Germany is one of our key markets, with many therapists and clients using It's Complicated from within the country. That's why, in addition to our global requirements, we've defined specific criteria for therapists based in Germany, to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. This article outlines the country-specific requirements you'll need to meet in order to join the platform if you're practicing in Germany.
👉 Important: Please note that country-specific requirements refer to the country where the therapist is based and actively practicing, not their country of origin.
German Laws and Regulations
In Germany, the regulation of mental health professions varies significantly depending on the professional title being used (e.g. Psychotherapist, Psychologist, or Heilpraktiker:in). Some of these titles are also legally protected, meaning they can only be used by professionals who have completed specific training and received official recognition or licensing from the state.
The information below outlines the minimum qualifications required to join our platform if you want to use a protected title while practicing in Germany. These guidelines are based on national legislation such as the Psychotherapeutengesetz and the Heilpraktikergesetz, as well as on standards set by licensing authorities and professional chambers.
⚠️ If you're not planning to use a protected title (for example, if you register as a Coach or Counsellor), our standard global requirements apply.
German Titles With Special Requirements
The table below provides an overview of legally protected professional titles for therapists based in Germany. If the title you intend to use is not listed here, that means our standard global requirements apply instead.
| Professional Title | Country-specific Requirements | Sources & Further Information |
|---|---|---|
|
Psychologist Psycholog:in |
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Psychotherapist Psychotherapeut:in |
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Psychiatrist Psychiater:in |
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Medical Psychotherapist Ärztliche:r Psychotherapeut:in |
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Non-Medical Practitioner for Psychotherapy Heilpraktiker:in für Psychotherapie |
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Using a Foreign Degree in Germany
If you are based in Germany but obtained your degree or professional qualification abroad, you'll need to have it officially recognised by the relevant German authority in order to use a protected professional title such as Psychotherapeut:in or Psychiater:in.
Without formal recognition (Anerkennung), you are not legally permitted to use these titles in Germany, even if your training is equivalent to German standards. Depending on your academic and professional background, you may still be eligible to join the platform using a non-protected title, such as Psychologist, Counsellor, or Coach.
💡 Help us improve: We're committed to keeping these requirements accurate and up to date. If you notice any discrepancies or have questions about the information provided, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team. Your feedback helps us ensure we're providing the most reliable guidance to our community.
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