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
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.
Why choose Empatia for your job search?
We provide comprehensive support for Ukrainian psychologists in the process of job search and employment in the Netherlands.
Comprehensive support We will help you at every stage: from preparing documents and searching for vacancies to successful employment and support at your new workplace. Your success is our common goal!
Training We offer professional psychological trainings and professional development courses to help you adapt to Dutch standards and develop your professional skills. Upon completion of the courses, you will be able to receive Dutch certificates that are recognized in the European market, confirming your professional competencies and acquired knowledge.
Vacancies We cooperate with employers who value professionalism, integrity in the profession and are ready to promote the integration of Ukrainian psychologists into the Dutch mental health system. Your prospects depend not only on us, but also on how actively you are involved in the process of finding new opportunities and becoming a professional in a new country. It is also important to work on increasing your professional networking, as this opens up new opportunities for building a career as a psychologist in the Netherlands.
Empatia will provide support at all stages, from choosing a vacancy to organizational issues, including preparation for interviews, assistance in preparing the necessary documents, as well as support in adapting to the cultural and professional characteristics of the new environment, which will facilitate your integration into the work team. The first stage will include the assistance of a recruiter, and later you will have access to legal support to support you in all legal issues related to your work in a new team, including compliance with labor legislation in the Netherlands
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.
For Ukrainian mental health professionals
If you are a certified mental health professional, currently in the Netherlands and looking for employment