This paper addresses why 9000 psychosomatic inpatient treatment places exist in Germany and how they are used. First, two case histories are presented to illustrate the particular patients and the typical problems that are dealt with by these units as well as the kind of approach used. This is followed by an outline of the preconditions for this, and a sketch of the actual state of psychosomatic inpatient treatment, illustrated by referring to the treatment approach in Heidelberg. Finally, outcome studies will be discussed.