Anyone who starts a private practice is faced early on with an important decision: Should treatment take place exclusively in practice rooms, be offered in a hybrid way, or be conducted entirely online? Each option has its advantages and disadvantages – for both therapists and patients.
The classic practice on-site
The in-person practice is still the most common model. It allows for personal encounters and is particularly suitable for people who prefer direct contact.
At the same time, an on-site practice is associated with ongoing costs – such as rent, furnishings, or maintenance. The choice of location also plays an important role, as it affects accessibility for patients.
Hybrid: More flexibility
Many private practices now combine in-person and online appointments. This hybrid model allows treatments to be tailored to the needs of patients. For example, initial consultations can take place in the practice, while follow-up appointments occur online.
For therapists, a hybrid concept often offers more flexibility without completely giving up personal appointments.
Exclusively online – what is allowed?
Licensed psychotherapists can generally conduct their treatments via video consultation. The prerequisite is that the professional regulations are adhered to and that the exclusive remote treatment is professionally justifiable in each individual case. The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Berlin recommends conducting the initial contact in person whenever possible. In justified exceptional cases, however, this can also be done via video, for example, for health reasons or at the explicit request of the patient.
To be distinguished are the contractual regulations for statutory health insurance. Since April 1, 2025, up to 50 percent of patients in a quarter may be treated exclusively via video consultation. These billing regulations do not apply directly to private practices without statutory health insurance billing; however, the professional requirements must be adhered to regardless.
Which form fits best?
There is no universally valid answer. While some therapists consciously rely on in-person appointments, others appreciate the greater temporal and spatial flexibility of a hybrid or fully digital model.
What matters is that the chosen concept fits the individual working style, the target group, and the legal framework.
Conclusion
Whether in-person practice, hybrid work, or exclusively online therapy – all three models can provide a meaningful foundation for a private practice. Those who engage early with the organizational and legal requirements can choose the practice form that best aligns with their professional goals.