Yes, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT – Kognitive Verhaltenstherapie) is considered one of the most important and widely used types of psychotherapy in Germany. It is officially recognized, and statutory health insurance (GKV) covers it in full under specific conditions.

Here are all the details:

Why does statutory health insurance cover CBT?
Because CBT is one of the three psychotherapy methods officially recognized within Germany’s healthcare system (under SGB V):

• Behavioral therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy)

• Depth psychology–based therapy

• Psychoanalysis

What do you need for the treatment to be covered?

Choose a therapist with “Kassenzulassung”
Meaning a licensed psychotherapist who is approved to bill the statutory health insurance (Krankenkasse).

Free introductory sessions (Probatorische Sitzungen)

• 2 to 5 sessions

• help build trust and clarify your situation

Submit an official request (Antrag auf Psychotherapie)

• typically submitted by your therapist on your behalf

• you do not need a specialist doctor at the start; however, a brief medical check (Konsiliarbericht) may sometimes be required to rule out an organic cause

How many sessions are allowed?

Therapy type | Initial covered phase | Extension possible?
Individual therapy (Einzeltherapie) | 12–24 sessions to start | Yes, up to 80 sessions
Group therapy (Gruppentherapie) | up to 80 sessions | Yes, depending on need

Is CBT covered for children and teenagers?
Yes. GKV also covers CBT for children (from around age 6) with a specialist in child and adolescent psychotherapy (Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapie).

What about private insurance (PKV)?
PKV usually covers CBT, but it depends on your individual contract terms. It’s important to review your policy carefully.

Important notes
If no therapist with Kassenzulassung is available, it may be possible to request special approval for treatment with a private therapist and reimbursement of costs.
In major cities, waiting times can be long—so start booking early.

The site’s writers and editors aim to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may remain unconfirmed. Please treat this as initial guidance and consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.