Practice for Sociotherapy · Gelsenkirchen
Finding your footing again – one step at a time.
I support people living with severe mental illness in taking their treatment, their daily life and their relationships back into their own hands.
What it is about
When an illness drains so much energy that appointments slip, letters stay unopened and the next hospital stay draws closer, you need someone who walks alongside you.
Sociotherapy bridges the gap between medical treatment and your own life. Together we work out what weighs on you most right now and tackle it in manageable steps – at the doctor's, at the authorities, at home.
The aim is not to do things for you, but for you to be able to do them yourself again.
Who it is for
For people whose everyday life has become overwhelming
Sociotherapy is for adults with a severe mental illness who need medical care but find it very hard to access it on their own. For example:
- Psychosis and schizophreniaWhen the way back to structure, treatment and social contact is hard after an acute phase.
- Severe depressionEspecially severe depressive episodes in which drive and orientation are almost entirely gone.
- Other severe conditionsSuch as bipolar disorder or severe anxiety and personality disorders, when everyday functioning is significantly impaired.
Whether sociotherapy is right for you is decided by your treating doctor. I am happy to talk you or your family through how to get there beforehand.
The legal framework
Clearly regulated – and paid for by your health insurer.
of 60-minute sessions are available per episode of illness.
the period within which these hours can be used.
sessions to get to know each other – no prior insurance approval needed.
co-payment per day of treatment, at least €5, at most €10 (from age 18).
Basis: § 37a SGB V and the Sociotherapy Directive of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). Exemption from co-payments is possible under the usual rules.
Process
From the first call to ongoing support
- First contactYou, a relative or your doctor's practice get in touch by phone or email.
- ReferralYour doctor issues the prescription for sociotherapy.
- Trial sessionsUp to five meetings to get to know each other and plan.
- Care planGoals we set together, submitted to your health insurer.
- SupportRegular sessions, at the practice and in your surroundings.
About me
Burak Arkan
I am a psychologist (M. Sc.) working as a sociotherapist in Gelsenkirchen. It matters to me that you understand what we are doing and why – without jargon and without pressure.
Sessions are available in English, German and Turkish.
For referrers
Would you like to prescribe sociotherapy?
I support you with the care plan, keep you informed about progress and am easy to reach by phone. I can let you know about available capacity at short notice.
Contact
One phone call is enough to take the first step.
If I am with a client, I will call you back. You are also welcome to email me – relatives and medical practices too.