Psychotherapist

area of activity

The scope of practice includes the treatment of diseases that can be treated by psychotherapeutic methods according to accepted scientific doctrine.

Professional qualification/further training

The professional qualification for the practice of the profession of a psychotherapist is possessed by anyone who:

a) holds a consecutive master's degree or a degree equivalent to a licentiate, master's degree or diploma in psychology from a recognized university, college or university of applied sciences with:

1. Major or minor in clinical psychology; or

2. a course credit of at least 25 ECTS in clinical psychology and psychopathology at the master's level;

b) demonstrates completed postgraduate specialized training as a psychotherapist. This training must be in a scientifically recognized psychotherapy method whose effectiveness spans a broad area of application. Minimum requirements include:

1. 400 hours of theory;

2. 400 session hours of own psychotherapeutic activity;

3. 10 cases treated or in treatment, documented and supervised;

4. 200 session hours of supervision, including at least 50 session hours in individual settings;

5. 100 session hours of self-awareness, at least 50 of which must be in individual settings; and

c) a minimum of three years of postgraduate practical psychotherapeutic activity with mentally ill persons under professional supervision. At least half of the activity must have been completed in a clinic, outpatient clinic, or mental health institution.

Special features

The psychotherapist shall limit the practice of his profession to those psychological fields of work and methods in which he has demonstrably acquired sufficient knowledge and experience.

Approval procedures and requirements

Pursuant to Health Law Art. 7 ff and Health Ordinance Art. 69 to 71.