By Anne T. T. · Published April 12, 2026 · 8 min read
Since 1 July 2022, psychologist-psychotherapists bill through the Tarif 581 (LAMal). Four years later, rates remain provisional in virtually all Swiss cantons. For French-speaking Switzerland practices, the situation is clear on paper — CHF 154.80 per hour — but cantonal nuances, the 0.9 factor for trainees and ongoing negotiations complicate things.
The Federal Council set a uniform provisional rate for all of Switzerland. Here are the reference figures:
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | CHF 154.80 |
| Per-minute rate | CHF 2.58 |
| Billing unit | 5 minutes (CHF 12.90) |
| Legal basis | Art. 43 al. 5bis LAMal |
| Effective since | 1 July 2022 |
This amount applies to all services under chapters 581.2 (individual psychotherapy), 581.3 (group psychotherapy) and 581.4 (services in the patient's absence, such as report writing). The provisional rate was renewed without changes on 1 January 2026.
Not to be confused with Tarif 582 (LAA/LAI/LAM), which uses a different tariff point system. For 582 details, see our PsyTarif 582 guide for psychologists.
The table below summarises the situation in spring 2026 for French-speaking cantons. All apply the federal provisional rate, but negotiation status varies.
| Canton | Hourly | Per min | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva (GE) | 154.80 | 2.58 | Provisional | Cantonal negotiations with santésuisse ongoing |
| Vaud (VD) | 154.80 | 2.58 | Provisional | Largest number of registered psychotherapists |
| Valais (VS) | 154.80 | 2.58 | Provisional | Regional parity discussions underway |
| Neuchâtel (NE) | 154.80 | 2.58 | Provisional | No known cantonal convention |
| Fribourg (FR) | 154.80 | 2.58 | Provisional | Cantonal factor not yet negotiated |
| Jura (JU) | 154.80 | 2.58 | Provisional | Smallest French-speaking canton — grouped negotiations possible |
| Bern (French-speaking) | 154.80 | 2.58 | Provisional | Follows Bernese cantonal rate |
Key takeaway: as of spring 2026, no French-speaking canton has concluded a definitive tariff convention for Tarif 581. The federal provisional rate applies identically everywhere.
Psychologists in postgraduate training (practising under supervision of an approved psychologist-psychotherapist) are subject to a 0.9 reduction factor on the rate.
| Element | Supervisor | Trainee |
|---|---|---|
| Factor (f PM) | 1.0 | 0.9 |
| Effective hourly rate | CHF 154.80 | CHF 139.32 |
| Per-minute rate | CHF 2.58 | CHF 2.32 |
How the 0.9 factor is applied
On the invoice, the external factor (f PM) is stated on each service line. The value 0.9 automatically reduces the billed amount by 10%. The responsible physician's GLN must correspond to the trainee, while the GLN Resp indicates the supervisor.
Uneven implementation across cantons
For more on the prescription model and the initial 15 sessions, see our Tarif 581 prescription model guide.
The provisional rate is uniform, but future cantonal conventions could introduce differences. Three factors will come into play:
1. Cost of living index
The cost of living varies significantly between Swiss cantons. Geneva and Vaud have a notably higher price index than Jura or Valais. Definitive tariff negotiations will need to account for this, as is already the case for other medical tariffs.
2. Supply density
Cantons with a high concentration of psychotherapists (GE, VD) are in a different negotiating position from those with limited supply. A canton with a shortage could theoretically accept a higher rate to attract practitioners.
3. Negotiation status with insurers
Tariff conventions are negotiated between psychologist associations (ASP, FSP) and insurer federations (santésuisse, curafutura) at the cantonal level. Some German-speaking cantons like Zurich or Basel-City are further along, which could set a precedent for Romandie.
The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has indicated that definitive rates should come into effect by 1 January 2027 at the latest. Projected timeline:
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Cantonal negotiations ASP/FSP — santésuisse | Ongoing (2025–2026) |
| Convention submission to cantonal government | Second half of 2026 |
| Cantonal approval | Autumn 2026 |
| Definitive rates effective | 1 January 2027 (FOPH target) |
Caution: this timeline is a target, not a guarantee. If negotiations fail in one or more cantons, the Federal Council could extend the provisional regime or set a rate by decree — as happened between 2022 and 2025.
Required parameters:
Common mistakes to avoid:
Confusing 581 and 582: 581 is for LAMal (basic insurance), 582 for LAA/LAI/LAM (accidents, disability, military). Billing structures differ.
Forgetting the 0.9 factor: if you are in postgraduate training and bill at factor 1.0, insurers can retroactively reject invoices.
Missing or incorrect GLN: each invoice must contain the GLN of both the author and the provider. A missing GLN causes systematic rejection.
Incorrect time unit: Tarif 581 is billed per minute (in 5-minute blocks). Do not confuse with the point system of Tarif 590.
Therago integrates these parameters by default for Tarif 581 and automatically applies the 0.9 factor when the therapist profile is configured in postgraduate training mode. To choose the right hourly rate for your situation, see our guide on setting your consultation rates.
Is the CHF 154.80 provisional rate the same across all of Switzerland?
Yes. As of spring 2026, the federal provisional rate applies uniformly in all cantons, including French-speaking Switzerland. No definitive cantonal convention is yet in force for Tarif 581.
Can I charge more than CHF 154.80/hour to my patients?
Not for the LAMal portion. The provisional rate sets the maximum reimbursable amount. If you charge more, the difference is borne by the patient and must be clearly communicated before treatment begins.
How do I know if my canton has concluded a definitive convention?
Check the FSP website (psychologie.ch), the santésuisse psychotherapy section, or your cantonal association website. The conclusion of a convention is officially published in the cantonal gazette.
Will the 0.9 factor be maintained in definitive rates?
The principle of a reduced factor for trainees is embedded in the tariff structure and will likely be maintained. The exact rate (0.9 or other) will be part of the definitive negotiations.
The situation of psychotherapy rates by canton in French-speaking Switzerland is paradoxically simple and complicated. Simple because the provisional rate of CHF 154.80/hour applies identically everywhere. Complicated because this uniformity is temporary — the definitive conventions, expected for 1 January 2027, could introduce significant cantonal variations.
In the meantime, the essentials are to correctly configure your billing software: Tarif 581, factor 1.0 or 0.9 depending on your status, valid GLN, and per-minute billing in 5-minute blocks. These fundamentals will not change with the transition to definitive rates.
Therago integrates Tarif 581 with the current provisional parameters and will be updated as soon as any canton publishes its definitive rates.
Last verified: April 2026.
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