Accessing mental health services in Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its high-quality healthcare system, and this extends to mental health. However, services can be expensive and often require private insurance coverage or significant out-of-pocket payments. While basic mental healthcare is covered under compulsory health insurance, you typically need a referral from a doctor – and finding English-speaking professionals or culturally aware care can be another hurdle for expats.

To understand how to access mental health services in Switzerland, check out these sections:

How does mental healthcare work in Switzerland?

Switzerland offers high-quality mental healthcare through a mix of public and private providers. All residents are required to have basic health insurance, which typically includes coverage for psychiatric treatment – but only under certain conditions. For instance, reimbursement for psychotherapy usually requires a referral from a medical doctor and must be provided by an approved therapist.

Mental health professionals – including psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists – may work in hospitals, group practices, or private clinics. Some are covered under standard insurance, while others operate entirely outside the system, meaning you’ll need to pay out of pocket. This makes it important to understand what your policy includes and what services require extra coverage.

Availability of care can vary by region, and services in English or other languages are more accessible in larger cities. Still, mental healthcare is widely recognized as essential, and many cantons offer additional public support programs or local helplines to help residents manage stress, depression, and other concerns.

How to access Swiss mental health services

If you need mental health support in Switzerland, you should first talk to your general practitioner, who can advise you on your options. Be sure to be open about your symptoms and advocate for your needs. Fortunately, a doctor’s referral means your health insurance should cover at least some of the costs of the services you require.

Once the doctor has assessed your needs, they may refer you to a specialist. Otherwise, you can approach a mental health professional directly, but you may need to pay out of pocket. Be sure to ask your doctor or other provider about current wait times for mental healthcare and what to bring to and expect in a first appointment.

Doctors and psychiatrists may prescribe medication to help with certain conditions.

Using insurance for mental healthcare in Switzerland

All residents of Switzerland must get health insurance within three months of arriving. You must buy basic insurance through a private insurer, and many people decide to get additional, top-up insurance for services like extensive dental care or alternative medicines.

Psychiatric services, including hospitalizations, have long been included in basic health insurance plans. Since 2023, psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been included in basic health insurance as long as it’s prescribed by a medical doctor.

These services are covered under basic health insurance (Grundversicherung|assurance de base). Most of the cost is covered, with the patient responsible for 10% of the cost of treatment, up to an annual maximum. Check with your insurer how many sessions their plan covers. Once you reach this limit, your doctor or psychiatrist can re-refer you for further treatment.

EU visitors to Switzerland can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access essential medical services at the same rate as Swiss residents. This may apply to more acute situations, such as needing emergency treatment in a psychiatric hospital – you may have a harder time using your EHIC card to access talk therapy as it may not be deemed medically necessary.

If you are looking for a policy, the following international health insurance providers offer coverage for Switzerland:

• Allianz Care
• Cigna Global

Finding a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist in Switzerland

When looking for a mental health provider, ask around for recommendations in your international circles. This will also help you find a therapist who speaks your preferred language.

If you prefer online research, Therapy Route and VPZ good places to start. You should also check that your insurance covers your chosen provider.

Finally, check on PsyReg to see if any psychologist you’re interested in is registered with the licensing board.

Support for addiction in Switzerland

If you’re struggling with substance use, there is plenty of support in Switzerland. The best place to start is with your primary care doctor; as much funding is based on the canton level, they will be able to advise you on local treatment options. You can also find help through online resources like Addiction Switzerland (in French, German, and Italian) or the Addiction Index.

Swiss drug policy is quite progressive and focuses on support and harm reduction. Through its Four Pillar Policy, the state prioritizes supporting drug users to live as normal lives as possible, even offering heroin-assisted treatment to those who need it.

Additionally, a landmark 2023 decision from the Swiss Federal Court agreed that those significantly struggling with substance abuse can, under certain circumstances, qualify for disability insurance.

For more information, check out our articles on Switzerland’s drug laws and tackling addiction as an expat.

Services dealing with eating disorders in Switzerland

If you require support for an eating disorder, your first step should be your general doctor. They can best advise you about where to seek support. Arbeitsgemeinschaft Ess-Störungen (AES) also offers a wealth of resources and support.

Help for those with severe symptoms or long-term conditions

If you’re dealing with a serious mental health condition, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression, it’s important to know that help is available and that you’re not alone. In Switzerland, the healthcare system provides structured support for people with long-term or severe psychiatric needs.

The first step is usually to speak with your general practitioner. They can assess your situation and refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or a specialist mental health clinic.

For ongoing care, you may be eligible for treatment through a public psychiatric service or a specialized outpatient program. In some cantons, community-based mental health teams provide coordinated care for people living with chronic conditions.

If you’re already under the care of a mental health professional and your condition worsens, contact them directly. In case of a mental health crisis (e.g., suicidal thoughts, severe psychosis, or risk of harm to yourself or others) call the emergency number 144 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Some regions also have psychiatric emergency services or mobile crisis teams.

Receiving long-term care can also involve additional support, such as social workers, rehabilitation services, supported housing, or help managing daily tasks. If you’re not sure what services are available in your area, your doctor or therapist can help you connect with the right resources.

Mental healthcare for children and young people in Switzerland

It’s possible to find psychiatry and psychotherapy in Switzerland that specializes in the needs of children and adolescents. Psychiatrists and therapists work alongside other doctors when necessary, and the country has four inpatient and eight outpatient facilities specifically for young people. These are usually accessible with basic private health insurance, but check which treatments it covers.

Another excellent resource to support students with mental health in schools is Schulnetz21, which provides information for teachers and students. Finally, if your child is struggling with their mental health and you are looking for support, check out Children’s Soul Switzerland, which provides support and resources.

Mental health prevention and education programs in Switzerland

The Swiss government invests in mental health support and education campaigns. To help promote good mental health in workplaces, the government launched the Friendly Work Space program; this program provides support and mentorship for young people in the workplace.

For online support, the Swiss government developed an excellent site to help its German-speaking residents with their emotional vocabulary; Wie-geht’s-dir? provides resources, options, and support to anyone who might be struggling. SantéPsy offers great resources for French-speaking Switzerland.

Useful resources

• Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
• Pro Mente Sana
• SantéPsy – mental health support for French speakers
• Switzerland Mental Health Atlas 2020 – information on the Swiss mental health landscape
• Wie-geht’s-dir? – mental health support for German speakers