“Drastic improvements in training and payment”
Neuruppin, 31 August 2020
The new psychotherapy law entered into force on 1 September 2020, with altered framework conditions for the training of psychological therapists. In autumn 2020 most universities revise their Bachelor courses in psychology pursuant to requirements of the new law and licensing regulations. In the coming winter term the Brandenburg Medical School (MHB) is one of the first in Germany to offer direct programmes in psychotherapy not only for 30 Bachelor students but also for about 40 Master students.
Among the main initiators of the new programmes is Johannes Lindenmeyer, professor of clinical psychology and founder and former director of the salus klinik Lindow. He describes the key aspects: “The direct programme encompasses a polyvalent three-year Bachelor course and a subsequent two-year Master course. It concludes with a nationwide uniform state examination and a restricted license to practice. This means that during a following specialist training of five years, graduates can work full-time as psychotherapists in continuing education and receive a standard salary. This new legislation and the new programme bring drastic improvements for the training and payment of future psychotherapists. The reform is not only long overdue, important and right but also extremely valuable and reasonable.
We are delighted to get fully started now. The courses offered at the MHB so far comprised a high proportion of clinical practice and many other elements which the revised law now makes obligatory nationwide. Having anticipated many of these elements, we can now start the next winter semester not only with 30 beginners in the polyvalent Bachelor course but also with about 40 Master students in clinical psychology and psychotherapy. The latter attended a summer school to acquire the few remaining qualifications for admission to the Master course. This is a unique phenomenon in Germany and once again underlines the pioneering role of the MHB and the State of Brandenburg.”
Science Minister Dr. Manja Schüle praises the MHB for seizing the initiative early on and for offering Bachelor graduates the direct transition to the Master course. She explicitly welcomes the MHB concept of clinical training in cooperating hospitals as an integral part of student education right from the start, for the immediate benefit of psychotherapy care in the region.
The MHB has created a large network of cooperating clinical facilities. Students are involved in clinical-therapeutic practice from the first day. Lindenmeyer points out that the MHB format of Clinic Days in partner clinics meets pertinent requirements of the new licensing regulations: “These innovative practice-oriented teaching formats introduce our students to patient contacts, daily hospital routines and interdisciplinary team work with various health professionals. In this way they acquire experience and essential knowhow for their future occupational life. Instruction in small groups, problem-oriented learning and regular exchange under expert supervision in TRIK seminars are further elements of the strong practice orientation in our programmes.”
For more details see here.
Prof. Johannes Lindenmeyer is available for questions per email at johannes.lindenmeyer@mhb-fontane.
