Approbation als Psychotherapeutin/Psychotherapeut Erteilung

If you want to practice the profession of psychotherapist in Germany without restrictions, you need state approval, the Approbation.

• Proof of identity
• short, complete CV
• Birth certificate and, in case of name change, corresponding certificate
• criminal record
• Statement as to whether criminal proceedings or a public prosecutor’s investigation are pending against you
• Medical certificate, not older than one month, stating that you are medically fit to practice the profession
• Extract from the Federal Central Register (document type O), which must not be older than one month
• Examination certificate
• Officially certified copy of the university certificate (master's certificate) on the basis of which admission to psychotherapeutic training was granted

• You have completed a degree in Germany or acquired an equivalent qualification abroad.
• You have successfully completed the examination to become a psychotherapist.
• You are medically and personally suitable and have the necessary reliability.
• You have sufficient knowledge of the German language.

• You submit the application for approval including all required documents to the responsible authority via the online service
• The responsible authority checks the completeness of the documents submitted and whether you can use them to sufficiently prove that you meet the legal requirements.
• If any evidence is missing or insufficient, the responsible authority may request it from you.
• The responsible authority checks the approval requirements on the basis of the submitted documents.
• After successfully completing the examination, you will be issued with a certificate of approval against acknowledgement of receipt or sent with a certificate of delivery.

• To practice the profession of psychotherapist, the person needs a license (state authorization)
• Approval must be applied for