Overview
- An expanded arbitration committee finalized a 4.5% reduction to outpatient psychotherapy reimbursement effective April 1, 2026, after talks between insurers and the KBV failed.
- Practice infrastructure supplements are being raised by roughly 14.25–14.5% retroactive to January 1, with the GKV claiming the package equates to a 2.3% net reduction this year, a view disputed by therapist groups.
- The Deutsche PsychotherapeutenVereinigung estimates a 60‑minute session will drop from about €119.89 to €114.49, translating to an average practice loss of roughly €6,490 annually.
- Psychotherapist associations, the KBV, and social advocates warn the move will worsen access, citing current waits of several months and urging the Health Ministry to review or reverse the decision.
- Public pushback is growing through demonstrations and large online petitions, as workforce constraints such as rising part‑time rates limit the system’s ability to absorb reduced fees.