What does a psychosocial addiction counselling centre (PSB) do?
A psychosocial counselling centre, or PSB for short, is a point of contact in addiction support for people with addiction problems and for their surroundings. For cannabis problems it advises on use, habits and goals, makes a professional assessment of the situation and helps with referrals to further services. The centre will explain how confidential the conversations are at the first contact.
What the abbreviation PSB means
PSB stands for psychosocial counselling centre (psychosoziale Beratungsstelle). The name describes the link between mental health and social circumstances. Many people with addiction problems also struggle with debt, stress at work, conflicts in the family or difficulties with their housing. The counselling centre therefore looks at use in connection with the whole of life. According to the Federal Government’s Drugs Commissioner, there are counselling centres for people with addiction problems and their relatives in almost every city. The DHS facility database lists more than 1,400 outpatient addiction counselling centres and 800 residential facilities nationwide.
The names and exact scope can differ by federal state and provider. Therefore, ask on the phone which services the centre actually offers. That way you avoid disappointment and find the right help more quickly.
Which tasks a PSB takes on
The core of the work is counselling on addiction problems. This includes a first conversation in which the specialist records your situation. Afterwards, together with you, they consider whether additional help makes sense. The offer depends on your concern.
- Counselling: conversations about use, habits and goals, even if you do not yet want to stop.
- Assessment: professional clarification of whether dependence or other problems are present.
- Referral: pointers to withdrawal treatment, rehabilitation, doctors or self-help groups.
- Work with relatives: conversations for family members who suffer because of another person’s use.
- Aftercare: support after a treatment, so that everyday life afterwards works.
Not every centre does all of these itself. Some work closely with clinics or practices, others refer you on. The specialists tell you what they take on and where they will send you.
Who the PSB is for
The counselling centres are for people with cannabis problems, but also for people with other forms of addiction such as alcohol or medication. Relatives who are worried about someone also come. If depression, anxiety or other mental health problems occur as well, the PSB is likewise a suitable place. Professionally, this is often called a dual diagnosis.
You do not have to be sure that you want to stop. Many centres also advise people who are first checking their use or want an independent assessment. The article Do you have to want to stop before going to counselling? answers this question in more detail.
How counselling is funded
How a counselling centre is funded depends on the federal state, the municipality and the provider. For you as a client, it is important to ask before the first appointment whether costs arise. The article Who pays for outpatient addiction counselling? explains the basics you can rely on.
How contact works
Contact often begins with a phone call or a message through the website. A short sentence is enough: you would like to talk about your cannabis use. The centre then arranges an appointment or tells you the next free consultation slot. How long you have to wait depends on the centre. The article How long does it take until an appointment is free? gives information on this.
In the first conversation, the specialist records your situation. This covers consumption habits, health questions, work, school or training, and your social environment. At the end, you can consider together which steps make sense. The process in detail is described in the article How does the first conversation in addiction counselling go?
PSB and other points of contact compared
The PSB is an outpatient point of contact. It complements GP practices, clinics and self-help groups. Anyone who needs a place in a rehabilitation programme is often accompanied to it by the counselling centre. Conversely, the centre supports people who have to find their way back into everyday life after residential treatment.
| Point of contact | Focus | Typical way in |
|---|---|---|
| Psychosocial counselling centre | Use, everyday life, referral | Phone call or contact via the website |
| GP practice | Body, medication, diagnosis | Appointment at the practice |
| Addiction clinic | Intensive treatment | Referral via counselling or a doctor |
| Self-help group | Exchange with people affected | Contact via counselling or the internet |
The table is a guide. Many routes lead through several of these services, and that is normal. What matters is that the services can talk to each other if you want them to.
What to expect at the first conversation
The first conversation usually takes a while, because the specialist needs the full picture. You do not need to prepare as you would for an exam. A few notes help: your habits, your biggest worries and the situations in which use becomes strong. That makes it easier to say what matters.
The specialist will probably ask since when you have been using, how your use has changed and which consequences you notice. Health, sleep, work or school, and your environment will also come up. You decide for yourself how deep you go into individual topics. If something is uncomfortable for you, you can say so.
At the end there is often a first next step, such as another appointment, a recommendation or contact with another service. Ask your questions beforehand. Questions about confidentiality, the length of support, the involvement of relatives and services after counselling are a good fit.
What you can do now
- Search for a PSB near you, for example through the DHS addiction services directory.
- Call and ask which services the centre offers and how appointments are arranged.
- Check in advance whether costs arise, and write down your questions.
- Bring a trusted person with you if that helps you.
A PSB is a low-threshold way into help. You do not have to know everything for it. The specialists help you sort the next steps, and you decide for yourself how things continue. Further guidance is in the section Help and counselling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a PSB and an addiction clinic?
A PSB is an outpatient counselling centre. You come to conversations and keep your everyday life. An addiction clinic is a residential or day-patient facility for intensive treatment. The PSB assesses whether a clinic makes sense and supports you with the referral.
Can relatives also go to a PSB?
Yes. Many counselling centres offer support for family members, partners and friends. Relatives can clarify questions about how to deal with use and find relief. Ask the centre whether, and to what extent, this is possible.
Do I need a referral for a PSB?
Whether you need a referral or a registration through an authority differs from centre to centre. Ask at the first contact which requirements apply to you. Even if a court or an authority suggests counselling, the centre clarifies the process with you.