In my work, I support many LGBTIQ individuals from all cultures and backgrounds.
Living abroad is exciting—but it can also be an enormous psychological burden. Whether it’s homesickness, language barriers, cultural differences, or simply the stress of navigating a new system, your mental health deserves attention. Fortunately, Berlin offers numerous resources to help you, from therapy options and crisis hotlines to online tools.
In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive collection of contacts, websites, apps, and emergency resources.
Therapy Through Public Health Insurance
My services primarily cater to self-paying clients. However, private health insurance or supplementary insurance for Heilpraktiker (alternative practitioners) often partially reimburse the costs for psychotherapeutic services. Billing is based on the Gebührenordnung für Heilpraktiker (GebüH – 19.2 Psychotherapy). For long-term therapeutic support, investing in supplementary Heilpraktiker insurance is highly recommended.
In Germany, you can access psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment through your public health insurance (GKV). Here are the key steps and resources:
1. Finding a Therapist
- Through your general practitioner (GP) or health insurance:
Your GP or health insurance provider can help you find a therapist. Many insurance companies also offer their own referral services. - Online search:
Use platforms like:- Psych-Info.de – Official database of the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists.
- Arztsuche 116117 – Search for psychotherapists and psychiatrists in your area.
2. No Available Spot? Private Therapy Covered by Public Insurance
If you can’t find a therapist who speaks your language or is accepting new patients, you can apply to have your public insurance cover a private therapist.
- Guide: How to get therapy covered by German public health insurance (in English, very detailed).
3. Additional Therapy Referral Services
- Therapie.de – Aggregates therapists who treat both publicly and privately insured patients. Note: Both groups are mixed here—filter by your insurance type!
- It’s Complicated – Platform for multilingual therapy in Berlin (including online sessions).
Free Hotlines and Emergency Resources
If you’re in an acute crisis or just need someone to talk to, there are 24/7 hotlines and services available—many in English or other languages.
Emergency Situations
- Emergency number 112 – Call immediately in cases of self-harm or harm to others!
Crisis Services in Berlin
- Krisendienst Berlin – 24/7 hotline in English, German, and other languages.
- Berlin Emergency Numbers Overview – List of all important emergency contacts.
- Crisis Intervention Centers:
Suizid Prävention
Berliner Fachstelle Suizidprävention: Multilingual support for clients and relatives of people with acute suicidal tendencies.
Help for victims of crime and violence
Berlin Help portal for victims of crime
Telephone Counseling & Support
- TelefonSeelsorge – Free, anonymous counseling:
- English: 030-44 01 06 07 (daily, 6 PM–midnight)
- German: 0800-111 0 222 (24/7)
- Russian: 030-44 01 06 06 (24/7)
The counselors assist with psychological issues, refer you to specialists, and help with concrete problems (e.g., family conflicts or finding English-speaking doctors).
- 7 Cups – Free 24/7 chat with trained volunteers (not therapists, but good listeners).
- soulspace – Free in-person or phone counseling for young people aged 15–35.
- TK-Ärztezentrum (for TK insurance holders only):
- 040-46 06 61 91 00 – Available 24/7, 365 days a year for medical advice.
Support for Queer People
Lesbenberatung Berlin: Multilingual Counseling and support for lesbians, bisexual women, trans, intersex, non-binary, and queer people in crisis situations and on various topics.
TransInterQueer e.V.: Multilingual psychosocial and professional counseling, group meetings, training and continuing education, as well as leisure and support services by and for trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals.
Schwulenberatung Berlin: Counseling on health, drugs and alcohol, aging, identity and coming out, social law, anti-discrimination, and homelessness for gay or bisexual men, lesbian women, and trans or intersex individuals.
LesMigras: The anti-violence and anti-discrimination department of Lesbenberatung Berlin e.V. It provides specialized counseling on violence, discrimination, flight, and asylum for lesbians, bisexual women, trans, intersex, non-binary, and queer people—with or without experiences of racism or forced migration.
L-Support Helpline: Offers support for lesbophobic and queerphobic violence. Available Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 5 PM to 9 PM at +49 30 459 618 65.
GLADT e.V.: Multilingual, low-threshold counseling services for Black people and People of Color, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans, intersex, and queer people.
Why Is This Important?
Many people hesitate to seek help—whether out of shame, uncertainty, or the belief that their problems “aren’t serious enough.” But mental health isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental requirement for a fulfilling life. Whether you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to—you are not alone.
Berlin has a large international community, and many people are going through similar experiences. Don’t hesitate to seek support—your well-being is worth it.
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