German law lets untrained Heilpraktiker practice psychotherapy without evidence standards

Evidence

In Germany, there are different rights and regulations for the practice of psychotherapy, depending on the professional group. Medical, psychological and child and youth psychotherapists are only allowed to use scientifically recognized therapy methods with proven effectiveness. They must also have a degree in medicine, psychology, education or social pedagogy. In the future, these different training paths for psychotherapists will be replaced by a uniform 5-year psychotherapy course. The professional title will then only be psychotherapist; the first courses of study were established in 2020 . Heilpraktiker are allowed to use psychotherapy, but are not allowed to call themselves psychotherapists. They are allowed to use all therapeutic methods without proven training – regardless of whether they are scientifically recognized or not. The training of these non-medical practitioners is generally not regulated by the state. For the license as Heilpraktiker limited to the field of psychotherapy the same regulations apply with the restriction that only psychological and no physical ailments may be treated . — Holm Gero Hümmler, Ulrike Schiesser, Fact and Prejudice, 661

Categorization

• QUESTION: A legal loophole lets non-medical practitioners use any method regardless of evidence while licensed psychotherapists are restricted — worth investigating why this regulatory gap persists.