Jena, July 27, 2026 – Patients in psychotherapeutic treatment have clearly defined legal rights. Anyone dissatisfied with their treatment or feeling uncertain can terminate the therapy and seek support from independent advisory bodies.
- Topic: Rights of patients in psychotherapy
- Expert: Prof. Bernhard Strauß (Jena University Hospital)
- Core rights: Informed consent, confidentiality, access to medical records, protection against exploitation
- Support services: Chamber of Psychotherapists, “Ethics in Psychotherapy” initiative, patient counseling
Options in case of dissatisfaction with treatment
Anyone dissatisfied with the psychotherapeutic treatment or the therapist has the right to terminate the therapy at any time. This is pointed out by Prof. Bernhard Strauß from the Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psycho-oncology at the Universitätsklinikum Jena. Since the search for an available therapy slot in Jena can be time-consuming and requires organizational questions regarding cost coverage, an open discussion in the practice is recommended first.
Overview of the most important patient rights
To strengthen one’s position in therapy, those affected should know their central rights:
- Comprehensive informed consent: Therapists are obliged to provide understandable information about the diagnosis, treatment plan, and any costs.
- Confidentiality & Data Protection: Confidential content and personal data may only be passed on with express consent.
- Access to patient records: Patients have the right to view the treatment documentation kept about them.
- Protection against exploitation: It is strictly forbidden for therapists to exploit a position of trust, ignorance, or helplessness of those being treated.
Independent contact points for those affected
If attempts at clarification fail or boundaries are crossed, free and confidential support services are available:
- Chambers of Psychotherapists: The responsible regional professional associations (e.g., the Ostdeutsche Psychotherapeutenkammer) provide advice on complaints and professional legal issues.
- “Ethics in Psychotherapy” Initiative: Offers independent, confidential, and free support for ethical doubts and misconduct.
- Independent Patient Counseling Germany (UPD): Provides information on general health law issues and patient rights.
Prevention & Support Services in Jena
In Jena, the Universitätsklinikum represents a central point of contact for psychosocial and psychotherapeutic care. In addition to clinical capacities, legal professional codes and independent ethics initiatives ensure the protection of those being treated. Anyone who has questions about their rights or would like to express concerns regarding ongoing treatment can contact the independent counseling centers directly at any time without the current therapist having to be informed.
Source:
Jena | In Psychotherapy? These patient rights you should know
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.