Central Europe

Abstract

With its focus on Central Europe, this chapter especially highlights both the development and current issues of Clinical Psychology in the so called DACH-countries, Germany (D), Austria (A) and Switzerland (CH) in which German is the first language for the majority of the population. After briefly outlining the origins of Clinical Psychology in general, the focus shifts to discussing significant events and prominent historical figures for each of the countries of interest. As these three seemingly close countries differ significantly with regards to their current legal concept of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, the historical overview shall provide some point of entry for understanding these disparities.

Above all, the contradictory legal and academic concepts of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (and, inevitably connected to this, the differing understanding of different forms of intervention such as psychological treatment vs. psychotherapy) are discussed in detail as they hold the key for many misunderstandings and—amongst others—vocational disparities between the three countries (leading to, amongst others, reduced mobility of professionals). In Austria, for instance, the profession of Clinical Psychologists/Health Psychologists is regulated separately from the one of Psychotherapists. Hence, they constitute two entirely different, legally distinct professional guilds. In Germany and Switzerland, in turn, such overly strict dichotomy does not exist.

Finally, an outlook onto future developments of Central European Clinical Psychology in the twenty-first century is provided. Both the challenges and opportunities of innovative technological developments for the provision of clinical psychological or psychotherapeutic services (e.g., eMental Health Programs) are discussed in special consideration of the current demographic changes towards an ageing society. Similarly, current neuropsychological advancements in research and practice are outlined. Lastly, the need to introduce culture sensitive psychological treatment is discussed in light of the recent increase in migration and pathways to increase provision of low-threshold, affordable clinical psychological or psychotherapeutic services are proposed.