{"id":12201,"date":"2025-06-23T06:32:50","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T04:32:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.1doc.ch\/le-modele-de-prescription-en-psychotherapie-comment-ca-marche\/"},"modified":"2025-11-17T11:48:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T09:48:55","slug":"the-psychotherapy-prescription-model-how-does-it-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/info.onedoc.ch\/en\/blog\/psychologists\/the-psychotherapy-prescription-model-how-does-it-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How does the psychotherapy prescription model work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row gap=”10″ kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Since July 1, 2022, the Swiss psychotherapy system has undergone a major change. Thanks to the prescription model, psychotherapy can now be reimbursed by the mandatory health insurance (MHI).<\/strong> This decision allows for better integration of psychologists and psychotherapists into the healthcare system. But what are the conditions? In this article, we answer all your questions about how the prescription model works, its legal framework, and its practical implications<\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763372838075{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

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What is the prescription model in psychotherapy?<\/h2><\/header>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1759226303741{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”btf-a”]The prescription model refers to the system in which a recognized psychologist-psychotherapist can provide and bill psychotherapy services covered by the MHI,<\/strong> provided they are prescribed by a medical doctor.<\/p>\n

These foundations ensure a uniform framework across Switzerland while allowing cantons certain competences in admission and pricing.<\/p>\n

Until 2022, psychotherapists practiced under the so-called delegation model: they worked under the responsibility of a psychiatrist, who handled the billing. With the prescription model, each authorized psychotherapist now bills independently<\/strong>, while still collaborating with a prescribing physician.[\/vc_column_text]

How does the prescription model work in practice?<\/h2><\/header>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1759226421405{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”btf-a”]The process follows a clear framework:<\/p>\n
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  1. First prescription<\/strong>: The prescribing physician issues a prescription for 15 psychotherapy sessions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  2. Second prescription<\/strong>: Before the end of the first 15 sessions (around the 12th), a discussion takes place between the psychotherapist and the prescribing physician to validate an additional 15 sessions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  3. Case evaluation after 30 sessions<\/strong>: The psychotherapist prepares a report<\/strong> and sends it to the prescribing physician, who forwards it to a psychiatrist (unless they are one themselves) for case evaluation.<\/li>\n
  4. Continuation request<\/strong>: The prescribing physician submits the full file to the health insurance provider to request coverage approval<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  5. Decision by the health insurer<\/strong>: The insurer determines whether and how many additional sessions will be covered<\/strong>. A new request must be submitted each time the coverage approval expires.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Who can prescribe and who can bill?<\/h2><\/header>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1759231318711{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”btf-a”]To prescribe psychotherapy sessions,<\/strong> one must be:<\/p>\n