How to become a psychotherapist in Sweden – the full path to professional registration

Psychotherapist is a protected professional title in Sweden. Only those registered with Socialstyrelsen may use it. In practice, most people follow a similar route. This includes foundation training in psychotherapy (Steg-1), a few years of supervised clinical work, followed by Steg-2, which leads to registration. Below, we take you through the entire process, step by step and without unnecessary detours.

How foundation training in psychotherapy (Steg-1) works in detail

At a glance: the route to becoming a registered psychotherapist

Here is a broad outline of the Swedish model, from your initial profession to registration:

1. An initial profession in healthcare or an equivalent caring profession (e.g. social worker, nurse, doctor, psychologist, occupational therapist or priest).
2. Foundation training in psychotherapy (Steg-1), equivalent to 45 higher education credits / 1,5 – 2 years of half-time study.
3. Clinical experience and supervision in line with the admission requirements of the psychotherapy programme concerned.
4. Professional experience after completing Steg-1 training.
5. The psychotherapy programme (Steg-2), 90 higher education credits / 3 years of half-time study – offered by universities and approved higher education institutions.
6. Application for registration with Socialstyrelsen. The title "registered psychotherapist" is protected.

Step 1, Entry requirements and initial profession

Before you can apply for Steg-1 training, you need an initial profession relevant to psychotherapeutic work. Common routes include social work, nursing (preferably specialising in mental health), medicine, psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, the priesthood or the diaconate. Some institutions also admit people with other qualifications in caring professions at a minimum of bachelor's degree level, provided they undertake clinical work with patients, clients or pupils.

• An initial degree-level qualification in a caring profession.
• Ongoing client work in which you can try out methods during the training.
• The ability to arrange supervision during Steg-1 (requirements vary between training providers).

Step 2 – Foundation training in psychotherapy (Steg-1)

Steg-1 is foundation training in psychotherapy, usually worth 45 higher education credits and studied part-time over 1,5 – 2 years, depending on whether the study pace is 50% or 75%. The training provides a theoretical foundation, practical training in therapeutic methods and supervised work with your own clients within a chosen approach. The most common approaches are CBT and psychodynamic therapy (PDT). After successfully completing Steg-1, you can use psychotherapeutic methods under supervision, within the limits of your competence and your organisation's responsibilities. The training does not confer professional registration or the right to use the protected professional title of psychotherapist.

What you gain from Steg-1:

• Theory: learning psychology, cognitive theory, developmental psychology, psychopathology and evidence-based methods.
• Skills: therapeutic communication, functional analysis (SORKK), case formulation and treatment planning.
• Clinical training: work with your own clients, with regular supervision.
• Assessment: written assignments, MCQ examinations and a final case formulation.

Step 3: Professional experience after Steg-1

Eligibility for the psychotherapy programme is assessed by each institution. Requirements for initial qualifications, foundation training in psychotherapy, professional experience, supervision and ongoing psychotherapeutic work vary between programmes and admissions rounds. Psychologists and doctors with specialist qualifications in psychiatry or child and adolescent psychiatry may be subject to different entry requirements from other applicants. Accreditation does not guarantee eligibility or admission.

Step 4: The psychotherapy programme (Steg-2)

Steg-2 is the psychotherapy programme itself: 90 higher education credits studied half-time over three years, culminating in a research-based master's dissertation. The programme is offered by public universities (including Umeå, Uppsala, Göteborg, Lund and Karolinska Institutet) and a small number of approved private higher education institutions. Admission is competitive and based on your initial profession, clinical experience, Steg-1 and personal suitability.

Step 5. Registration with Socialstyrelsen

Once you have been awarded your psychotherapy qualification, you apply for registration with Socialstyrelsen. Once approved, you become a "registered psychotherapist" – a protected professional title under patientsäkerhetslagen (2010:659). You may then provide psychotherapeutic treatment independently and are subject to supervision by Inspektionen för vård och omsorg (IVO).

Which approach should I choose: CBT or PDT?

The two main approaches are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy (PDT). CBT currently has the strongest research support for most common mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, sleep problems and substance misuse) and is recommended for many of them in Socialstyrelsen's national guidelines.

• CBT: structured, time-limited and supported by a strong evidence base, with demand in primary care, mental health services, occupational health and private practice.
• PDT: focuses more on internal conflicts, relationships and long-term personality development.
• Many clinicians combine approaches. Your Steg-1 specialism may affect your eligibility for Steg-2, so always check the programme's requirements.

How much the training costs

Steg-1 at private training providers usually costs 120 000–160 000 kr excluding VAT for the full course, equivalent to around 150 000–200 000 kr including VAT. Fees are usually paid per semester, and several providers charge separately for supervision. Psyklinisk Steg-1 currently costs 116 000 kr excluding VAT (145 000 kr including VAT), with supervision, course literature in the learning portal and examinations included. There are no additional fees. Steg-2 at a public university is tuition-free for EU/EEA citizens. However, learning materials, literature and your own supervision are additional costs. Many training providers offer interest-free instalments, and psyklinisk offers several payment plans to suit your circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

Next steps

Ready to take the first step? Foundation CBT training Steg-1 at psyklinisk is accredited by sfKBT and can be studied alongside work. Find out more about the course structure, entry requirements and start dates on the course page.