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For Ukrainians mental health professional

One of the goals of the Empatia program is to help Ukrainian mental health specialists continue their professional career in the Netherlands

How it works

If you are a certified mental health professional, and you are currently living  in the Netherlands

and you are currently living  in the Netherlands and looking for employment - you can apply here. After receiving your application, the coordinator will contact you to arrange an online interview.

After the interview, we will include you in our database.
As soon as we find a potential employer for you, you will receive an invitation to an interview with him.

If this interview is positive for both parties, the preparation and signing of employment agreements will take no more than a few days.

Frequently asked questions about employment

Hiring process

How does it work?

As a foreign Mental Health Professional (MHP), it is possible to work as a basic psychologist under the supervision of a BIG-registered colleague in a Dutch Mental Health Organization (MHO). To be able to do so, you must get your

diplomas recognized. It is not yet required to have your diploma internationally

valued and recognized since “psychologist” is not a protected title (not regulated) in the Netherlands. However, we advise you to do so anyway, to be able to show the MHO your credentials and to increase your chances for speedy employment.

The validation of your diploma is done by International Credential Evaluation (IDW). You can read more about the diploma validation process here.

In curative care, most treatments are provided by psychologists. Most MHOs are therefore looking for foreign psychologists to join their teams. Nevertheless, sometimes there are other positions to fulfill such as (psycho)-social worker, counselor, or coach.

Please do not hesitate to fill out our application form if you have a background in another field of mental healthcare.

How can we help you?

The validation of your diploma is temporarily free for Ukrainians. For other nationalities, the costs are €148.83. Validation is done by the International Credential Evaluation (IDW).

You can find a step-by-step description of the diploma validation process below.

1. Visit the IDW website.

2. On the IDW website get acquainted with the list of required documents

(also available in Ukrainian).

3. Collect and translate all required documents (self-made translation with Google Translate is an acceptable alternative).

4. Read the instruction on how to submit an application online (available in English).

5. Fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and submit your application.

6. Wait for feedback from IDW*.

7. Get confirmation of the diploma validation.

8. If you applied before your validation is complete, please send us an update upon completion of the diploma validation process at o.korol@oporafoundation.nl

*Please note that the diploma validation for Ukrainians is free. The regular validation process takes up to 8 weeks.

Did you face challenges in the process of filling out the IDW application? You can direct your question to info@idw.nl.

Do you have any questions?

If you did not find the answer to your question

For Ukrainian mental health professionals

If you are a certified mental health professional, currently in the Netherlands and looking for employment