English-Speaking Therapy in Vienna – Christian Lacina, MSc

We have 50 minutes for the initial session and it is free, with no commitment. You tell me what is on your mind – in as much or as little detail as feels right for you. I ask questions to understand what brings you here and describe how I work. At the end we consider together whether working with me seems right for you. There's no commitment and you don't have to decide straight away. If I feel you'd be better supported elsewhere, I'll tell you honestly and am happy to point you toward other options.

You don't need a diagnosis or a particular reason to come. Some people seek psychotherapy because of a clearly defined difficulty, others because something has felt off for a long time without them being able to put their finger on it. Both are good reasons. Whether it fits is hard to decide in advance – which is exactly what the free initial session is for. You can find out, with no commitment, how it feels to talk with me.

The fee is €90 per session (50 minutes). No VAT is added. For people in financially strained circumstances I have places available at a reduced fee. Please feel free to ask me about it.

For psychotherapists in specialist training under supervision, the public health insurance funds currently don't pay the partial refund they usually would. That's why the fee is lower. Some private supplementary and international health insurers refund part or all of the cost – you receive an invoice you can submit. It is best to ask your insurer directly.

No. We can work entirely in English and English doesn't have to be your first language. If a word from your own language says it better, use it – we'll find the words together. For more, see Therapy for expats and internationals.

How often we meet depends on what you'd like to work on and is something we agree together. Meeting weekly or every two weeks is common. A session lasts 50 minutes and appointments are by arrangement.

How long your psychotherapy takes depends on your individual starting point, your goals and your wishes, and cannot be predicted responsibly at the outset. Some issues resolve within a few months, others take longer. You commit to no minimum duration and can end the therapy at any time.

Yes, that is possible. If you're traveling for work, away from Vienna or would otherwise have to cancel, we can also meet online by video call – including across several sessions, if your circumstances require it for a while. We'll work out together what suits you best.

Psychotherapists treat psychological suffering using scientifically recognized psychotherapeutic methods. The training takes several years and is regulated by the Austrian Psychotherapy Act; alongside theory it includes personal therapy. Psychotherapists make diagnoses within their remit but do not prescribe medication.

Clinical psychologists have studied psychology and completed postgraduate training. Their focus is on psychological assessment using standardized testing and on clinical psychological treatment – likewise without medication.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialist training. They can investigate physical causes, prescribe medication and certify sick leave.

These fields do not exclude one another and often complement each other; some practitioners hold more than one qualification. If further assessment seems useful in the course of our work, I will raise it and am happy to point you toward other options.