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Deutsch Who is the training in behavioural therapy at PHB suitable for?
The master's degree programme in behavioural therapy with approbation training is aimed at graduates of a diploma or master's degree in psychology who commenced their studies before 1 September 2020. The target group includes prospective psychological psychotherapists who wish to be admitted to the approbation examination under the previous legal regulations. The focus is on individuals with a solid interest in practical psychotherapeutic work within the field of behavioural therapeutic methods and who are seeking a scientifically oriented as well as practice-related training in Berlin. The programme specifically addresses psychologists who want to commit themselves long-term to outpatient or inpatient care of mentally ill adults.
What formal admission criteria apply?
The following formal admission requirements apply for admission to the programme:
- Completed university degree in psychology with a diploma or master's degree (no other subjects or degrees accepted)
- Proof that psychology studies commenced before 1 September 2020 (certificate of study required)
- The content of the completed degree must include the subject Clinical Psychology
- For foreign degrees: recognition of equivalence by the competent state authority (initiated by PHB after application)
- German language certificate at level C1 for international educational qualifications
- Required application documents: tabular CV, photograph, certified copies of degree certificates and transcript of records including proof of duration of study, letter of motivation, proof of temporal and financial capacity, declaration of willingness to assume the tuition fees
The personal requirements include in particular a high level of resilience, pronounced capacity for reflection and interest in scientific psychology. Social skills such as empathy, communication skills and willingness to work with mentally ill people are expected. You should enjoy structured work, act independently and be prepared to regularly engage with your own personality as well as therapeutic roles. The training requires advanced time management, teamwork, and openness to supervision and self-experience. Practical experience in the field of psychology is helpful but not compulsory. An honest interest in behavioural therapeutic concepts and in the continuous scientific development of the subject area is assumed.
How is the curriculum structured in the Master's programme in Behavioural Therapy at PHB?
The Master's programme in Behavioural Therapy at the Psychological University Berlin (PHB) focuses on linking solid theory with practice-oriented training. The curriculum is divided into ten modules covering the following content focuses:
- Theoretical and methodological basis: Introduction to diagnostics, classification, pathophysiology, psychotherapy research, professional law and ethics.
- Disorder-transcending procedures: Relaxation and group therapy methods, crisis intervention, self-management, communication training.
- Practical basic skills: Propaedeutic course, basic skills in conducting conversations, behaviour analysis, assessment and anamnesis recording.
- Treatment-related knowledge: Learning theories, cognitive methods, classical and modern behavioural therapeutic approaches.
- Disorder-specific interventions: Behavioural therapy for affective disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, somatoform and eating disorders, personality and addiction disorders, psychotic and neurological diseases.
- Target-group-specific specialisation: Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, older adults, people with disabilities as well as family and couples therapy.
- Professional practice: Quality assurance, interdisciplinary cooperation, managing a practice and supervision methods.
- Research methods: Advanced scientific work, empirical methods, research colloquium and the preparation of the Master's thesis.
- Self-experience and supervision: 90 hours of group self-experience, 30 hours of individual self-experience, 150 hours of supervision.
- Practice in therapeutic settings: 600–800 treatment hours in the university outpatient clinic, supplemented by 1,800 hours of practical work in cooperating institutions.
The training integrates elements of modern behavioural therapy such as mindfulness-based methods, CBASP and DBT. You also benefit from a science-practice transfer via the university’s own outpatient clinic, internal case seminars and regular supervisions.
How does the course and the licensure training run in detail?
The course starts each winter semester on 1 October. The standard duration is 7 semesters (3.5 years) full-time. The organisational form is closely aligned with the requirements of the licensure training and combines theory, self-experience and practical training:
- Theoretical sessions mainly take place in block phases on weekends (including Fridays, on average 14–16 weekends per academic year).
- There is at least one annual block week (“PHB Summer School”) during which current topics are explored based on research.
- The course includes at least 700 theory hours, of which 630 hours can be credited towards therapy training.
- Practical work comprises 1,800 hours, including 1,200 hours in a clinical-psychiatric institution and 600 hours in a psychosomatic or psychotherapeutic facility. This practical phase usually takes place in the first half of the training.
- The practical training – i.e. treating real patients under supervision – covers 600 to 800 hours, mainly at PHB’s university outpatient clinic.
- Work with patients is carried out under collegial supervision in small groups.
- Additionally, 90 hours of group self-experience and 30 hours of individual self-experience are scheduled.
- The Master’s project (Master’s thesis and disputation) concludes the programme.
The training is designed for small cohorts (maximum 20 participants) and close personal supervision, enabling individual support and an intensive learning environment.
Which career paths are open to graduates?
Upon completion of the Master’s degree and passing the licensure exam, you are qualified to work as a Psychological Psychotherapist with a specialisation in Behavioural Therapy. The main career prospects are:
- Independent management of a psychotherapeutic practice with a central role in outpatient care.
- Positions in clinics, psychiatric and psychosomatic specialist departments, and rehabilitation facilities.
- Work in counselling centres, social psychiatric services and multiprofessional teams in healthcare.
- Involvement in research, teaching or continuing education institutions for psychotherapy, for instance as a lecturer.
- Career options in developing or leading psychological projects (e.g. in prevention, rehabilitation or transcultural psychotherapy).
- With the Master’s degree specifically, prospects open up for academic careers, doctorates and university employment.
The demand for qualified behavioural therapists remains high due to societal developments and reforms in the healthcare system.
What should you know about the study location Berlin at PHB?
The entire programme is conducted at the campus of the Psychological University Berlin (PHB) at Köllnischer Park in Berlin-Mitte. PHB has modern seminar rooms, one of the largest psychotherapy outpatient clinics in Germany, as well as an EEG laboratory for research and practice. The central location in Berlin facilitates access to public transport and numerous cooperation partners, both in clinical and research environments.
Practical activities usually take place at cooperating clinics in Berlin and Brandenburg – individual internship periods can also be completed with external partners outside the region upon request. The practical training with patients takes place in the university outpatient clinic’s own treatment rooms on campus.
How are the costs and income from studying Behavioural Therapy composed?
The total costs for the study and licensure training in Behavioural Therapy at PHB amount to €34,144 (as of 23.02.2026). These are composed as follows:
- 7 semesters tuition fee at €582 monthly (total: €24,444)
- Admission interview: €120
- Registration fee: €140
- 30 hours individual self-experience: €3,540
- 50 hours individual supervision: €5,900
During the practical training in the university outpatient clinic, you generate income through billing for the treatment services you provide:
- With at least 600 treatment hours: approx. €51,000 income
- With a maximum of 800 treatment hours: up to €68,000 income possible
- This results in a financial surplus ranging between €16,856 and €33,856 depending on the extent of practice.
The training model therefore not only ensures a solid cost structure but also offers a clearly positive financial balance with high practice involvement. Please note that individual living costs also apply and funding opportunities should be examined.
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