Regulated health professions
Clinical Psychology
What is Clinical Psychology?
- What is Clinical Psychology for?
- Clinical-psychological assessment and treatment of mental illness
- Is Clinical Psychology legally regulated?
- Legally regulated health profession (Psychologists Act 2013). Listed in the Ministry of Health's register of clinical psychologists.
- Does Clinical Psychology treat illnesses?
- Yes. Assessment and treatment of mental disorders and their effects.
Clinical psychology deals with the assessment and treatment of mental illness and its effects. Its scope is similar to psychotherapy, but the emphasis is more on diagnostics: clinical-psychological examinations, tests and reports, for example when ADHD, depression, anxiety or cognitive impairment is suspected.
They treat independently but may not prescribe medication.
Since 2024/2025, clinical-psychological treatment has gradually become an insurance benefit, which makes assessment and treatment easier to access. A clinical-psychological report is also often needed for further steps, such as therapy, school, work or public authorities.
What is allowed
- Carry out clinical-psychological diagnostics, the diagnostic core of this profession
- Issue findings, expert reports and certificates
- Treat mental disorders with clinical-psychological methods
- Support people in crises, work with all age groups
Where are the limits?
- May not prescribe medication
- May not treat physical illness
- Only scientifically validated methods; esoteric practices are explicitly prohibited
- Refers to psychiatry or crisis services in case of acute danger
How to recognise quality
- Listed in the register of clinical psychologists, publicly searchable
- Continuing education duty, 150 units in five years
- Transparent diagnostics using recognised instruments
- Clear findings instead of vague interpretations
- No esoteric add-on offers
How it works
- Registrationvia the central BÖP service point or directly with psychologists in practice
- Assessmentstructured evaluation with interview and testing
- Findingswritten report with interpretation and recommendation
- Treatmenttargeted along the diagnosis, with a verifiable goal
Costs & insurance
Insurance benefit (in-kind)fully funded via the BÖP service point, waiting lists possible
Private treatment, fees set freelyapprox. 100 to 150 € per session
Partial reimbursementdepending on your insurer, submit the invoice
Diagnostics (e.g. testing)billed as a package depending on scope