FAQ: Authorization of psychologists

From January 2026, a new authorization scheme for psychologists will come into effect.

Last updated: December 19, 2025.

On January 1, 2026, psychologists will become part of the Danish healthcare authorization scheme. This means that authorized psychologists will have the same rights and responsibilities as other authorized healthcare professionals in Denmark, including title protection. The healthcare authorization will replace the current authorization scheme for psychologists.

All psychologists who have already been authorized by the Danish Supervisory Board of Psychologists will automatically be transferred to the authorization register with the Danish Patient Safety Authority. They will also gain the right to use the title “Psychologist with practice training”.

Psychologists who are not authorized can apply for an authorization with the Danish Patient Safety Authority from January 2026. Psychologists who complete a practical training program established by the Danish Health Authority can gain the right to use the title “Psychologist with practice training”.

A transitional arrangement means that persons who may call themselves psychologists by the end of 2025 under the Psychology Act may continue to use the title “Psychologist” until and including 31 December 2028, even if they do not have an authorization. After this date, they must be authorized by the Danish Patient Safety Authority if they wish to use the title.

FAQ

I have a foreign degree in psychology – what applies to me?

It depends on whether you already have a Danish authorization as a psychologist and whether your degree is recognized by the Danish Supervisory Board of Psychologists before the end of 2025.

  • You already have a Danish authorization:
    If you have a foreign degree in psychology and already hold a Danish authorization as a psychologist, you do not need to do anything. You will automatically be transferred to the authorization register with the Danish Patient Safety Authority.

  • Your degree is recognized, but you do not have a Danish authorization:
    If your foreign degree in psychology has been recognized by the Danish Supervisory Board of Psychologists before the end of 2025 but you do not hold a Danish authorization, you may use the title “Psychologist” until 31 December 2028. After this date, you must apply for an authorization with us if you want to continue using the title.

  • Your degree is not recognized:
    If you have applied to have your foreign degree recognized by the Danish Supervisory Board of Psychologists, but the recognition is not completed before 1 January 2026, your case will be transferred to the Danish Patient Safety Authority. We will contact you in early 2026 with information about the next steps.

    If you have a foreign degree in psychology but have not applied to have your degree recognized by the Danish Supervisory Board of Psychologists, you will need to apply for an authorization as a psychologist with the Danish Patient Safety Authority from January 2026, if you want to use the title “Psychologist”.

Please note: It will not be possible to apply for an authorization with the Danish Patient Safety Authority before January 2026.