GZ psychologist

What is a GZ psychologist? What are the main tasks of a GZ psychologist? What are the training requirements? And what is the situation at Psychologen Amsterdam?

What is a GZ psychologist?

After the university degree in psychology, a GZ psychologist completed two years of postmaster professional training. This two-year training consists for most of the week (usually four days) of practical training in a practical setting and one day of teaching. During the GZ training, topics such as psychological diagnostics, needs assessment and psychological treatment methods are discussed.

BIG-registration

The professional title of GZ psychologist is a legally protected title in the Netherlands. After completing the GZ training, a BIG-registration is necessary to be allowed to use the protected professional title of GZ psychologist.

BIG is an abbreviation for ‘Wet Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg’ (Professions in Individual Health Care Act). In the BIG Act, the government states which training requirements and quality conditions a GZ psychologist must meet. The purpose of the BIG Act is to promote and monitor the quality of health care and to protect the client against incompetent and careless actions by health care providers. Professional confidentiality is regulated within the BIG Act and a BIG-registered GZ psychologist is subject to legal disciplinary law. A BIG registration can actually be regarded as a kind of quality mark, you know that the psychologist is an expert and well-trained.

What are the main tasks of a GZ psychologist?

A GZ psychologist is allowed to diagnose and treat clients independently with various psychological problems. During the first interviews, a diagnosis is made, on the basis of which a treatment plan is drawn up. This takes into account the wishes and needs of the client. During the treatment, the GZ psychologist uses evidence-based treatment methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ACT therapy, EMDR, EFT or system therapy.

A GZ psychologist mainly focuses on the treatment of mild to moderately complex psychological problems. For example fears, panic attacks, trauma, depression or low self-esteem, but also symptoms related to physical illnesses or problems in the life sphere (such as relationship issues or grief). The treatment is usually not long-term (maximum 11 sessions) and fits within the General Basic GGZ. Click here if you want to read more about the differences between General Basic GGZ and Specialized GGZ.

A GZ psychologist can work in various sectors within health care, such as mental health care (in an independent practice or institution), youth care, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation, addiction care or elderly care.

What is the situation at Psychologen Amsterdam?

Psychologists Amsterdam is an institution with more than 25 health care professionals, of which more than 20 of these professionals are BIG-registered GZ psychologists. A number of these GZ psychologists have specialized as psychotherapists and / or as clinical psychologists.

All GZ psychologists have the appropriate qualifications (GZ training and BIG registration), keep their knowledge up-to-date by regularly attending training, courses or seminars and have many years of practical experience. This means that you receive personal and evidence-based treatments of high quality.

Given the large number of GZ psychologists associated with the practice, we do not have waiting lists for the treatment of issues that fit within the Generalistic Basic GGZ, so you can contact us directly.

All GZ psychologists have written a good profile of themselves on our website (see Our team), which also indicates their professional title, the BIG registration number, the number of years of treatment experience and in which issues and therapies they are specialized.

Do you have any questions or would you like to know if we can help you? Then call for information or send a message to Psychologen Amsterdam.