As part of our university outpatient clinic for children and adolescents, we offer short-term psychotherapy within the framework of teaching and training for children, adolescents, and young adults up to the age of 21. For psychotherapy of children and adolescents under 18 in the context of teaching and training, the written consent of the legal guardians is required.

This short-term therapy program is primarily based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and addresses specific problem areas in a highly targeted way.

What makes this offer special is that highly advanced psychotherapy students accompany the treatment sessions led by experienced psychotherapists and, under supervision, take on selected tasks such as diagnostic assessments.

If you are interested in an outpatient therapy place for your child as part of our teaching and training program, please feel free to contact us. At present, we offer child and adolescent psychotherapeutic treatment as part of teaching and training courses, which means that students in the advanced Master’s program with a focus on Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy are involved in your child’s psychotherapy.

Registration with us consists of two parts: submitting a completed intake questionnaire and having a telephone conversation. Consultation hours can be found on the page of the university outpatient clinic for children and adolescents.

In an initial, non-binding consultation with the treating therapist, you can get a first impression and decide whether our clinic is the right contact point for you and what it means that the clinic offers psychotherapy as part of teaching and training. In most cases, the first appointment takes place together with you and your child. In general, we offer diagnostics, counseling, and short-term psychotherapy.

Secretariat, Psychotherapeutic University Outpatient Clinic:
Von-Melle-Park 5, Room 5001
20146 Hamburg
Tel.: +49 40 42838-5374
E-mail: sekretariat-hsa.psych@uni-hamburg.de

In line with our high quality standards, after the initial appointment with the therapist, a thorough diagnostic assessment is carried out in the following sessions through several face-to-face meetings. Modern interview, questionnaire, and testing methods are also used. During these sessions, students join the therapeutic setting. At least two and up to eight students take part in the sessions. You will first meet all participating students in person. However, it is not necessary for all of them to be present in the therapy room at all times. Students may also observe the sessions from an adjacent room via video camera or through a one-way mirror.

Students accompany the course of a short-term therapy over 12 consecutive sessions. Your therapist will discuss the exact plan with you during the initial appointment

UHH/A. Fladung

Our teaching therapists all hold a university degree and, after completing several years of training in cognitive behavioral therapy, have passed a state examination to obtain the license to practice psychotherapy (Approbation). They are highly experienced in treating patients.

Responsibility for treatment planning and delivery lies with your treating therapist. Students will accompany and listen in on much of the therapy. They will carry out individual basic therapeutic tasks, such as conducting an interview or guiding a relaxation exercise with your child. This is done after thorough preparation and always in the presence of, and with support from, your therapist.

Of course, the general legal and ethical framework that makes psychotherapy a protected space also applies to students: they are all bound by confidentiality, even after treatment has ended, and they are committed to handling your data with care.

After a thorough diagnostic assessment has been completed, your therapist will discuss all findings with you and your child. Based on these results, an individual treatment plan tailored as closely as possible to your family situation will also be developed and presented to you and your child. You can then decide together whether this corresponds to your expectations. It is important that your goals can be achieved realistically and maintained after the therapy has ended. If everything is suitable for you, treatment can begin.

As a rule, an initial series of 12 sessions is planned, including both diagnostic assessment and intensive therapy.

The quality of our services is evaluated during and after therapy using appropriate questionnaires and tests. This also allows you to keep track of your own progress.