Published on March 29, 2026 · 9 min read
Setting your rates is one of the most important — and most stressful — decisions when opening a therapy practice. Too expensive, and you risk driving patients away. Too low, and you won’t cover your costs and will devalue your work.
This guide helps you set rates that are consistent with the Swiss market, the Tarif 590 system, your actual costs and your positioning.
In Switzerland, complementary medicine therapist rates vary by discipline, region and experience. Here are the ranges observed in 2026:
| Discipline | 60 min session | Price/period (5 min) |
|---|---|---|
| Osteopathy | CHF 120-180 | CHF 10-15 |
| Naturopathy | CHF 120-160 | CHF 10-13 |
| Acupuncture | CHF 120-160 | CHF 10-13 |
| Therapeutic massage | CHF 100-150 | CHF 8-12 |
| Reflexology | CHF 100-140 | CHF 8-12 |
| Sophrology | CHF 100-150 | CHF 8-12 |
| Kinesiology | CHF 120-160 | CHF 10-13 |
| Homeopathy | CHF 130-180 | CHF 11-15 |
Region: rates are generally 10-20% higher in Geneva and Zürich than in central Switzerland or rural areas.
Tarif 590 works in 5-minute periods. Your session rate therefore translates into a price per period:
Formula:
Price per period = Session rate / (duration in minutes / 5)
Example: you want to charge CHF 144 for a 60-minute session.
144 / (60 / 5) = 144 / 12 = CHF 12.00 per period.
This price per period is what appears on your Tarif 590 invoices. It is freely set, but must remain consistent with your discipline’s and region’s market.
Many therapists charge a different rate for the first consultation. Two common approaches:
Longer first consultation, same price/period
The first session lasts 75-90 minutes (anamnesis + treatment), billed at the same price per period. The total is higher (e.g. 15-18 periods instead of 12), but the rate stays the same. The most transparent approach.
Free or reduced first consultation
Some therapists offer a first 15-20 minute meeting (free or at a reduced price) to establish contact. Caution: this approach may attract unqualified patients. Use with discretion.
Before setting your rate, calculate your monthly costs:
| Item | Monthly estimate |
|---|---|
| Practice rent | CHF 800-2 000 |
| Insurance (liability, loss of income) | CHF 100-300 |
| AVS/AI contributions | ~10.6% of net income |
| ASCA/RME + SASIS | CHF 50-100 |
| Software (management, accounting) | CHF 30-100 |
| Continuing education | CHF 100-200 (averaged) |
| Equipment, supplies | CHF 50-200 |
| Estimated total | CHF 1 500-3 500 |
With 15-20 patients per week at CHF 130 on average, you generate approximately CHF 8,000-10,000/month gross. After costs (~35-40%), you’re left with approximately CHF 5,000-6,500 net. Adjust your rates accordingly.
Single rate (recommended when starting)
One price per period, regardless of the service. Simple, transparent, easy to communicate.
Differentiated rates by service
Different prices depending on the type of care (anamnesis, treatment, follow-up). More complex, but allows you to value certain services.
Packages
Offer a preferential rate for a package of sessions (e.g. 5 sessions = -10%). Promotes loyalty but complicates Tarif 590 billing.
Undervaluing your work — rates that are too low erode your profitability and can signal a lack of professionalism
Not accounting for costs — rent, AVS contributions, insurance and training represent 35-40% of your turnover
Changing rates too often — this unsettles your patients. Plan an annual review at most
Forgetting Swiss rounding — the total must always be rounded to the nearest 5 centimes
Therago lets you configure your rates by service and duration, with automatic period calculation and built-in Swiss rounding. Your Tarif 590 invoices are generated in one click, compliant and professional.
Configure your rates and generate compliant invoices in a few clicks.
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