should target drug costs instead, noting that simplifying therapist training will not solve the core problem without adequate compensation. She urged stronger preventive measures given the rise in mental‑health cases.

Key quotes: “Es ist sicherlich so, dass die Veränderung der Vergütung dazu führen wird, dass sich die Realität verändern wird” and “Die müssen ja dann auch bezahlt werden”.