Outpatient trauma counselling services in Germany

Experiencing an act of violence can be extremely stressful. Anyone in Germany who suffers an act of violence and subsequent emotional disorders is entitled to prompt assistance that is free from bureaucracy. The numerous outpatient trauma counselling services that can be found in Germany are available to victims for that purpose. The psychotherapy offered by these counselling services aims to prevent further traumatic experiences and deal with the psychological effects of an act of violence. A prerequisite for receiving outpatient trauma counselling is that the injured person seeks the counselling within 12 months of experiencing or acquiring knowledge of the harmful event. Where an event that led to an acute psychological trauma occurred more than 12 months ago, outpatient trauma counselling may also be sought within 12 months of the onset of the acute crisis. Adults receive up to 15 outpatient trauma counselling sessions, while children and adolescents receive up to 18 sessions. If subsequent psychotherapy is needed, the injured person is advised about additional psychotherapy options on offer. Other provisions related to outpatient trauma counselling are contained in the Outpatient Trauma Counselling Ordinance (Traumaambulanz-Verordnung), which provides among other things that recipients of social compensation benefits and
services are given an appointment for outpatient trauma counselling no later than five working days after requesting it. The outpatient trauma counselling sessions are financed through the social compensation law (Soziales Entschädigungsrecht). The victims must submit an application to that end. But even if the financing has not yet been finally clarified, they may still use outpatient trauma counselling services. A transfer from the primary care physician is not needed, however.

Don’t delay! If you are looking for outpatient trauma counselling services near you, you can use the search function at ODABS.org.