{"id":34350,"date":"2025-12-12T17:14:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T15:14:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.onedoc.ch\/?p=34350"},"modified":"2025-12-12T17:14:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T15:14:12","slug":"open-psychotherapy-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/info.onedoc.ch\/en\/blog\/psychologists\/open-psychotherapy-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"7 steps to opening your own psychotherapy practice in Switzerland"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row gap=”10″ kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Opening your own psychotherapy practice<\/strong> is an opportunity to work with more freedom, choose your patients, your pace, your methods, and build a therapeutic space that truly reflects you. But between training requirements, cantonal authorizations, and daily organization, it\u2019s easy to get lost.<\/p>\n

This is why in this article we guide you through the 7 key steps to follow in order to open a psychotherapy practice in Switzerland.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1765551046371{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 Discover OneDoc Hub for simplified administration in your new practice<\/a><\/p>\n

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Step 1: Requirements for practicing psychotherapy<\/h2><\/header>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1765547253692{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”btf-a”]The title of psychotherapist is protected in Switzerland. You therefore need to obtain a recognized university degree, postgraduate training, and the necessary authorization to practice in your canton.[\/vc_column_text]

What studies are required to become a psychotherapist in Switzerland?<\/h3><\/header>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1765547485531{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”btf-a”]Psychotherapist training includes several stages:<\/p>\n
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  1. Basic studies in psychology<\/strong>: bachelor then master\u2019s degree from a recognized university or higher education institution.<\/li>\n
  2. Choice of psychotherapeutic orientation<\/strong>: CBT, systemic, psychodynamic, humanistic, integrative, etc.<\/li>\n
  3. Postgraduate psychotherapy training<\/strong> in an accredited institute.<\/li>\n
  4. Clinical experience<\/strong> in an institution (hospital, outpatient center, specialized services).<\/li>\n
  5. Obtaining the federal title of psychotherapist<\/strong> (or equivalent recognition depending on the case).<\/li>\n
  6. Application for a license to practice<\/strong> a healthcare profession.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    What are the required authorizations for psychotherapists?<\/h3><\/header>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1765547519249{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”btf-a”]To obtain a practice authorization, you must apply to the canton where you wish to practice<\/strong>. In general, you can find all necessary information on your canton\u2019s health service website.<\/p>\n

    Once the application is submitted, you will often need to provide the following documents<\/strong>:<\/p>\n