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UNLABELLED

Loads and limits for outpatient psychotherapists after the reform Objectives: The reform of the psychotherapy directive in 2017 challenged psychotherapists by new obligations and processes. We investigated burdens psychotherapists experience due to the reform and differences concerning urban vs. rural region, half vs. full care license and psychotherapy method.

METHODS

Of 128 psychotherapists approached, 41 (32 %) agreed to study participation. Semistructured interviews were examined via qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

83 % (n = 34) expressed some kind of burden. Burdens in terms of time, pressure/ stress and having to decline patients were named most frequently. 54 % of the participants (n = 22) pointed out various limits to what they can accomplish, mostly related to shortened waiting times and treatment availability. Burdens were more common among psychotherapists with a half care license and behavioural therapy; there were no major differences between urban or rural residents.

DISCUSSION

Burdens for psychotherapists may result from individual life situations and resources of treatment availability.