- Address
- Islikonerstrasse 5, 8548 Ellikon an der Thur, Switzerland
- Category
- Clinical specialist
- Location
- Ellikon an der Thur, Zurich
- Format
- Small group / clinic
- Capacity
- 102 inpatient therapy beds
- Founded
- 1889
- Programme length
- From two weeks to several months; usual waiting time three to four weeks
- Languages
- German
- Pricing
- Covered by Swiss basic insurance for residents; private rates for international clients (Forel Klinik, 2026).
- Licence
- Listed specialist addiction clinic, canton of Zurich
- Payment
- Swiss basic insurance, with supplementary cover for private rooms
- Phone
- +41 52 369 11 11
- Facts checked
- October 2026
About Forel Klinik
Forel Klinik is a specialist clinic for alcohol and medication dependence, founded in 1889 (Forel Klinik, 2026).
Settings: an inpatient clinic in Ellikon an der Thur with 102 therapy beds for qualified detox and rehabilitation; a day clinic with 70 places in Zurich; an outpatient centre in Zurich (Forel Klinik, 2026).
The clinic treats co-occurring psychiatric conditions alongside addiction. Nicotine addiction can be treated at the same time. It runs its own research department.
Alcohol dependence is common in Switzerland. An estimated 250,000 to 300,000 people are dependent on alcohol (FOPH, 2025). In 2022, 2.1% of the Swiss population took sleeping pills or sedatives daily or almost daily (FOPH, 2022).
Treatment philosophy
The Forel Klinik approach
Forel Klinik uses an integrative model that combines medical, psychotherapeutic and social perspectives (Forel Klinik, 2026). Treatment concepts are tailored to each person. The clinic treats the psychiatric conditions that addiction is often used to self-medicate.
Treatment methods at Forel Klinik
Qualified detox
Medically supported withdrawal from alcohol and medication, followed directly by rehabilitation.
Psychotherapy
Individual and group therapy focused on relapse prevention and underlying conditions.
Sport, movement and occupational therapy
Physical activity and structured work rebuild routine and confidence.
What sets Forel Klinik apart
- Specialised in alcohol treatment since 1889
- Own research department and publications
- Flexible settings from inpatient to day clinic
Programmes offered
- Inpatient detox and rehabilitation (Ellikon)
- Day clinic (Zurich, 70 places)
- Outpatient clinic (Zurich)
What Forel Klinik treats
All therapies
- Qualified detox with medication
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Individual and group psychotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Sport and movement therapy
- Social services and aftercare
Setting & amenities
- Rural campus
- Day clinic in Zurich
How much does Forel Klinik cost?
Forel Klinik does not publish self-pay prices online. Covered by Swiss basic insurance for residents; private rates for international clients (Forel Klinik, 2026). We request a current, written quote for you as part of the free assessment, together with availability and alternatives in the same price range. See our guide to rehab costs in Switzerland.
Forel Klinik: pros and cons
Strengths
- Specialised in alcohol and medication dependence since 1889
- 102 inpatient beds plus a day clinic in Zurich (Sihlquai 255)
- Insurance-funded for Swiss residents
Worth knowing
- Waiting time of three to four weeks
- Group-based programme rather than luxury setting
Forel Klinik: questions and answers
What does Forel Klinik treat?
Forel Klinik is a specialist clinic for alcohol and medication dependence, with inpatient, day-clinic and outpatient care.
Where is Forel Klinik?
The inpatient clinic is at Islikonerstrasse 5, 8548 Ellikon an der Thur; the day clinic and outpatient service are at Sihlquai 255 in Zurich.
How long is the waiting time?
The clinic states a usual waiting time of three to four weeks for inpatient and day-clinic places.
Getting there
Zurich Airport (ZRH) has direct flights from most global hubs. Privatklinik Hohenegg is about 30 minutes from the airport, and Sanatorium Kilchberg about 15 minutes from central Zurich. Read more about rehab clinics in Zurich & Lake Zurich.
