Example situations
Here are some example situations of registration by PPF ry members that may help you decide if you want to get registered in Finland or not. In all cases the person was required to pay the processing fee to Valvira (of approx. 600€) and to complete the YKI language exam (120€).
Example A
A person with a Masters of Counselling Psychology (2 years) and previous qualifications in teaching applied to be a psychologist in Finland.
They were NOT successful due to the fact that psychology degrees are considered health care professions in Finland, and only Clinical or Health Psychology degrees lasting a minimum of 5 years (300 ECTS) are recognised.
Example B
A person with registration with a State Board as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and previous qualifications in psychology applied to be a psychotherapist in Finland.
They were NOT successful.
According to the law, Finnish psychotherapists must have the following qualifications:
- Be a recognised social work or health care or professional already (in psychology, nursing, social work, etc...)
- Have worked in the mental health field for 2 years BEFORE commencing psychotherapy studies
Complete psychotherapy studies of 60 to 80 ECTS (1 to 1.3 years of study spread over 3 to 4 years) which include workshops, group supervision, individual and group therapy, writing a thesis and reading.
The steps to qualify in Finland are therefore somewhat different to elsewhere and most who apply to be a psychotherapist have not been successful.
Example C
A person with registration as a psychologist in their home country and a Masters of Clinical Psychology applied to be a psychologist in Finland.
They were SUCCESSFUL due to the fact that their degree lasted for 6 years and included 2 clinical placements of over 50 days each, as well as a Masters thesis, and had a clinical and health focus.
In addition they were required to complete an YKI test (language test) and additional training in ethics of psychology in Finland (see Getting Registered tab)