Heilpraktiker licence for psychologists

Description

The practice of medicine limited to the field of psychotherapy by qualified psychologists or M.Sc. graduates (psychology) requires a licence in accordance with the Heilpraktikergesetz (Heilpraktiker Act). In principle, the practice of medicine includes any professional or commercial activity to diagnose, cure or alleviate illness, suffering or physical injury in humans, even if it is carried out in the service of others.

The licence can be obtained through a special, simplified procedure. A separate examination is not necessary.

You must notify the public health department (meldestelle-ihm.gsr@muenchen.de) of the actual self-employed practice or opening of a practice no later than the day of opening or commencement of the activity. Anyone who fails to comply with the statutory reporting obligation is committing an offence and may face a fine of up to 2,500 euros.

It is expressly pointed out that qualified psychologists or holders of a Master of Science in Psychology who have been granted a restricted licence under the Heilpraktikergesetz are not authorised to practise general medicine.

In case of doubt in connection with foreign educational certificates and examination certificates, an expert opinion will be obtained from the Central Office for Foreign Education at the Secretariat of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs in Bonn.

Prerequisites

• You are registered with your main place of residence in the city of Munich or are setting up as a non-medical practitioner in the city of Munich for the first time.
• You have reached the age of 25.
• You have a university degree in psychology or a Master of Science in psychology with the examination subject "clinical psychology"
• You have not been convicted of any serious criminal or moral offences.
• You are medically fit to practise as a non-medical practitioner.

Required documents

You must submit your application with all the necessary documents to us by e-mail or post. A personal visit is not possible. Incorrect information may result in the refusal or, should it arise at a later date, the cancellation of the previously granted permit.

The following documents must be submitted as a PDF file or as a copy:

• Application form
• Curriculum vitae
• Identity document: identity card or passport. If you are not an EU national, please also enclose your residence and work permit.
• Proof of education: Certificate, examination certificate and transcript of records in the Diploma or Master's degree programme in Psychology. Proof of study from non-public educational institutions is generally not sufficient due to a lack of state supervision. In case of doubt in connection with foreign educational certificates and examination certificates, an expert opinion will be obtained from the Central Office for Foreign Education at the Secretariat of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs in Bonn.
• Certificate of good conduct: Apply for a certificate of good conduct for submission to an authority (document type "BO") at the earliest 3 months before you apply for a licence to practise as a non-medical practitioner. The certificate of good conduct will then be sent to us automatically. Enclose the receipt issued by the district administration department with your application for a non-medical practitioner licence.
• Medical certificate: The medical certificate must state that you are medically fit to practise as a non-medical practitioner. The examination must not have been carried out more than three months ago at the time of application.
• Declaration of criminal proceedings in court (form)
• Declaration of first-time commencement of alternative practitioner activity in Munich: If your official place of residence is not in the city of Munich, please enclose your tenancy agreement, employment contract or other documents proving that you are practising as a non-medical practitioner in Munich.
• Confirmation of the accuracy of submitted documents (form)

Legal basis

• Law on the professional practice of medicine without appointment - Heilpraktikergesetz (HeilprG)
• First Implementing Ordinance to the Heilpraktikergesetz (HeilprGDV1)
• Health Service and Consumer Protection Act (GDVG)
• Bavarian Administrative Procedure Act (BayVwVfG)
• Costs Act in conjunction with the Schedule of Costs