The difference between Step-1 and Step-2 in psychotherapy training

Short answer: Step-1 is basic psychotherapy training that makes you eligible to work psychotherapeutically under supervision. Step-2 is the psychotherapist programme that grants you licensure from the National Board of Health and Welfare and the right to call yourself a psychotherapist. Here are the practical differences: from eligibility to salary.

Summary in a table

What is Step-1?

In the education world, Step-1 is known as basic psychotherapy training. You choose an orientation – most commonly CBT or psychodynamic therapy – and typically study 45 credits part-time over three terms. The training combines theory (learning psychology, cognitive theory, psychopathology, evidence-based method) with method training and your own supervised client cases.

Once you've completed Step-1, you can work psychotherapeutically under supervision and call yourself, for example, a CBT therapist. However, you are not entitled to call yourself a licensed psychotherapist. That title is protected under the Patient Safety Act and requires Step-2 plus licensure.

What is Step-2?

Step-2: usually called the psychotherapist programme, is 90 credits over three years (part-time). It's offered by state universities such as Umeå, Uppsala, Gothenburg, Lund and the Karolinska Institute, as well as a few approved private institutions. The studies are at advanced level and conclude with a master's thesis. Once you've completed the programme, you apply for licensure with the National Board of Health and Welfare.

The key differences: in plain terms

• Title: CBT therapist is an unprotected title and Step-1 confers no licence. A psychotherapist degree followed by licensure from Socialstyrelsen permits use of the protected title psychotherapist.
• Independence: Step-1 therapists work under supervision. Licensed psychotherapists work independently.
• Level: Step-1 is undergraduate level. Step-2 is advanced/master's level with an academic thesis.
• Admission: Step-1 admission is set by the training provider (requirements vary). Step-2 has competitive admission where clinical experience carries significant weight.
• Cost: Step-1 normally costs 120,000–160,000 SEK excluding VAT (roughly 150,000–200,000 SEK including VAT) at private providers for the whole programme. Psyklinisk's Step-1 costs 116,000 SEK excluding VAT (145,000 SEK including VAT) with supervision included. Step-2 at a state university is free for EU/EEA citizens – your own supervision and literature are extra.

Who studies Step-1: and why?

Step-1 attracts two groups. The first is professionals in healthcare, social services, schools or pastoral care who want to build psychotherapeutic competence into their current role – think social workers in social services, nurses in psychiatry, counsellors in student health or priests in pastoral care. The second group is aiming for licensure and studies Step-1 as a mandatory stepping stone to Step-2.

Eligibility for Step-2: what Step-1 must give you

Eligibility for a psychotherapist programme is assessed by the institution concerned. Requirements for the underlying degree, foundation training, experience, supervision and ongoing psychotherapy work vary between programmes and admission rounds. Psychologists and doctors specialising in psychiatry or child and adolescent psychiatry may have different prerequisites. Accreditation is not a guarantee of eligibility or admission.

Salary and job market

Pay depends on the base profession, duties, sector, experience and employment terms. Step-1 confers no regulated title or guaranteed pay rise. Licensure may open other roles and responsibilities, but compare current salary statistics for the particular position.

Frequently asked questions

Want to start Step-1?

Psyklinisk's Step-1 training is authorised by sfKBT and studied entirely at a distance, with supervision, live sessions and assessments via the learning portal. Applications are open for the next term.