Czech health experts protest proposed clinical psychology training reforms

Experts and opposition members in the Czech Republic are protesting a proposal by Minister Adam Vojtěch to overhaul the training process for clinical psychologists. The Ministry of Health suggests a significantly shortened path to practice: following a bachelor's degree, students would complete a two-year master's program in clinical psychology followed by just one year of professional practice.

Currently, the process requires a master's degree, specialized courses, and a four-year specialization period ending in an attestation, similar to medical training. Professionals, including the Association of Clinical Psychologists, warn that the new proposal lacks sufficient clinical experience. They argue that a single year of practice is insufficient for professionals to safely handle serious clinical decisions, such as diagnosing ADHD, depression, or neurological disorders.

The debate comes amid a shortage of clinical psychologists in the country. While thousands of students graduate annually in fields like law or administration, only about 300 graduate in psychology each year. Experts note that the current system allows trainees to learn under the guidance of established clinical psychologists, a safeguard they believe the proposed reform would undermine, potentially reducing the safety and quality of patient care.