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Handelsblatt highlights that psychotherapy can cause harmful side effects such as broken relationships and job loss, underscoring safety concerns in mental health treatment

Executive summary: A Handelsblatt article explains that psychotherapy can lead to negative consequences such as relationship breakdowns and job loss, treating it as a treatment with possible adverse effects. Highlighting these risks is relevant to employers, health insurers and regulators, as it may affect utilization, costs and the need for safeguards in mental health services.

Who is involved: Patients undergoing psychotherapy, therapists and clinics, health insurers, and employers offering mental health benefits.

Likely next: Stakeholders may call for stronger informed‑consent procedures, adverse‑event reporting mechanisms, and review of clinical guidelines to mitigate harms.

The article reports that psychotherapy, like other medical interventions, may produce adverse outcomes including strained personal relationships and unemployment. It cites patient testimonies and expert commentary to illustrate that negative effects are not rare but often under‑discussed. By raising awareness of these risks, the piece prompts patients, providers and insurers to consider better monitoring and informed‑consent practices. The timing coincides with a related Handelsblatt piece on patient rights in psychotherapy, suggesting growing media focus on accountability in the sector.

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