Milena Löbcke explains: “Cutting psychotherapists’ fees by 4.5 percent sends the completely wrong message. That is why I support the nationwide protests, of which today’s rally is a part. 

The need for psychotherapy is also rising steadily in Wiesbaden. It is good that more and more people are willing to seek help when facing mental health challenges. However, especially for children and adolescents—with a significant increase since the pandemic—the current supply of care is already completely inadequate. As a municipality, we have little ability to act in this area, yet we must endure the consequences in many settings and try to compensate for them.

Against this backdrop, the fee cut is completely incomprehensible. It suggests to therapists, as well as to patients, that mental health is not a high priority and is allegedly overpaid. This is wrong and incomprehensible. In the worst case, it will lead to a reduction in treatment capacity and further worsen the difficult situation for people with mental health issues. And here, too, the same applies: the threat of conditions becoming chronic will ultimately negate the supposed savings in economic terms. I call on health insurance companies to immediately reverse this decision in the interest of good healthcare.”