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DOCUMENT DECISION

Germany: Psychologe vs Psychotherapeut Approbation

The legal difference between non-regulated psychologist employment and state-licensed psychotherapy changes which qualification evidence has value.

Sources checked 2026-10-14 (UTC date)

The protected activity, not just the diploma, determines the route

Germany's federal Recognition Finder states that Psychologe/Psychologin is not a regulated profession, but Psychotherapeut/in practice requires Approbation.

An employer's academic degree check cannot itself satisfy the clinical psychotherapy licence requirement.

Sources: Psychologist occupation is not regulated · Psychotherapist requires Approbation

The professional authority assesses more than a degree

A Berlin-specific Recognition Finder example describes professional training equivalence, fitness and language checks, and possible authority-specified compensation measures. These details cannot be assumed uniform in all federal states.

Sources: Psychotherapist recognition in Berlin, illustrative state route

Specialist title recognition is another decision

German federal guidance says recognition of a specialised psychotherapist title comes after Approbation. Psychiatry is a medical specialist route and not interchangeable with psychology.

Sources: Psychotherapist requires Approbation

DiploWay psychology decision checklist

Write the protected title and the activity performed, then the federal state of intended work.

Check whether the recipient needs an employer-facing academic statement or state professional Approbation.

Do not purchase one generic evaluation to meet both unrelated decisions.

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Sources and scope