Understanding Internal Dynamics – Human and Effective

Interview with Karin Koerber, Managing Director of the Klinik Menterschwaige

Creating Perspectives through Design: Art therapy opens up access to one's own emotional world and promotes creative forms of expression as part of the healing process

While mental illnesses are increasingly being destigmatized in public perception, their treatment remains a highly complex task. The Klinik Menterschwaige in Munich demonstrates how depth psychology-based psychiatry can be combined with a holistic approach. In the interview, Managing Director Karin Koerber explains why economic autonomy and therapeutic depth are not a contradiction here – and what role cooperation plays in success.

Wirtschaftsforum: Ms. Koerber, what were the most important milestones in the development of Klinik Menterschwaige?

Karin Koerber: The founding in 1979 as a non-profit GmbH was a significant step – at that time with 56 beds in a former lung hospital in the Perlacher Forst. In 2017, we created modern patient rooms and additional therapy rooms with an extension. Today, we have 62 inpatient beds. Another milestone was the establishment of our Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic in 1993. This dual care - inpatient and outpatient - remains a central element for us to this day. That we operate as a clinic completely independently, without any corporate affiliation or governing body, uniquely positions us in the market.

Karin Koerber, Managing Director of Klinik Menterschwaige

Wirtschaftsforum: What does this independence concretely mean for your economic setup?

Karin Koerber: It brings great flexibility and responsibility. We are on our own and must act economically solid – there is no safety net. This challenges us, but also allows for authentic decisions in the interest of our treatment concept. For a clinic of our size, that is quite remarkable. At the same time, we benefit from synergies within our own structure – especially through the close integration of inpatient and outpatient sectors.

Menterschwaige Clinic Music Therapy — Sounds as a bridge to emotion – music therapy is an integral part of the holistic approach and helps patients make internal processes audible and tangible

Klinik Menterschwaige Location with Tranquility — Location with tranquility, seclusion, and a broad view - situated amidst nature, urbanly accessible and characterized by therapeutic consistency

Wirtschaftsforum: How is your team structured?

Karin Koerber: We employ over 100 staff from a wide range of professions – from doctors, nurses, psychologists, and psychotherapists to specialized therapists for movement, dance, theater, music, or art. Administration and kitchen are also organized in-house. Particularly remarkable is the loyalty: many colleagues have been with us for decades. This continuity creates a special atmosphere – and is a real unique selling point in times of skilled labor shortages.

Wirtschaftsforum: What is the current economic situation of the clinic?

Karin Koerber: The last two years have been economically satisfactory, also thanks to various subsidies, such as from the Hospital Future Act for digitalization or for energy renovations. However, I do not take this for granted. We are currently working intensively to make our outpatient services economically viable. There is still potential for optimization, but we are heading in the right direction. For us, long-term stability counts, not short-term success.

Wirtschaftsforum: What role does digitalization play in your facility?

Karin Koerber: A big one. We are in the midst of a transformation process that affects all areas – from patient admission to internal communication. My goal is to streamline processes through digital tools, relieve the staff, and at the same time create more time for actual therapeutic work. It is important that digitalization does not dehumanize. Personal contact and a holistic view of the individual remain central to us.

Wirtschaftsforum: How would you describe the therapeutic concept?

Karin Koerber: We work using depth psychology, psychoanalytic, and group dynamic approaches – in the spirit of Dynamic Psychiatry. This means: We do not only make diagnoses, but consider the individual as a whole – with their history, potentials, and environment. The group concept, milieu therapy, and the principle of co-creation run through all levels. This approach not only attracts patients but also staff members who consciously choose this form of work.

Wirtschaftsforum: What drives you personally?

Karin Koerber: My motivation is very clear: I want this clinic to remain economically healthy – because this is the foundation for us to secure and further develop our special treatment concept in the long term – for the staff, for the patients, and for the future. I don't need to be in the spotlight. But I want to create the conditions for continued quality work here. Our location is extraordinary – in the middle of Perlacher Forst, yet close to the city. If we manage to renovate the old building, upgrade energy efficiency and adapt the infrastructure to today's requirements, that is a central milestone for me. And yes – I hope that one day we can celebrate the 100th anniversary of this special clinic together.

Wirtschaftsforum: What does your long-term vision for the clinic look like?

Karin Koerber: We want to expand our outpatient department – in the medium term with extended opening hours from 8 AM to 8 PM, possibly even on weekends. The demand is enormous, and we want to meet it responsibly. In parallel, we are advancing the structural renovation of the existing buildings – in terms of sustainability, with an eye on heat protection and energy efficiency. All this is done in close coordination with the employees. Because only those who feel taken seriously stay in the long run – and that is the basis for our future.