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If you have active suicidal thoughts or about harming yourself, that is a medical emergency. Call 112.
You do not have to pay for it
No one is angry with you for it
You will not face any negative consequences for it


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Mental Health Support System in Germany

ⓘ TL;DR

Psychotherapy in Germany is free of charge when you already have a statutory insurance. (Both for psychiatrists and psychologists). However, the waiting times could be long (Around 6 months).

Universities also offer free of charge counselling to the students

You can talk to your GP (Hausarzt) and ask for a referral as well, instead of looking specifically for a therapist.


If you’ve just arrived in Germany or are an international student, learning about the local healthcare system and how to access mental health services in your new home could be overwhelming.

ⓘ You would go to a doctor if you had a cough or cold, or with any physical injury, right? Mental health is just as important, if not more!


Here is a little summary & list of options you have; in case you decide to take a step.
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What CAN you do? (Especially if you cannot speak German)

Here are some options, in case you want to take an action, it is up to you!

1) Contacting the university counseling services: (Campus Building B6.2)
  1. https://www.stw-saarland.de/en/counselling/student-counselling/
  2. Via Email: ppb@stw-saarland.de
    If you want, you can simply copy paste the following:

    “Dear Team,
    My name is [Insert Name] and I would like to book a counseling session with you on the Saarbrücken university campus as soon as possible. What is your availability? Thanks and best,
    [Your Name]”

  3. Via Phone: ✆ 0681 / 302-2515 (Monday – Friday, 9 – 12 a.m.)
  4. “In addition to the initial consultations, we offer open consultation hours on Thursdays between 12 noon and 1 p.m. (not available during the semester break). During this time, you can have a brief consultation without making an appointment.“
2) Contacting one of the therapists from the English speaking therapists list (Available via CISPA Internal Wiki Only)

You can simply drop them an email as well!

3) Contacting WIPS (nearby University!)

With significant less waiting time than contacting a regular therapist. It is also part of the university. You can use this contact form. You can write a little message to the form, which can indicate which languages you prefer for a therapy session! For example:

“Dear Team,
My name is [Insert Name] and I would like to book a counseling session with you as soon as possible. I prefer [Insert Language] and if not, English.
Additionally [insert information about your symptoms, you can also just use keywords such as negative thoughts, anxiety, depression etc.]

Thanks and best,
[Your Name]”

4) You can take an appointment from your GP (Hausarzt)

And explain the way you feel to them, for a referral.

Once again, if you feel like you are in acute crisis (Having acute suicidal thoughts, or thought of harming self), please call 112, it is free, nobody will be mad at you, they are there to help!


If you need any help with organizational issues or need to go over the language barrier (booking an appointment, having an appointment arranged via phone, general questions etc.) feel free to reach out!

5) If you can speak German, there are also few more services you can use:
  1. TelefonSeelSorge, suicide hotline
    Open 24/7, for German speaking people who are in Germany or outside.
    Phone: ✆ 0800 111 0 111 / Website: https://www.telefonseelsorge.de/
  2. “krisenchat” (Crisis Chat)
    A chat service you can use, if you need to talk to someone. Also anonymous!
    https://krisenchat.de/
  3. Muslimisches SeelSorge Telefon (Hotline targeted specifically for muslim people)
    https://www.mutes.de/ // ✆ 030 443 509 821
  4. Die deutsche Depressionshilfe https://www.deutsche-depressionshilfe.de/start


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