What is Assistance in Social Psychiatry (ASP)?

ASP is a service provided under "integration assistance" (Eingliederungshilfe). It is intended for people with mental illnesses, an existing or impending psychological disability, or mental health problems who need middle- or long-term support in managing their lives.

A basic requirement is that people who use ASP live in their own homes.

Mental illnesses or crises often have a major impact on social life. ASP aims to reduce or overcome these effects as much as possible. If that is not possible, ASP helps people to cope with the situation.

Those affected should be supported in developing their own abilities and managing their lives independently and as self-reliantly as possible within their social environment.

GPD is a non-profit organization. Every person who uses our ASP services receives individual support. Our work focuses on providing assistance in three main areas:

• at our centers (points of contact),

• within the person's social environment (neighborhood or community)

• in their own homes

For personal, day-to-day support, each of our clients is assigned a a team of two dedicated assistants.

Depending on the individual needs, we support people for example in:

• finding suitable therapists or doctors
• attending important appointments
• managing financial matters
• arranging legal support
• handling official matters or sorting mail
• organizing leisure activities
• searching for a new apartment
• organizing and structuring household tasks like shopping or doing laundry

In addition to this individual support, people can use our six community centers, spend time there, talk to us or other people, drink coffee, or play board games.

We also offer a wide range of group activities (creative projects, sports, leisure activities, social gatherings, nutrition).

People who do not have a regular key support worker can also come to us, receive free counseling, use our centers, or take part in selected group activities.

This kind of support costs money. It is called integration assistance. The costs are usually covered. To receive this support, the person (or a legal representative) must submit an application. The responsible public office will then check whether the costs can be covered in your case.
As part of this process, you will need to provide information about your financial situation.

In rare cases, you may have to pay a small part of the costs yourself (a personal contribution).
If you wish, we can help you with your application. Just contact our admissions office (see below).
We can also support you throughout the entire process and accompany you to the meeting with the integration assistance office.

We are happy to help you — without obligation — with any questions about ASP, how to get started, or how to apply.