Erlaubnis zur vorübergehenden Ausübung der heilkundlichen Psychotherapie Erteilung

You can apply to the State Office for Occupational Safety, Consumer Protection and Health (LAVG) for permission to temporarily practice therapeutic psychotherapy.

Working as a psychological psychotherapist or child and adolescent psychotherapist is governed by precise regulations in Germany. This means that in order to work in the profession of psychological psychotherapy or child and adolescent psychotherapy in Germany, you need a license to practice or a temporary permit to practice the profession. You can then also obtain a temporary license to practice therapeutic psychotherapy.

The temporary license to practice therapeutic psychotherapy is required to practice the profession. It must be applied for.

The LAVG tells you which documents you need to submit. Important documents are generally

• Proof of identity (for example your passport or identity card)
• if you have changed your name: marriage certificate
• Curriculum vitae in tabular form and in German (list of your training courses and professional experience)
• Proof of your professional qualification (certificate, detailed overview of subjects and hours of theory and practice, diploma supplement)
• Certificate that you are authorized to work as a psychological psychotherapist or child and adolescent psychotherapist in your country of training
• Proof of your professional experience (e.g. certificates from employers)
• Proof of your other qualifications (e.g. further professional training, courses, seminars)
• Certificate of registration or proof that you wish to work in the federal state where you are submitting the application
• Written declaration stating whether you have already submitted an application for determination of equivalence and to which body. If available, also the notification received
• Proof of your German language skills
• Proof of your personal suitability:
  • Official certificate of good conduct from a German authority. Another name for the official certificate of good conduct is "Führungszeugnis Belegart O".

In Germany, you can obtain the certificate of good conduct from your local residents' registration office or citizens' registration office. As a rule, the official certificate of good conduct should be a maximum of 3 months old when it is presented.

Also a certificate from an authority in your home country: for example, an extract from your criminal record

• a certificate of good standing
• a signed declaration that no criminal proceedings are pending against you and that you are not under investigation
• Proof of health suitability: A medical certificate or a medical certificate confirming your health. The certificate must not be more than 3 months old when you submit the application.

The LAVG will tell you which documents you need to submit in the original or as a copy.

You must submit your documents in German. This often means that your documents must be translated. The translations must be done by translators who are publicly appointed or authorized.

• Completed training in the profession of psychological psychotherapy or child and adolescent psychotherapy,
• health suitability,
• proof of reliability and worthiness for practicing the profession
• Sufficient knowledge of German at level C 2
• Proof of competence

The procedure costs money. The LAVG will inform you about the costs. The costs generally depend on the time and effort required for processing.

Additional costs may also be incurred (e.g. for translations or certifications). These costs vary from case to case.

The procedure may vary from state to state. In most federal states, the procedure is as follows:

You apply in writing for permission to temporarily practise therapeutic psychotherapy:

• Submit your application together with the necessary documents to the LAVG.
• LAVG will then check whether you meet all the requirements under Section 4 of the Act on the Professions of Psychological Psychotherapist and Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist.
• LAVG will issue its decision in writing.
• You can take legal action against LAVG's decision.

The decision will then be reviewed. Details can be found in the information on legal remedies at the end of the decision.

• Confirmation from LAVG that your documents have arrived: after 1 month
• LAVG will inform you if any documents are missing
• if the documents are complete: 4 months
• In individual cases, the procedure can be extended

None.

Sometimes documents are still missing for the procedure. The LAVG will inform you and specify deadlines. You must then submit the documents by the deadline.

• Permit for the temporary practice of therapeutic psychotherapy Granting
• The basis for the temporary practice of the profession of "therapeutic psychotherapy" is the professional title of "psychological psychotherapist" or "child and adolescent psychotherapist".
• Application required
• Responsible: State Office for Occupational Safety, Consumer Protection and Health (LAVG)

State Office for Occupational Safety, Consumer Protection and Health (LAVG)

Department "Health", Division G1

There are numerous advisory services. You can find these on Recognition in Germany .

Visit an IQ advice center for personal advice on this procedure and your qualification. The advisors will also help you with your documents before you submit your application. The advice is free of charge.

You can also call the hotline of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. The hotline will answer your questions on the subject of "Working and living in Germany".
Phone: +49 30 1815-1111

Office hours:
Mon. 09:00 - 15:00
Tue. 09:00 - 15:00
Wed. 09:00 - 15:00
Thurs. 09:00 - 15:00
Fri. 09:00 - 15:00

State Office for Occupational Safety, Consumer Protection and Health (LAVG)

Department "Health", Division G1

Online procedure possible: no

Written form required: yes

Personal appearance required: no