Reform introduced

Studying psychotherapy at public universities

There are to be up to 500 Master's places at public universities by 2026 in order to create broader and more cost-effective access. The new amendment to the law was passed by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday.

From 2026, public universities are to offer psychotherapy training. The amendment to the Psychotherapy Act passed by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday provides for up to 500 Master's study places per year. The proposed reform is to be passed before the summer.

More than 100 years after the beginnings of psychotherapy, training at public universities is a final step towards full scientific recognition.

Gesundheitsminister Johannes Rauch (Grüne)

The aim is to make studying cheaper and expand the range of therapies on offer in order to improve psychosocial care for the population. Following criticism during the review phase, direct entry to the Master's degree is now to be open to more professions, and internships in clinics and rehabilitation facilities are to be mandatory.

Carers and social workers too
A significant change after the assessment: members of medical-technical services, qualified nurses and social workers can enter the psychotherapy Master's program directly.

"More than 100 years after the beginnings of psychotherapy, training at public universities is a final step towards full scientific recognition," said Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) on Wednesday.

Incidentally, the amendment provides for long transition periods for the conversion of the system: The propaedeutic course from an existing training course can still be completed by the end of September 2030, the specialist course by 2038 at the latest.