Verein Für Sozialpsychatrie E.V.

What Verein Für Sozialpsychatrie E.V. does

Verein für Sozialpsychiatrie e.V. (VfS) is a non-profit registered association (eingetragener Verein) founded in 1984 and headquartered in Saarlouis, Saarland, Germany. It provides community-based social psychiatry services to people with mental illnesses and psychosocial disabilities across the districts of Saarlouis and, since the May 7, 2025 merger with TRIAS e.V., Merzig-Wadern. The service portfolio spans five modular lines: (1) outpatient assistance including Hilfen zum selbstbestimmten Leben und Wohnen, Soziotherapie, tagesstrukturierende Maßnahmen, the SIGA coaching program, and the CUM-iNO homelessness-mental-health clearing project; (2) intensive supervised residential housing (Besondere Wohnform) with 58 single-room places across eight houses plus additional supported living apartments in Saarlouis, Dillingen, and Wallerfangen; (3) the Tageszentrum Villa Vivendi day center (and the post-merger Tageszentrum TRIAS in Merzig) offering group programs, self-help groups, music therapy, sports, and a bicycle workshop (Kurbelklinik); (4) employment areas including a 2-hectare Demeter-certified biodynamic garden with on-site Hofladen farm shop, a Holzwerkstatt (wood workshop), the Kreativwerkstatt con:/TAKT creative workshop, and hauswirtschaftliches Training; and (5) therapeutic and support offerings such as Musiktherapie, integrative sports with LC Rehlingen, and a relatives' support group (Angehörigengruppe). Funding is a multi-source public mix: social welfare funding from the Landesamt für Soziales Saarbrücken, Krankenkasse reimbursements for Soziotherapie, Jobcenter activation and placement vouchers for SIGA, and ESF Plus / BMAS EhAP Plus project-specific grants for CUM-iNO. The organization has been ISO 9001 and AZAV certified since October 10, 2014 (Certqua, Bonn), is a member of the Spitzenverband Diakonisches Werk Rheinland-Westfalen-Lippe e.V., and is governed by two executive directors (Geschäftsführer Holger Simon and Sebastian Lötsch) and a five-member Verwaltungsrat post-merger. The technology footprint is operational rather than strategic: a WordPress website with Borlabs cookie consent, Google Analytics, Google Maps, Spotify podcast embed, Facebook/Instagram, and Wordfence security, with no AI/ML capabilities or proprietary platform.

Name

Verein Für Sozialpsychatrie E.V.

Legal name

Verein für Sozialpsychiatrie e.V.

Website

https://vfs-saarlouis.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Verein für Sozialpsychiatrie e.V. is a Saarland-based non-profit association founded in 1984 that delivers community psychiatric care, supported housing, day programs, and therapeutic employment to people with mental illness across the Saarlouis and Merzig-Wadern districts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Mental Health Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

Keywords

• Community mental health services
• Social psychiatry care
• Supported housing services
• Outpatient psychiatric care
• Vocational rehabilitation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Saarlouis

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Social services funding (Landesamt für Soziales): The primary revenue stream is funded through the Landesamt für Soziales in Saarbrücken, which covers costs for Hilfen zum selbstbestimmten Leben und Wohnen (assisted living support) for eligible clients based on economic prerequisites and existing care needs. This is a recurring public funding model.
2. Sociotherapy reimbursement (Krankenkasse): Sociotherapy is a care benefit for people with mental illness. Prescriptions require approval from health insurance (Krankenkasse). Up to 120 hours within a 3-year period can be used, prescribed by a psychiatrist or (for 3 hours) a general practitioner.
3. Day center and employment area services: Services at the Tageszentrum Villa Vivendi and employment/beschäftigungsbereiche are provided free of charge (kostenlos) and are not subject to time limits. Revenue is derived from public social welfare funding and jobcenter activation vouchers.
4. SIGA coaching via activation and placement voucher (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein): The SIGA (Saarlouiser Initiative für Gesundheit und Arbeit) program is funded through an activation and placement voucher from the Jobcenter, covering individual coaching for up to 26 weeks to reduce burdens, promote mental health, and connect clients to the labor market.
5. CUM-iNO project funding (ESF Plus / EhAP Plus): The CUM-iNO project (Clearing und Unterstützung von Menschen in Notsituationen) is funded under the EhAP Plus program by the German Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus). This is a project-specific grant.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Verein für Sozialpsychiatrie e.V. (VfS Saarlouis) is a non-profit community-based social psychiatry provider delivering integrated outpatient assistance, intensive supervised residential living, day-center support, and therapeutic employment programs for people with mental illness in the Saarlouis and Merzig-Wadern districts of Germany. Services include Hilfen zum selbstbestimmten Leben und Wohnen, Soziotherapie, SIGA coaching, the CUM-iNO homelessness clearing project, the Tageszentrum Villa Vivendi day center, and Beschäftigungsbereiche such as a Demeter-certified garden, woodworking and creative workshops. Funding comes primarily from public social welfare budgets, health insurance reimbursements, Jobcenter vouchers, and European Social Fund Plus grants.

Product overview

Verein für Sozialpsychiatrie Saarlouis is a non-profit social psychiatry organization offering a comprehensive range of community-based psychiatric care services. The organization operates on a multi-module platform model consisting of: (1) Ambulant outpatient services including assistance for independent living, sociotherapy, structured day measures, SIGA coaching, and CUM-iNO homelessness support; (2) Stationary residential care through intensive supervised living in 58 single rooms across 8 houses; (3) Day center Villa Vivendi providing daytime activities and support; (4) Employment areas including Demeter-certified organic garden, farm shop, wood workshop, creative workshop, and household training; (5) Therapeutic services including sports, music therapy, and bicycle workshop. The organization also facilitates self-help and relatives' support groups, all coordinated to promote social inclusion and participation for people with mental illness.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CUM-iNO: Clearing and Support for People in Emergency Situations - a project for disadvantaged, homeless or at-risk-of-homelessness people with mental health conditions. Funded by ESF Plus.
• SIGA

Products and services

• Hilfen zum selbstbestimmten Leben und Wohnen (Assisted Living Support) Outpatient assistance providing help and guidance directly at the place of residence, in one's own apartment or in a shared living community, tailored to the individual needs of people with mental illness. Funded through the Landesamt für Soziales in Saarbrücken.
• Soziotherapie (Sociotherapy) Prescription-based psychiatric care benefit for people with mental illness who cannot independently access medical care or structure daily life, covering up to 120 hours within a 3-year period reimbursed by Krankenkasse (statutory health insurance). Prescribed by a psychiatrist or up to 3 hours by a general practitioner.
• Tagesstrukturierende Maßnahmen (Day-Structuring Measures) Model project offering structured meaningful employment opportunities for mentally disabled people receiving outpatient assistance, supporting social integration and participation in community life.
• SIGA (Saarlouiser Initiative für Gesundheit und Arbeit) Individual coaching program supporting stressed persons for up to 26 weeks to reduce strain, promote mental health, and facilitate return to work. Funded via Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein (activation and placement voucher) from the Jobcenter.
• CUM-iNO (Clearing und Unterstützung von Menschen in Notsituationen) Free, anonymous clearing and referral counseling for people threatened by or affected by homelessness who also have a mental impairment or illness. Funded under the EhAP Plus program by BMAS and the European Social Fund Plus.
• Besondere Wohnform (Intensiv betreutes Wohnen) Intensive supervised residential living in eight houses offering 58 single rooms for people with mental disabilities needing intensive support, fostering emotional stability, conflict management, and independence.
• Tageszentrum Villa Vivendi (Day Center) Day center providing full-time or temporary stay with sense of security and trust, offering group programs, practical training, leisure activities, individual support, and crisis intervention. Services are free of charge and not time-limited.
• Demeter Gärtnerei (Biodynamic Garden) Biodynamic Demeter-certified garden on 2 hectares of open field and greenhouse producing seasonal vegetables and herbs, offering protected workplace atmosphere for rehabilitation. Control number DE-ÖKO-022.
• Hofladen (Farm Shop) Farm shop selling biodynamic organic produce from the Demeter garden, open to the public on Tuesdays (9:00-17:00) and Fridays (10:00-18:00). Both retail and wholesale sales are available.
• Holzwerkstatt (Wood Workshop) Woodworking workshop in Saarlouis-Lisdorf producing small furniture, built-in cabinets, kitchens, beds, wardrobes, birdhouses, and picture frames, with apprenticeship opportunities.
• Kreativwerkstatt con:/TAKT (Creative Workshop) Creative workshop focused on visual, creative, and handicraft work therapy across three floors with workrooms, ceramics studio, and small sales outlet.
• Hauswirtschaftliches Training (Household Skills Training) Practical training in household skills including cooking, cleaning, and daily living tasks to support independent living and self-sufficiency.
• Sportangebote (Sports Programs) Sports offerings including gymnastics, strength training, back school, relaxation training, ball games, swimming, and water gymnastics, with integrative fitness group at LC Rehlingen's 'Haus der Leichtathletik' since 2008.
• Musiktherapie (Music Therapy) Music therapy services including group and individual sessions where participants express feelings and moods through sound, with singing groups in supervised living houses.
• Kurbelklinik (Bicycle Workshop) Bicycle workshop at the day center offering repair services and teaching clients to independently repair their bicycles, fostering self-efficacy and independence. Equipped with Aktion Mensch donation funds.
• Selbsthilfegruppen (Self-Help Groups) Self-help groups for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, bipolar disorder, and relatives of people with mental illness meeting regularly.
• Angehörigengruppe (Relatives' Support Group) Professionally led relatives' support group providing structured framework for information, reflection, and personal empowerment for relatives of people in VfS care. New group starting April 20, 2026, meeting biweekly on Mondays.

Quantifiable outcome

• 58 residential places across 8 houses, with additional supported living apartments
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TRIAS e.V. (Merzig)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2025TRIAS e.V. from Merzig merged with the Verein für Sozialpsychiatrie e.V. in May 2025. Both nonprofit organizations had been serving people with mental illness for decades (TRIAS since 1959, VfS since 1984). The merger creates a stronger provider present at two locations (Saarlouis and Merzig), better positioned to address staffing shortages and regulatory demands. The Merzig location remains fully operational; its Tageszentrum was renamed 'Tageszentrum TRIAS'. Horst Bernardy leads Merzig until retirement. All employment relationships transfer seamlessly to the new entity.
• Jobcenter im Landkreis SaarlouiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Verein für Sozialpsychiatrie implements the CUM-iNO project in cooperation with the Jobcenter im Landkreis Saarlouis. The jobcenter also funds the SIGA coaching program via activation and placement vouchers. The jobcenter's NAVI team organizes the 'Feel Gudd' health fair, in which VfS regularly participates.
• LC Rehlingen (Leichtathletikverein Rehlingen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2008, the Verein für Sozialpsychiatrie has partnered with LC Rehlingen to operate an integrative fitness group at the 'Haus der Leichtathletik' in Rehlingen. The cooperation provides inclusive sports opportunities for people with mental health conditions alongside people without disabilities, promoting social integration and meaningful leisure activities.
• dm-drogerie marktminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDm-drogerie markt supplemented the CUM-iNO donation collection for the women's shelter (Frauenhaus Saarlouis) with additional cosmetics, hair clips, and nursing cloths. This partnership demonstrates the organization's community engagement beyond its core services.
• Frauenhaus SaarlouisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Frauenhaus (women's shelter) in Saarlouis is a network partner of the CUM-iNO project. Both organizations cooperate closely to support women in stable housing situations, as women in shelters often face mental health challenges combined with housing instability. CUM-iNO donated four large boxes of cosmetics and children's care products collected from staff.
• Kompetenzwerkstatt FrankfurtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Kompetenzwerkstatt Frankfurt, led by Meike Trommer, organized and conducted the organization's Gesundheitswoche (Health Week) in May 2026, providing programming across movement, relaxation, prevention, and mental health.
• Spitzenverband Diakonisches Werk Rheinland-Westfalen-Lippe e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Verein für Sozialpsychiatrie is a member of the Spitzenverband Diakonisches Werk Rheinland-Westfalen-Lippe e.V., the umbrella organization for diaconal welfare institutions in the region.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Der Paritätische Gesamtverband: Umbrella organization for German nonprofit social and health services, including many community-psychiatry providers. Comparable as an institutional framework that channels public funding and AZAV-style contracts to member organizations like VfS.
• AWO Bundesverband: Major German welfare association providing psychiatric housing, day centers, and employment-promotion measures under the same SGB framework as VfS. Comparable as a multi-state operator of community-psychiatry services funded by public welfare budgets.
• Caritas Deutschland: Germany's largest Catholic welfare association and a major operator of Eingliederungshilfe, psychiatric housing, and outpatient social-psychiatry services. Comparable as a publicly funded nonprofit delivering community-based mental-health and disability services, but at national scale and across many service lines beyond VfS's Saarland focus.
• Diakonie Deutschland: National umbrella of Protestant welfare organizations; VfS itself is a member of Diakonisches Werk Rheinland-Westfalen-Lippe. Operates psychiatric housing, Soziotherapie, and Beschäftigungsbereiche nationwide on the same German social-code funding model (SGB V, IX, XII) as VfS.

Direct peers

• Alexianer GmbH: Catholic-affiliated German healthcare group operating psychiatric hospitals, residential facilities, and outpatient community-psychiatry services. Direct comparable in service mix (intensive supervised living, day centers, employment programs) but at multi-state scale and including inpatient clinical care.
• v. Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel: One of Germany's largest diaconal providers of social psychiatry, disability services, and Beschäftigungsbereiche. Direct comparable to VfS's integrated outpatient + residential + employment model for people with mental illness, but operates at national scale across multiple Bundesländer.

Others

• Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Gemeindepsychiatrischer Verbünde: Federal association of community-psychiatry networks in Germany; not a direct operator but the policy/coordination body that shapes the funding and certification framework within which VfS and similar Gemeindepsychiatrie providers operate and scale.

Regional players

• Sozialwerk Saar: Regional Saarland-based social services nonprofit providing psychiatric housing and outpatient support comparable to VfS's Hilfen zum selbstbestimmten Leben und Wohnen and Besondere Wohnform. Direct competitor for the same Saarland Land funding allocations.
• Gemeindepsychiatrisches Zentrum (GPZ) Saar: Community psychiatric center model operating across Germany; the closest structural analogue to VfS's combined outpatient + day-center + Beschäftigungsbereiche offering, and a direct competitor for the same Jobcenter and Krankenkasse funding in Saarland.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/verein-f%C3%BCr-sozialpsychatrie-e-v-

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Verein Für Sozialpsychatrie E.V.