From cradle to public care: The Austrian health care system and psychoanalysis

Abstract

In the following text the Austrian health system will be presented as well as its current model for training psychoanalysts. In Austria, everyone has an equal right to health insurance, no matter whether they are working or unemployed, on maternity leave or legally approved as refugees. With regard to psychotherapy, 24 psychotherapeutic modalities are currently recognized by the Austrian health care system. Patients can rely on a partial or full reimbursement when they engage in psychotherapy, no matter what modality they choose. Most training institutions and universities have walk-in clinics where the general public and students can make their first contacts with psychotherapy. There are also psychoanalytic clinics, specifically tailored towards women, children and refugees at very low or no cost to them. If a patient can obtain a Kassenplatz at a psychoanalyst, s/he can benefit from long-term therapy that is largely refunded by the Austrian State insurance company.