Q uestion n 5. The profession of medical doctor specialising in psychiatry is a separate liberal profession. The profession of psychotherapist is a separate liberal profession. These are two completely distinct independent liberal profession which are exercised on the basis of a specific training. Reimbursement by sickness insurance schemes is not dependent on referral, prescription, etc. by a medical doctor.
Psychotherapists make their own diagnoses and determine the treatment themselves.
Q uestion n 6. The professional representation of psychotherapists in Austria is on the basis of voluntary membership. Access conditions are regulated in Sect. Qualified nurses and graduates of medical-technical services also have access. In exceptional cases, on the basis of special suitability as determined in a report of the Psychotherapy Advisory Committee, the Ministry for Health and Consumer Protection can also allow access.