Sanatorium Kilchberg: Switzerland’s first inpatient treatment program in English
Sanatorium Kilchberg in Zurich provides specialist treatment for stress-related disorders, such as burnout, exhaustion and depression. Their treatment program is in English and available to semi-private and private insured patients, or with the payment of a daily fee.
Burnout treatment in Switzerland: Professional care for stress-related disorders
Burnout, depression and other stress-related disorders are on the rise, and can affect anyone, no matter their job or lifestyle. Sanatorium Kilchberg provides multidisciplinary care for those affected in a tranquil and supportive environment.
Understanding burnout and pathways to recovery
Burnout manifests as physical exhaustion, emotional fatigue and diminished motivation. In advanced stages, it can develop into a serious mental health condition. Addressing these symptoms through professional care can support long-term health and resilience.
Burnout typically develops gradually and can affect both physical and mental health. Common symptoms include:
- Exhaustion and lack of energy
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased irritability or emotional detachment
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues
- Decreased motivation and performance in work or personal life
If left untreated, burnout can lead to serious health problems, including anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular problems. Early recognition and treatment support long-term recovery.
The treatment program in English at Sanatorium Kilchberg uses the SymBalance Concept, which has been developed over the past decade. This is a holistic, evidence-based framework for recovery that combines medical, psychological and lifestyle interventions in a restorative setting.
For individuals experiencing severe burnout, this inpatient treatment program gives the intensive care needed at this advanced stage.
Find out more about Sanatorium Kilchberg's in-patient treatment program in English
The SymBalance Concept
The SymBalance therapy program at Sanatorium Kilchberg addresses burnout and exhaustion-related depression. Unlike conventional approaches, SymBalance distinguishes three key dimensions of burnout:
- Objective: Performance-related overload
- Subjective: Emotional exhaustion and loss of motivation
- Existential: Deeper personal or identity-related stress
Treatment is tailored to the individual, based on the dominant factors contributing to their burnout. Key components of the program include individual and group psychotherapy, alongside mindfulness practices, physical activity, stress management techniques, and regenerative and creative therapies.
Burnout often results from a prolonged imbalance between the demands placed on individuals and their available professional, social or familial resources. The therapy structure reflects this complexity.
Comprehensive treatment
The treatment program at Sanatorium Kilchberg in Switzerland offers a comprehensive, personalised approach to recovery, focusing on medical, psychological and lifestyle interventions. A multidisciplinary team of doctors, therapists and wellness coaches works collaboratively to address the root causes of burnout and support long-term, sustainable recovery.
The therapeutic approach integrates multiple disciplines:
1. Medical assessment and diagnostics
A comprehensive initial assessment evaluates both physical and psychological symptoms. This includes:
- Medical consultations and symptom evaluation
- Lifestyle and stressor analysis
- Laboratory testing, if indicated
2. Psychological support and therapies
Therapeutic support is essential for emotional recovery and building resilience. Services include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to address issues such as negative thought patterns and dysfunctional behaviour
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to promote emotional balance
Psychotherapy is tailored to individual needs and helps to:
- Set healthy boundaries
- Improve time management skills
- Strengthen coping strategies and build resilience
3. Lifestyle and health support
Sustainable recovery requires lifestyle adaptations. The program includes:
- Personalised stress management strategies
- Nutritional counselling to support physical and mental well-being
- Physical activity programs such as yoga, fitness training, movement therapy and relaxation techniques
Program access and registration
The treatment program is available to patients with private or semi-private insurance coverage, as well as those with general insurance. An additional daily fee applies for those with general insurance.
It's simple to join the program. Simply follow these four steps:
- Contact Sanatorium Kilchberg via phone or email
- Have an initial consultation and assessment
- Submit your medical documentation (if applicable)
- Coordinate the admission date
A medically indicated inpatient stay is covered by health insurance. The clinic will request prior authorisation for coverage. If you have questions about upgrading your insurance or coverage options, the admissions team will be happy to assist you.
Get in touch
Whether it's for yourself or someone you care about, you can contact the admissions team at Sanatorium Kilchberg to discuss treatment options by phone (+41 44 716 42 75) or email ([email protected]).