# More than 500 types of therapy. How is a patient supposed to choose?
The numbers behind the jumble of terms in psychotherapy—and what they mean for therapists. According to estimates, there are **over 500 different psychotherapy approaches** worldwide. Other counts put the number at more than 250 schools. The only thing everyone agrees on is this: there are hundreds. - In **Germany**, **four** of these are recognized as services covered by health insurance: behavioral therapy, depth psychology-based therapy, analytical therapy, and—since 2020—systemic therapy. - In **Austria**, there are **23** recognized methods. - In **Belgium, Denmark, France, or Portugal**, there is **not a single** officially recognized approach. - The term **“psychotherapist” is protected**. The word **“psychotherapy” is not**. Neither are “coach” and “counselor”—anyone can use those titles without proof of qualifications. - The **alternative practitioner** is a unique phenomenon worldwide. The law behind it dates back to 1939; no other EU country has an equivalent. In Austria, the practice is even prohibited. Professionals working in the healthcare system report the same thing: People seeking help are overwhelmed by the task of finding the right practitioner amid the maze of similar-sounding terms. How about being able to get to know the practitioners? With no obligation. That’s what medizzconnect™® is here for.