What are the disadvantages of psychotherapy training?

After training in psychotherapy, you will be able to treat people with mental illnesses and disorders. You will use scientifically sound methods to support them in overcoming their psychosocial problems.

The main disadvantages of psychotherapy training are:

1. Psychotherapy training is not regulated by the state. However, it must comply with the Psychology Professions Act (PsyG) and the guidelines of the professional associations ASP, FSP and SBAP. The federally recognized continuing education title "psychotherapist" is based on the diploma of a federally accredited continuing education course. EMR recognition is also important for billing health insurance companies.
2. At certificate level, the course content and admission requirements are generally not regulated and can be determined autonomously by the schools. When choosing a course, make sure that it supports your professional goals, e.g. a specialist title from the professional associations ASP / FSP / SBAP.
3. As psychotherapy training usually takes place over a period of four to six years alongside work, it requires good time management alongside the job.
4. The training costs of CHF 9,000 to CHF 50,000 for the more extensive training courses are not subsidized by the federal government if no federal examination is taken.
5. The market conditions for psychotherapists seeking employment vary from region to region: in urban areas there tends to be an oversupply, in rural areas a shortage of specialists.

Graduates of psychotherapy training require a license to practice independently in all cantons. Psychotherapists work in their own practice or in psychosocial institutions such as psychiatric clinics, counseling centers, hospitals, homes, special educational institutions or in supervision.

Provider of psychotherapy training