Nizhny Novgorod University launches first psychotherapist training programme in September

Nizhny Novgorod State University is set to introduce its first psychotherapist training programme this September. The new course will be part of the Institute of Clinical Medicine and aims to prepare specialists in a growing field.

The programme will combine theory with practical experience. Students will train at Nizhny Novgorod Regional Psychoneurological Hospital No. 3 and other medical centres. This hands-on approach ensures real-world exposure to patient care.

Teaching will be led by working psychologists, psychotherapists, and Gestalt therapy experts. The curriculum also includes elements of psychiatry and addiction medicine, broadening the scope of training.

No official figures exist on how many psychotherapists have been trained in Russia through state-backed programmes in recent years. The new initiative fills a gap in professional education for the region.

The launch marks a key development for mental health training in Nizhny Novgorod. Graduates will enter the workforce with both academic knowledge and clinical experience. The programme's integration with existing medical facilities strengthens its practical focus.