Deprexis to be reimbursed by health insurers: what changes for cross-border workers and Ticino (cross-border guide)

Context

TL;DR

• Deprexis app for mild to moderate depression
• Prescribable by doctors from July 2026
• Fully reimbursed by Swiss health insurance

Key facts

• App Name: Deprexis
• Start Date: 1 July 2026
• Target Users: Adults with mild to moderate depression
• Prescription: Required by a doctor
• Reimbursement: Fully covered by health insurance
• App Features: Exercises, mood diary, emotional techniques
• Effectiveness: Proven to reduce depressive symptoms
• Limitations: Not for crisis situations or severe cases

From 1 July 2026, Swiss doctors will be able to prescribe the Deprexis app, a digital psychotherapy platform that will be fully reimbursed by health insurance funds. This is the first application of its kind authorised by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and intended for adult patients with mild to moderate depressive disorders. The introduction is no coincidence: according to an evaluation by the University of Bern, only half of people with mental health problems seek medical advice, and among them, only half manage to find a specialist due to long waiting lists.

The app, developed in Germany, is designed as a complementary tool to traditional psychotherapy, not as a replacement. The programme is based on pre-programmed algorithms that provide personalised advice based on the patient’s symptoms. Available features include exercises to counter negative thoughts, emotional strengthening techniques and the option to keep a mood diary. According to Professor Chantal Martin Sölch of the University of Fribourg, 'Numerous studies conducted in different contexts and countries show that this application genuinely reduces depressive symptoms.' Its effectiveness increases further when used alongside traditional therapy, also improving the latter’s outcomes.

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Operational details

The introduction of Deprexis into the Swiss healthcare system raises practical questions for cross-border workers and Ticino residents. While the app does not replace traditional therapy, it represents a tangible shift in how mental health is addressed. But what does this mean in concrete terms for those who live and work between Italy and Switzerland?

Before vs after: what changes for patients

Before July 2026, those suffering from mild or moderate depression had few options:

• Turning to a private psychotherapist, with high costs and long waiting lists.
• Waiting months for an appointment in the public service.
• Not seeking help at all, due to fear of social stigma or lack of motivation.

After July 2026, the option of a digital application becomes accessible, but with clear limitations:

• It is not a replacement therapy, but a complementary tool.
• It is not suitable for severe cases or emergency situations (e.g., suicidal thoughts).
• It requires a medical prescription, so it cannot be downloaded independently.

How it integrates with the Ticino healthcare system

The Canton of Ticino, like the rest of Switzerland, is facing a crisis in access to psychological care. According to FOPH data, only 50% of people with mental health issues seek consultation, and of these, only half find a specialist available. In this context, Deprexis could represent a piece of a broader strategy, but not the definitive solution.

However, for cross-border workers employed in Lugano, Bellinzona, or Locarno but residing in the provinces of Como or Varese, the app offers some advantages:

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Key points

From 1 July 2026, cross-border commuters and Ticino residents suffering from mild or moderate depression will be able to have access to Deprexis, the digital psychotherapy application reimbursed by health insurance companies. But how do you access the tool? What are the steps to follow? And what concretely changes in everyday life?

Step 1: Get your prescription

The first step is to consult a doctor in Ticino. Only a doctor, after an assessment of the symptoms, will be able to prescribe the application. This means that it will not be possible to download Deprexis independently, even if you pay out of your own pocket. For cross-border commuters who do not have a general practitioner in Ticino, the alternative is to contact a private specialist or go to a public clinic.

Step 2: Download the app and activate the refund

Once the prescription has been obtained, the patient will have to: 1. Download the Deprexis app from the official store (Google Play or Apple App Store). 2. Register with your personal details. 3. Enter the prescription code provided by your doctor. 4. Wait for confirmation of activation from the health insurer.

The FOPH has specified that the cost of the subscription will be fully refunded, but the details of the amount and the exact refund procedure have not yet been communicated. We recommend that you contact your health insurance company to check for any additional steps.

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