In Switzerland, mental health is becoming an increasingly urgent priority within the healthcare system. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) and the Swiss Health Observatory (Obsan), approximately 9% of the population experiences a depressive episode over the course of a single year.

Depressive disorders affect people of all age groups, with young adults and the working-age population being particularly impacted. Beyond individual suffering, the social and economic consequences are substantial, leading to sick leave, reduced productivity, and an increased risk of long-term chronicity.

The Swiss healthcare system possesses high-quality infrastructure for treating mental health disorders. The treatment pathways rely on:

• General Practitioners (GPs) and Psychiatrists: Key players in diagnosis and medical management.
• Independent Psychotherapists: Since the introduction of the prescription model, sessions with psychotherapists prescribed by a physician are covered by basic health insurance (AOS/OKP).

However, despite this reform facilitating access to care, the system faces high demand. Waiting times for psychotherapy appointments can extend to several weeks or even months, particularly in certain cantons or for specialized treatment needs. During this waiting period, the risk of worsening symptoms remains high.

To bridge these long waiting times and provide continuous support, digital health is gaining increasing importance in Switzerland. While digital therapeutics do not replace the interpersonal relationship with doctors or therapists, they offer a complementary, structured, and immediately available solution.

Based on the proven methods of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), these medical applications enable patients to:

• Work independently on their thought patterns and behaviors to noticeably improve their depressive symptoms
• Benefit from interactive support that is available 24/7
• Apply a structured approach as soon as initial depressive symptoms appear or while waiting for a psychotherapy appointment

Switzerland is among the pioneering countries that officially integrate digital medical devices into standard medical care.

Used by more than 275,000 patients worldwide and supported by 16 scientific studies, deprexis is a CE-certified medical device specifically developed to support adults with depression.

How Does Reimbursement Work in Switzerland?

Unlike other markets where digital therapies must be fully self-funded by patients, Switzerland recognizes the medical value of deprexis:

• Coverage by Compulsory Health Insurance (OKP): Since July 1, 2026, deprexis has been listed on the official MiGeL list. Therefore, the costs for the program are partially reimbursed by compulsory basic health insurance upon medical prescription.
• Duration of Treatment: A medical prescription grants access to the interactive program for a period of 90 days.

This model combines medical rigor, financial accessibility, and rapid responsiveness, providing Swiss patients with a state-of-the-art therapeutic solution that is integrated into their health insurance coverage.