Starting in 2026, Austria will expand public mental healthcare coverage to include clinical-psychological treatment, a move intended to improve access for a population where mental health service utilization remains low[1]. while psychotherapy has been covered for decades,the addition of clinical psychology services under state insurance is already raising questions among both patients and practitioners regarding the differences between the two fields. This expansion comes as mental health advocates point to a meaningful gap in care, with current services reaching only a small fraction of those in need[3], despite approximately 192 mental health services currently operating nationwide[2].
Austrians will soon have expanded access to publicly funded mental healthcare, but the change is sparking confusion over the differences between clinical psychology and psychotherapy. Starting in 2026, clinical-psychological treatment will be fully covered by state health insurance, a shift from the previous system of partial cost coverage.
The expansion aims to increase access to mental health services, but experts worry the distinction between the two disciplines isn’t well understood, potentially leading to patient uncertainty and misdirected care. The move underscores the growing recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall well-being.
Now Both Covered by Insurance
“We are already receiving inquiries at the psychotherapy association, and in my practice, asking if psychotherapy is now covered by insurance,” said Michael Kögler, chairman of the Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy. He clarified that psychotherapy has been covered by insurance nationwide for over 30 years.
“What’s new is that clinical psychologists will now be able to offer their treatments as benefits covered by insurance,” Kögler explained in an interview with ORF Vorarlberg.
“Increased Paid Sessions Don’t Amount to Much,” Says Kögler
Beyond clarifying the terminology, Kögler emphasized the need for greater attention to mental health overall. While he acknowledged the benefit of increasing the number of covered sessions, he questioned the practical impact of the change.
“Based on the increase in sessions, we’re looking at roughly 400 additional patients per year in Vorarlberg who will be able to access clinical-psychological treatment starting January 1, 2026. That’s not a significant number – it’s quite low. That translates to about twelve hours of treatment,” Kögler said. He explained that while this time could be used to address crises, it wouldn’t be sufficient for in-depth psychotherapeutic work.
A Comparison to Germany
Kögler noted that Germany places a greater emphasis on the importance of mental health treatment. “In Austria, we currently reach approximately one percent of the population with mental healthcare services,” he said.
In Germany, that figure is between three and five percent. “If you’re working within the public insurance system as a clinical psychologist or psychotherapist in Austria, you receive 87 euros. In Germany, insurance pays 120 euros – Austria is a developing country in this regard,” Kögler stated.
