General information for adults. Not medical or psychotherapeutic advice; not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment.
What can primary care do?
A primary care practice can offer an initial assessment, consider physical explanations and refer people onwards when needed. You do not need to establish a diagnosis yourself before asking for an appointment. [1]
What is an initial psychotherapy consultation?
In Germany, a psychotherapeutische Sprechstunde offers an initial assessment of possible mental health conditions and suitable next steps. This first consultation does not itself guarantee an ongoing therapy place. Germany’s KBV patient service provides information and appointment searches. [2]
What is psychiatric care?
Psychiatric services provide medical care for mental health conditions. Medical and psychological treatment can work together. Check a specific practitioner’s qualifications and services when arranging an appointment. [1]
What are counselling services for?
Psychosocial counselling and community mental health services can help with orientation and everyday concerns. People close to someone may also need support. Counselling is not automatically psychotherapy. [1]
Which country does this describe?
The routes and KBV service described here concern Germany. Access, costs and referral requirements differ between countries. Check with local services. Our crisis support page provides international orientation rather than assuming that English means a particular country.
What could you ask when making contact?
“Do you offer assessment, counselling or treatment? What does it cost? What documents do I need? Are there language or accessibility options?” These questions help clarify the service. If someone is in immediate danger, seek local emergency help rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
READ FURTHER & CHECK THE SOURCES
Sources and context
How should I interpret these sources?
Source notes identify the provider, their use in this article and known limitations. The source-comparison date below is not the original publication date. No update date is assumed where none is available. General findings cannot automatically be applied to an individual; independent medical review of this draft is pending.
- IQWiG: Finding mental health support in Germany (in German) ↗
Provider / domain: www.gesundheitsinformation.de
Patient information about Germany’s health system; access routes do not automatically apply elsewhere. German-language source. Accessed: 29 October 2026.
- German patient service: Psychotherapy (in German) ↗
Provider / domain: www.116117.de
Official German KBV patient service; information about initial consultations and appointment searches in Germany. Accessed: 29 October 2026.
Research and source comparison: 29 October 2026. Prepared with AI assistance. Editorial responsibility: Mario V.W.B.R. Obst. Independent medical expert review is pending. Independent medical expert review has not taken place.