How can I receive psychological counseling?

ALS can place a significant psychosocial burden on those affected and their families. Psychological treatment can provide important support in helping individuals adapt their emotions, behavioral patterns, and actions to their changed life situation and cope with the stress associated with ALS.

A systematic survey on the need for psychotherapeutic treatment among patients and their families at Charité revealed that approximately 30% of those surveyed had a need for psychological counseling and treatment. However, only 10% of all people with ALS (or their families) were currently receiving active psychotherapeutic treatment.

This discrepancy between the need for psychotherapy and its actual implementation highlights the underlying problem: There is a significant shortage of qualified psychological and medical psychotherapists (especially in rural areas). Added to this is the fact that psychotherapists have little experience with the specific characteristics of ALS (this applies equally to patients and their families).

In addition, there is a significant communication barrier in the dialogue between patient and therapist. Any limitation in speaking or writing poses a particular challenge, especially in psychotherapeutic treatment.

In general, psychotherapy can be prescribed and is a standard benefit covered by statutory health insurance. For private health insurance, whether psychotherapy is eligible for reimbursement depends on the specific insurance policy.

Given the limited availability and experience of psychotherapists, self-help organizations (and support groups for family members) play a special role in the psychosocial management of ALS.