The Danish government plans to implement a requirement for authorization for all psychologists in Denmark to enhance public confidence and ensure complaint mechanisms for citizens. Currently, psychologists can operate without a professional health authorization, but the government aims to change this as part of the budget proposal for 2025, said Minister of the Interior and Health, Sophie Løhde.

Sophie Løhde explained that the purpose of the authorization requirement is to ensure that citizens feel secure regarding psychologists’ qualifications and to provide the same avenues for complaints and compensation as those available for medical treatment. The government has allocated 27 million Danish kroner (approximately 3.9 million USD) to realize this proposal.

A report from the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) earlier this year showed that there is currently significant waiting time for approvals, with an average waiting period of 30 weeks at the Danish Psychological Board (Psykolognævnet). The government now proposes that the authorization process be integrated into the healthcare system to reduce this waiting time.

The title “psychologist” already requires a five-year degree, and obtaining authorization involves an additional two years of practical training. According to the Danish Psychological Association (Dansk Psykolog Forening), most psychologists achieve this authorization; however, many working in industrial and organizational psychology do not. The Association’s chairperson, Dea Seidenfaden, welcomed the proposal but emphasized the need for a proper transition arrangement for currently practicing psychologists. She also expressed hope that the new system could alleviate the existing long waiting times.

The full budget proposal for 2025 from the government is expected to be presented soon, and additional initiatives have already been announced, such as new funding for school ships and changes to requirements for the homeless and substance abusers as part of the proposal.