Mental Health

Many healthcare practitioners in Switzerland specialise and help in difficult personal or family situations. Basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) covers the treatment of mental illness by officially recognised practitioners, such as psychiatrists. Stays in clinics are covered as well. People experiencing difficulties may also benefit from free services while remaining anonymous. For example, Extended Hand (Dargebotene Hand) via telephone, email or chat (telephone 143, www.143.ch). A family doctor can also offer further help. If a person is in acute danger of hurting themselves or others, immediate action is necessary. The police (telephone 117) are helpful in such emergencies.

A good first step for young people experiencing mental difficulties is to contact the outpatient child and youth psychiatry service (Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrische Dienst (kjpd)). Parents who are concerned about their children may also contact the service. Free and anonymous support is offered to children and young people through the children's hotline (Kindernotruf) via telephone, email or chat (telephone 147, www.147.ch). In case of a mental health emergency, contact the central ambulatory care clinic for children and young people (Zentrale Ambulatorium für Kinder und Jugendliche (ZAKJ)) which is available 24 hours a day (telephone 056 462 21 20).

Help in cases of addiction is offered through the Sonnenhügel counselling and therapy centre (Beratungs- und Therapiestelle Sonnenhügel). The centre offers confidential consultation and support. Those concerned about family members or friends may also contact the centre. Addictions come in more forms than alcoholism or drug addition. Help is also offered for other addictions such as gambling, shopping, the Internet or eating disorders. Questions may also be asked via email.

Persons who have had difficult experiences which they have not had the chance to process should ask for help. Trauma is a serious mental illness. In addition to consultation and support services for mental difficulties and illness there are services specializing in victims of war and torture.