Sociotherapy under § 37a SGB V
What is sociotherapy?
An outpatient service of German statutory health insurance for people who, because of a severe mental illness, cannot access treatment on their own.
In short
Support that starts where things get stuck
Many people with a severe mental illness know that treatment would help them – and still don't make it to their appointments. Not out of indifference, but because drive, concentration or trust are missing.
This is exactly where sociotherapy comes in. It motivates, structures and coordinates: I help you make use of medical care and the services your doctor prescribes, and work with you on running your everyday life more independently.
The goal is to avoid or shorten hospital stays – or to make outpatient treatment work in the first place.
Goals
What we work on together
- Accessing treatmentReliably getting to appointments with doctors, therapy, occupational therapy or day clinic.
- Recognising crises earlyKnowing your early warning signs and having a plan for what to do.
- Structure in daily lifeMaking your day, appointments, post and finances manageable again.
- Relationships and networkInvolving family, friends, employers and support services in a helpful way.
- Avoiding hospitalPreventing or shortening inpatient stays wherever possible.
In practice
What happens in sessions
Every course of support is different. Typical elements include:
- Drawing up the care plan together
- Accompanying you to doctors, authorities and advice centres
- Help with applications, forms and deadlines
- Building a sustainable daily routine
- Training motivation, resilience and stamina
- Help with conflicts in family, housing or work
- Understanding the illness and spotting crises early
- Connecting you with further support, e.g. occupational therapy
- Staying in touch with the clinic during an inpatient stay
- Coordination with the prescribing practice
Requirements
When sociotherapy can be prescribed
The Sociotherapy Directive of the Federal Joint Committee mainly lists these situations:
- Illnesses on the schizophrenia spectrum
- Severe depressive episodes with psychotic symptoms
- Other severe mental illnesses where everyday abilities are significantly impaired – for instance planning and structuring, or keeping appointments
- You are able to share and work towards therapy goals (we clarify this in the trial sessions)
Those entitled to prescribe include specialists in psychiatry, neurology and psychosomatic medicine, psychotherapists with the relevant approval and psychiatric outpatient clinics. Your GP can refer you to them.
Costs
What it costs you
Your statutory health insurer covers the costs once it has approved the prescription. The up to five trial sessions do not require prior approval.
Insured adults pay a statutory co-payment of 10 % of the costs per day of treatment – at least €5, at most €10. If you have reached your personal co-payment limit, you can apply to your insurer for exemption.
If you have private insurance, please check with your insurer whether and to what extent sociotherapy is reimbursed.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is sociotherapy the same as psychotherapy?
No. Psychotherapy mainly works on inner processes through conversation. Sociotherapy is more practical: it helps you access treatment at all and cope with everyday life. The two can complement each other well.
How long does sociotherapy last?
Up to 120 hours are available within three years. How much of that is needed depends on your goals. Hours are prescribed in stages and reviewed together regularly.
Can I get in touch as a relative?
Yes. Often it is relatives who make the first contact. Sociotherapy itself, however, requires that the person concerned agrees and takes part.
Do sessions only take place at the practice?
No. Part of the work happens wherever it is needed – at your home, on the way to the doctor or at a public office, for example.
What happens to my information?
Everything you share with me is subject to professional confidentiality. I only coordinate with your doctor within the scope of treatment and with your consent.
I don't have a prescription – what now?
Call anyway. I will explain who can prescribe in your situation and what to bring to the appointment.
Contact
One phone call is enough to take the first step.
If I am with a client, I will call you back. You are also welcome to email me – relatives and medical practices too.