Licence to practise as a psychotherapist

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

Anyone wishing to practice the profession of psychotherapist in Germany requires a separate professional license: the Approbation or the Berufserlaubnis. The Approbation is the more comprehensive professional license and is issued by the competent authority.

Lower Saxony Special Purpose Association for Licensing (NiZzA)

The responsibility lies with the Lower Saxony Association for the Granting of Licences to Practice Medicine (NiZzA).

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The license to practice medicine is linked to various requirements, which relate to

• the successful completion of studies and successful participation in the state final examination in Germany or an equivalent training qualification abroad and

• personal and health suitability for practicing the profession.

Appeal (appeal may be excluded depending on national law), administrative court action

You can apply for a license to practice at the competent state authority.

• You submit the application for licensure including all required documents to the competent authority
• The competent licensing authority will check the completeness of the documents submitted and whether the legal requirements can be adequately demonstrated.
• Missing or insufficient evidence will be requested by the competent licensing authority if necessary.
• The competent licensing authority will check the licensing requirements.
• Once the examination has been successfully completed, you will receive a certificate of licensure either against acknowledgement of receipt or with a certificate of service.

The processing time varies between the competent licensing authorities of the federal states.

Fees are charged in accordance with Annex 1 to § 1 paragraph 1 of the General Fee Schedule of the State of Lower Saxony (AllGO) from No. 102.

Application abroad in a health profession:

A "Certificate of good standing" (in future: Certificate of Current Professional Status) is generally required for practicing the profession of psychotherapist abroad. This certificate is issued by the competent authority if you last worked in your profession in Lower Saxony.

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