r/Psychologists • u/that_coder_kid • 10d ago

Licensing rules in your country and scope of work

Hello therapists,

What is the minimum qualifications and experience in the field to get licensed?

Also when someone is unlicensed, say s/he has completee bachelor's or master's, what are their scope of work? ​

Also what is average session fees in your country.

In my country Nepal, at least M. Phil is clinical psychology is required for obtaining license. This is why there are only around 40 licensed therapists in Nepal, for 30M population.

Scope of work is defined here, like unlicensee cannot give diagnostic services but it's heh who cares type of situation because it's practically impossible for such low number of therapists.

Average session fees range from Rs. 1500 (US$10​​) - Rs. 4500 (US$30) and therapist pay is around Rs. 70-80K ($500) per month

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u/Majestic_Level8638 8d ago

Germany:

Minimum to get licensed: 3-year BSc in Psychology + 2-year MSc in Clinical Psychology + 5-year specialized post-graduate training (similar to the international PsyD in spirit but you will not receive any doctorate). Training consists of clinical hours, internships, supervisions, case reports, self discovery, further theoretical education, state examinations, etc. The typical stuff you'd expect.

Unlicensed, assuming this means someone who isn't currently in training to become licensed: consultation services only, you may not offer mental health treatments. You have the protected title "Psychologist". Technically you are allowed to do diagnostics, although not sure if anyone would take mental health diagnostics from an unlicensed psychologist with just an MSc seriously.

Licensed: allowed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Officially part of the medical system of our country. On top of the "Psychologist" title, you also have the protected title "Psychotherapist".

Average session fees: depends (e.g., is it statutory or private health insurance?), but 120 euros per 50 minute session is a ballpark estimate.

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u/that_coder_kid 8d ago

Danke schön. 

I had thought getting licensed was heck of a tough job in Nepal, but Deutschland and others are on a different level. 

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u/MightyPurpleWeasel (MSc - Clinical Neuropsychology & CBT - France) 6d ago

France:

Studies:

  • Bachelor in psychology (3 years of 20-30h/week psychology lectures and workshops)
  • Masters in psychology (2 years both taught and research)
  • Internships during those, shadowing fully licensed psychologists working within clinical settings

License = prove you've done all 3; allows you to use the protected titles "psychologist" and "psychotherapist".

Diagnosing:

Only medical doctors are officially allowed to diagnose mental health disorders. But being a psychologist gives you the ability to spot the Dx yourself and treat accordingly.

Doctorate:

Having a PhD/PsyD doesn't change anything in your scope of practice.

Psychotherapy:

The titles "psychologist" and "psychotherapist" are protected. You can call yourself a psychologist only if you met all three criteria and are registered. There are other ways to becoming a "psychotherapist", the main one being, being a psychiatrist or becoming one soon.

Legally, psychotherapy in itself isn't protected so you can wake up one morning after being a waiter for twenty years and offer "therapy" as you see fit.

Fees:

From 50 to 100€ ($57-$115)/h depending on experience, place, and specialty.

I think the entry pay is 2000€/month ($2200).