{"id":76158,"date":"2025-08-17T23:50:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-17T23:50:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/76158\/"},"modified":"2025-08-17T23:50:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T23:50:12","slug":"demonstrators-in-swiss-capital-demand-better-access-to-mental-health-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/76158\/","title":{"rendered":"Demonstrators in Swiss capital demand better access to mental health care"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Demonstration<\/p>\n

In their call to demonstrate, the rally organisers demanded that psychotherapy should be accessible and affordable for all. <\/p>\n

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Thousands of people demonstrated in Bern on Saturday afternoon in favour of access to mental health care for all. They condemned the long waiting lists, the lack of access to therapy and the absence of a clear pricing system.\n<\/p>\n

This content was published on <\/p>\n

August 17, 2025 – 13:04\n<\/p>\n

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The demonstrators, who organisers said totaled around 5,000, held banners proclaiming, among other things, \u201cPsychotherapy should not be a luxury\u201d and \u201cYour therapist is angry\u201d. A minute\u2019s silence was observed in memory of victims of suicide.<\/p>\n

\u201cHealth is not a market,\u201d said psychotherapist Valentina Achermann, a member of Bern\u2019s city parliament. She called for \u201cmoney, time and respect\u201d. In her view, it is unthinkable that people in one of the richest countries in the world should have to wait so long to see a therapist.<\/p>\n

\n More<\/p>\n

\"Dr.<\/p>\n

More <\/p>\n

Demographics\n <\/p>\n

Is Switzerland in a mental health crisis? <\/p>\n

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This content was published on <\/p>\n

Jul 19, 2024 <\/p>\n

Mental health has shifted more into focus in Switzerland, and the latest figures confirm an increase in mental illness. <\/p>\n

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Read more: Is Switzerland in a mental health crisis?
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Affordable for all<\/p>\n

In their call to demonstrate, the rally organisers demanded that psychotherapy should be accessible and affordable for all. To achieve this, they called for adequate fees, less bureaucracy, affordable training places and better working conditions. The organisers also called for solidarity with those affected.<\/p>\n

The demonstration was organised by the \u201cMental Health for All\u201d initiative, a group of professionals, students and people interested in the field of psychotherapeutic care throughout Switzerland. Their demands were supported by the Social Democrats, the Green Party and various trade unions and organisations active in the health sector.<\/p>\n

Disputed pricing system <\/p>\n

The organisers are critical of the prescription model in force since 2022, which has been the subject of bitter negotiations between professional organisations and health insurers. Psychotherapists can have their services reimbursed by basic health insurance if patients have a doctor\u2019s prescription. However, insurers are complaining that this will lead to additional costs and are planning to reduce fees.<\/p>\n

More <\/p>\n

How are mental illnesses treated in your country?\u00a0 <\/p>\n

\n

In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.\u00a0Are there similar approaches where you live?\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

View the discussion
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

The professional organisations did not take an active part in the demonstration, so as not to offend the negotiating partners at this delicate time, said the Zurich cantonal association. A draft national price system has been on the table since June.<\/p>\n

Translated from French with DeepL\/gw<\/p>\n

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We select the most relevant news for an international audience and use automatic translation tools to translate them into English. A journalist then reviews the translation for clarity and accuracy before publication.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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