The Belgian government’s decision to scrap the mandatory extra internship year for clinical psychologists and orthopedagogues has sparked debate across the sector. This change directly impacts how newly graduated professionals enter the workforce, a crucial issue for the mental health landscape in Belgium. Originally set to begin in the 2021-2022 academic year, the additional internship was repeatedly delayed due to a shortage of available supervisors.
- Federal government mandated extra internship year in 2016
- Internship requirement repeatedly postponed due to shortages
- Minister Vandenbroucke proposes scrapping mandatory internship
- Sector criticizes decision as irresponsible and disappointing
- Experts warn quality of psychologists may decline
- Minister plans dialogue to find alternative solutions
On 2025-07-09 21:00:00, Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke confirmed that the government will abandon the compulsory internship requirement. This move aims to prevent delays in employment for graduates, given the high demand for psychologists in Belgium. But how will this decision affect the quality of psychological care? And what alternatives will be considered to maintain professional standards?
These questions remain at the forefront as stakeholders react to the News, setting the stage for ongoing discussions about the future of psychology training in Belgium.
Is removing the internship a practical solution or a risk to care quality? The government’s choice reflects urgent workforce needs, but critics warn of potential downsides. Key points include:
- The shortage of internship supervisors made the compulsory year unfeasible.
- Graduates face uncertainty and employment delays without the change.
- Professional associations fear lowered care standards without extra practice.
- Authorities plan to consult the sector for alternative quality safeguards.
Looking ahead, Belgium must find innovative solutions to support new psychologists’ practical experience without hindering their career start. Will collaborative efforts between government and the sector yield effective alternatives? The coming months will be crucial for shaping the future of psychological care training in Belgium.
