Neuruppin, 8 May 2025

The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB) plans a demand-driven addition to its existing range of degree programs: a new postgraduate on-the-job course in Addiction Care is expected to start already with the coming winter semester 2025/26.

The part-time course runs for a period of five semesters and comprises twelve modules which cover medical and psychological fundamentals, basic knowledge of legal, social and economic affairs, addiction research, addiction therapy, supervision and professional self-reflection, vocational qualification and the master thesis. The course format will consist in six block seminars per semester, scheduled to be taught in Neuruppin and Berlin from Friday, 1 p.m. to Sunday, 1:15 p.m. respectively. “Additional online lectures, combined with control questions to be answered in writing via distance-learning either singly or in fixed learning groups, will help students to balance studies and job”, says Prof. Dr. Johannes Lindenmeyer, professor of clinical psychology with focus on rehabilitation psychology, the initiator of the new master course.

Graduates of the course need to meet qualification criteria set up by insurers and funding agencies in order to conduct individual and group therapies in the medical rehabilitation of addicts. The new curriculum corresponds to criteria as defined by pension and health insurers; certification by the Association of German Pension Schemes is expected by the time the new course starts.

According to Prof. Lindenmeyer, addictions are among the most pressing health problems in our society, highly distressing for affected individuals and their families, and accompanied by tremendous economic costs. A differentiated system of addiction assistance has developed and become established in Germany over the past decades, with a growing degree of professionalization and therefore a growing demand for qualified personnel.

Focus on therapy, prevention, early intervention, competences in performance and research

Prof. Lindenmeyer points to the manifold addiction-related problems in society at large, apart from substance-based disorders involving alcohol, medication, cannabis, illegal drugs and tobacco. In particular, he speaks of addiction to gambling, to computer games and pathological internet use. Treatment of these addictions has become integrated into our health system to some degree, but there is still a significant need for research and exploration.

Addiction Care is not limited to the treatment of disorders already incurred. It also aims to strengthen the resilience in youngsters via preventive measures, and to offer early intervention and low-threshold support in cases of risky or harmful consumer habits. This is a further field of activity for which the new course qualifies students.

The postgraduate Master course offers specialized advanced training with a focus on addiction therapy for all these topics and activity fields. Prof. Lindenmeyer on the characteristics and objectives of the new course: “Various modules and teaching formats will address the entire range of professional addiction care, so that students undergo comprehensive scientific and therapeutic further training and develop individual focus areas in the treatment and exploration of addiction-related problems.”

The course targets graduate social workers, social pedagogues, psychologists with a Master degree and physicians and empowers graduates to assume greater responsibility in addiction help facilities. The course concludes with the academic degree of “Master of Science” (M.Sc.) and qualifies for subsequent doctoral studies.

Non-binding applications invited

Graduation from the course is one element to meet qualification criteria set up by insurers and funding agencies in order to conduct individual and group therapies in the medical rehabilitation of addicts. A further requirement: evidence of at least two years‘ employment covering at least 50% of regular weekly working hours in the outpatient, full-time outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation of addictions.

Interested individuals find further information on the MHB homepage, in the flyer and may contact suchthilfe@mhb-fontane.de for non-binding registration with immediate effect. We will keep you informed as soon as we can give a definite date for the start of the course and for definite registration.

Contact
Prof. Dr. Johannes Lindenmeyer
E-Mail: johannes.lindenmeyer@mhb-fontane.de