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Health · Germany
Updated September 2026

🧠 The waiting list for mental health care is too long — what are my options?

Direct answer

A waiting list is not the end of the road. TelefonSeelsorge (0800 111 0 111) is the mental-health line for Germany: free, anonymous, staffed by trained people, for now, tonight, or whenever it gets heavy. Your Deine Krankenkasse (116117) has a duty to arrange timely care in most countries — ask in writing for care mediation, which often finds a place faster. Your family doctor (GP) can refer you to a bridging service, group programme or online therapy in the meantime and adjust medication.

Call firstTelefonSeelsorge
Report toDeine Krankenkasse
If that failsYour family doctor (GP)

🗣️ What to say

"I have been referred for [treatment] on [date] and the waiting time is [months]. My situation is [getting worse / not stable]. I ask you to arrange an earlier place through care mediation, or a bridging service, and to confirm what you can offer within [weeks]."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Now: TelefonSeelsorgeWhenever it is too much. Also for someone you are worried about.
  2. Ask for care mediation: Deine KrankenkasseThe insurer or health service looks for a provider with a shorter list, sometimes further away or online.
  3. Bridging options: Your family doctor (GP)GP-based mental-health workers, group programmes, online therapy, peer support — they exist in most countries and start within weeks.
  4. Stay on the listAnd ask to be called if a place opens early; be reachable.
  5. Crisis planWrite down who you call, what helps, and the emergency numbers. Share it with someone.

📇 All contacts

TelefonSeelsorgeFree, anonymous, 24/7When it gets too much — for you or someone else📞 0800 111 0 111🔗 www.telefonseelsorge.de
Deine KrankenkasseDoctor search, appointment service 116117, cost coverageFor finding a doctor and coverage questions📞 116117🔗 www.116117.de
Your family doctor (GP)First point of contact for any health questionBefore a specialist, for a referral or a sick note
Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD)Free, neutral advice on complaints and rightsFirst stop outside the hospital📞 0800 011 77 22🔗 www.patientenberatung.de

❓ Frequently asked

Is there a legal maximum waiting time?

Many countries set standards (weeks for an intake, months for treatment); a breach is a complaint to Deine Krankenkasse and often a right to care elsewhere at their cost.

Can I go private and get reimbursed?

Sometimes, when the public system cannot deliver within the standard time. Ask Deine Krankenkasse in writing before you start.

I am in crisis now

Call TelefonSeelsorge or 112. Emergency departments and crisis teams see people without any referral.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “mental health waiting list too long Germany”
  • “mental health helpline Germany”
  • “care mediation insurer psychologist”
  • “therapy waiting time maximum”
  • “crisis line Germany”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

👨‍⚕️Find a doctor→💜Carer support→🏥Medical complaint→🧒Child at risk→

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