Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is dengem?

dengem is an online counselling platform for the referral of clinical psychologists to clients.

Online counselling via dengem is a way to receive personal psychological counselling in one’s own mother tongue in a simple way and independent of time and place.

What are the advantages of dengem online counselling?

The benefits of online therapy or psychological counselling with dengem are many:

Location independence: With dengem, psychological counselling is possible almost anywhere. The only requirement is a stable internet connection.

Time saving: As there is no need to travel, a lot of time and money is saved, which can be used for counselling.

Cost savings: Costs for petrol, parking or tickets are completely eliminated with online counselling. Even if these costs seem manageable at first glance: If you have several consultations, they add up.

Effectiveness: Scientific studies and analyses (Therapist-supported Internet cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in adults – PubMed (nih.gov)) have shown that psychological counselling and psychotherapeutic interventions via the Internet are in most cases as effective as, and in some cases more effective than, face-to-face sessions.

Familiar environment: Many clients find it difficult to visit a psychological, psychotherapeutic or psychiatric practice. Online counselling offers the possibility to receive professional advice in a familiar place where one feels comfortable and relaxed.

Time flexibility: People who work often face the problem of only being able to see a psychologist during working hours. With dengem, you can also make appointments in the evening, at the weekend or immediately (if the psychologist offers this possibility). This means that your work commitments do not interfere with your counselling appointments.

No long waiting times: Not only people with statutory health insurance know the problem. Long waits to see a psychologist are the order of the day. With dengem you can get professional psychological support at short notice.

No language barriers: Everyone communicates most confidently and nuanced in their own mother tongue. This is especially important in sensitive psychological and psychotherapeutic discussions. That is why dengem offers counselling in the mother tongue.

No cultural barriers: Help is only possible if the psychologist understands the cause of the problem. Because of cultural differences, this is best achieved if the psychologist is also familiar with the culture. Most of the psychologists dengem places are from the countries for which they provide counselling.

Anonymity: It is often inconvenient to see a psychologist in person. Online counselling through dengem is anonymous. Both to your environment and to the psychologist. You decide how you want to be addressed.

Who is going to help me?

The decision is yours.

Book a free welcome call with the clinical psychologist who best suits your needs.

How many consultations do I need for a successful result?

Counselling is a personal and individual process.

An exact number of sessions for a successful outcome cannot be given.

The approach will be based on discussions you have with your psychologist.

How long does a session last?

A session lasts 25, 50 or 75 minutes.

You can choose the length when you book your appointment.

  • Most psychologists recommend 50 minutes for a normal session.
  • If you have already had sessions and would like to talk to the psychologist about your progress, 25 minutes is reasonable.
  • For couples counselling, 75 minutes is ideal.

Is psychological counselling covered by health insurance?

Health insurance coverage varies from country to country.

For people with statutory health insurance (i.E. Germany), the cost of online psychological counselling via dengem is usually not covered by health insurance.

Please contact your health insurance company to find out if they will cover the costs in your case.

I have private insurance. Will my insurance cover the cost?

In some cases, online psychological counselling is covered by private health insurance.

However, private health insurance policies vary widely.

For this reason, we recommend that you check with your private health insurance company before booking counselling.

How secure is dengem? Is my conversation being listened to or recorded?

There is no storage of conversations. All sessions are encrypted end-to-end. No one but you and the counsellor has access.

Your privacy is important to us. We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and protect your personal data in accordance with the law.

Can I get prescription medication through dengem?

By law, only a doctor can issue a prescription.

To obtain a prescription, contact your family doctor or psychiatrist.

How can I make payments?

You can pay by credit card, Paypal and instant bank transfer.

If I have a problem with the service, what can I do?

We want to continually improve our products and services. That’s why we welcome all feedback.

You can contact us at support@dengem.ch or via the online support chat on the website.

How can I cancel my appointment?

The counsellor will make extra time for you at the appointment you have booked.

However, something important may come up.

Therefore, you have the option to cancel the appointment directly from your calendar.

Cancellations made up to 12 hours before the appointment are free of charge and will be credited to your dengem account.

For appointments cancelled within 12 hours of the booked appointment, 50% of the credit will be credited to your dengem account.

I have suicidal thoughts. Can I get help quickly through dengem?

If you are thinking about hurting yourself or others, go to a doctor or hospital in your area as soon as possible. You can also call the emergency services or the police.

Quick and personal help from medical professionals is urgently needed, especially if you are having suicidal or homicidal thoughts. Even if the decision to seek help in an acute crisis is difficult, you can be sure that every doctor, police officer or firefighter understands these situations. They will do everything they can to help you professionally.

Unfortunately, we at dengem cannot help you in these cases.