The 5,000 demonstrators, according to the organizers, brandished banners proclaiming in particular: “psychotherapy should not be a luxury” or “your therapist is angry”. A minute of silence was observed in memory of the victims of suicide.
“Health is not a market,” said psychotherapist Valentina Achermann, a member of the legislative of the city of Bern. She asked for “money, time and respect”. For her, it is not possible that in one of the richest countries in the world we should wait so long for a place of therapy.
Affordable for all
In their call to demonstrate, the organizers of the rally demanded that psychotherapy be accessible and affordable for all. To this end, adequate prices are needed, less bureaucracy, affordable training places and better working conditions. The organizers also called for solidarity with the people concerned.
The event was organized by the “mental health for Touxt” initiative, a group of professionals, students and people interested in the field of psychotherapeutic care throughout Switzerland. Their demands were supported by the PS, the Green-Es as well as various unions and organizations active in the health field.
Contested prices
The organizers criticize the prescription model in force since 2022 which has given rise to harsh negotiations between professional organizations and the boxes-maladie. Psychotherapists can refund their services by basic insurance if they have a doctor’s prescription. But insurers denounce additional costs and plan to reduce prices.
Professional organizations did not actively participate in this event, so as not to offend the negotiation partners in this delicate period, explained the Zurich cantonal association. A national tariff structure project has been on the table since June.
