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Frequently asked questions

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What is the difference between psychological therapy and psychotherapy?

Psychological therapy (also called clinical psychological treatment) is offered by clinical psychologists who are allowed to use scientifically recognized methods from all schools of psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy is offered by psychotherapists who belong to a specific school of psychotherapy (e.g. psychoanalytic, systemic or behavioral therapy) and are only allowed to use methods from that school.

Ultimately, the authorizations of clinical psychologists and psychotherapists are almost the same.

What is the difference between clinical psychology and health psychology?

Both courses require that you have studied psychology, i.e. that you have successfully completed a bachelor's and master's degree. As additional training, you can specialize in clinical psychology or health psychology. While health psychologists deal with the prevention of mental illnesses and health promotion, clinical psychologists are concerned with the diagnosis, counseling and treatment of existing mental disorders. This means that clinical psychologists can make diagnoses according to the ICD-10 and are authorized to treat them.

What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychotherapist?

Clinical psychologists have studied bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology, while psychotherapists also have other source professions, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy or health and nursing. Clinical psychologists can carry out clinical psychological diagnostics and issue diagnoses according to the ICD-10, while psychotherapists cannot. Diagnostics are important if the insurance company is to cover the costs of treatment or if the disorder is unclear. The costs of diagnostics are usually covered by the health insurance company. And while psychotherapists have health insurance places, this is not yet the case for clinical psychologists, although the Ministry of Health is working on ensuring that there will soon be health insurance places for clinical psychologists as well.

How do I decide which psychologist is right for me?

There is no recipe for choosing the right psychologist. It is important that the psychologist specializes in the issues that you are having challenges with, i.e. if you are going through a depressive phase, the psychologist should ideally be well-versed in depression. On the other hand, the relationship is a crucial factor that makes up an enormous part of the success of the treatment. In other words, it is important that the client feels comfortable and understood by the psychologist, and that they meet at eye level. In this sense, it is normal not to feel completely comfortable after every session because you are talking about difficult topics that cause pain or shame. However, if you don't feel any improvement week after week, it is important to discuss this openly, as this can also be important information for the treatment, for interpersonal dynamics or challenges that the person is experiencing.

Are there free health insurance places with clinical psychologists?

No, not yet. Since January 1, 2024, clinical psychological treatment has been a health insurance benefit, which means that you will be reimbursed part of the costs by your health insurance company. In the case of the Austrian Regional Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), it is €33.70 for 60 minutes, at the Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed (SVS), it is €45 for 50 minutes and at the Insurance Institution for Public Servants, Railways and Mining (BVAEB), it is €46.60 for 50 minutes. It is quite possible that there will be free health insurance places in the future. For more information, please click here.

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