# Psychotherapy risks and patient rights in Germany

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/psychotherapy-risks-and-patient-rights-in-germany
> Updated: 2026-08-21T18:41:18.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

In Germany, medical experts have highlighted the potential for unwanted side effects during psychotherapy. Professor Bernhard Strauß noted that therapy can trigger painful emotions such as anxiety, sadness, or anger, which may lead to a temporary worsening of a patient’s condition. Psychiatrist Professor Michael Linden added that these effects can extend to a patient’s social and professional life, including strained relationships or job loss, though such reactions are sometimes necessary for therapeutic change.

Following these discussions on treatment risks, focus has shifted toward the legal rights of patients. As mental health issues rise, experts emphasize that patients have the right to terminate treatment at any time without providing reasons and must be provided with full disclosure regarding diagnoses, costs, and treatment plans. Patients also maintain the right to inspect their medical records and control the sharing of their personal data.

Recent updates in the broader health and wellness sector have reaffirmed these patient rights, specifically noting the importance of patients being able to view their medical records and receiving complete disclosure regarding their diagnoses and the costs associated with their care.

## Claims

- Patients can terminate psychotherapy at any time without stating reasons. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Therapists are required to provide full disclosure regarding diagnoses, therapy plans, and costs. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Patients have the right to inspect their own medical records. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Personal data and conversation contents may only be shared with explicit consent. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Health and wellness updates: Sleep research, CBD safety, and nutrition

New health findings include brain research on sleep drive, updated CBD safety assessments, nutritional guidelines for medication users, and patient rights in psychotherapy.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-patient-rights-in-psychotherapy

### 2026-07-27: German experts warn of unwanted side effects in psychotherapy

German specialists say psychotherapy, while effective, inevitably causes side effects like emotional distress, new symptoms, or relationship strain, which may be essential for lasting improvement.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-experts-warn-of-unwanted-side-effects-in-psychotherapy

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Cite as: Psychotherapy risks and patient rights in Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/psychotherapy-risks-and-patient-rights-in-germany