Patterns of psychotherapeutic practice and professionalisation in Germany

摘要

The seasoned tradition of psychotherapy as a part of the health system has led to a professionalisation of psychotherapy in Germany at a relatively high level. Since 1999, psychotherapy has been specifically regulated by a law defining access to training in psychotherapy and child and adolescent psychotherapy for psychologists and other professionals. In addition, psychotherapeutic specialisations are part of at least three specific postgraduate medical training programs. Besides outpatient psychotherapy, the German health system provides a close network of counselling centres, as well as inpatient psychotherapeutic/psychosomatic departments. Ten years after the enactment of the law of psychotherapy ('Psychotherapeutengesetz'), the German government has commissioned a scientific expertise related to the need for potential legal changes in the training and service system.