By Anne T. T. · Published April 12, 2026 · 8 min read
Practising as a therapist in Switzerland involves much more than initial training. Whether you are an FSP psychologist, an ASCA-recognised complementary therapist or an RME-registered practitioner, regular supervision and continuing education are mandatory professional requirements. They determine whether you keep your certifications, the quality of your practice — and they also have a direct impact on your tax return.
This article covers the specific obligations by professional body, the different forms of supervision, tax deductibility of these expenses, and best practices for documenting your hours.
The FSP imposes clear requirements on its members regarding continuing education and supervision:
Failure to comply can result in a formal warning or even loss of the specialist title.
ASCA conditions the renewal of therapist recognition on a continuing education programme:
The classic format: a one-on-one session (in person or via video) with an experienced supervisor. You present clinical situations, discuss uncertainties and receive personalised feedback. Cost: CHF 150–250 per hour depending on the region.
Ideal for: complex cases, early career, therapists practising alone.
A supervisor works with a small group of therapists (3 to 8). Each participant presents clinical situations in turn. Cost is shared: CHF 50–120 per person per session. The diversity of perspectives enriches the reflection.
Ideal for: practitioners who want broader clinical perspectives while managing their budget.
Intervision brings together colleagues of similar experience, without a designated supervisor. The group organises itself: case presentations, structured exchanges, shared readings. This format is free or almost free, but requires discipline and a clear framework.
Ideal for: experienced practitioners, local professional networks, maintaining regular exchange without financial constraint.
Note: intervision is recognised as continuing education by the FSP, ASCA and RME, provided it is documented (date, participants, topics covered, duration).
Supervision and continuing education expenses represent a significant budget item. The good news: in Switzerland, these costs are tax-deductible.
According to federal law (LIFD Art. 26 and 33), deductible expenses include:
Self-employed therapist
Training and supervision costs appear in your professional expenses, directly in the profit and loss statement. They reduce your taxable income.
Employed therapist
Unreimbursed continuing education costs are deductible as professional expenses. Since 2016, the federal deduction is capped at CHF 12,000 per year. Cantons may apply different amounts.
Documents to keep:
For more on managing your practice finances, see our article on accounting for independent therapists in Switzerland.
Rigorous tracking avoids unpleasant surprises when renewing your recognition or during a tax audit. Best practices:
Is video-call supervision recognised?
Yes. Since the pandemic, the FSP, ASCA and RME accept online supervision, provided it is conducted in real time (not recorded courses) and documented with the same requirements as an in-person session.
Can I combine hours for multiple certifications?
Generally yes. If you are registered with both ASCA and RME, the same training can count for both, provided it is recognised by each body. Always check specific criteria before enrolling.
What happens if I don't meet my obligations?
Consequences vary: the FSP can withdraw the specialist title, ASCA and RME do not renew recognition. In all cases, this directly affects your patients' ability to claim reimbursement, which can significantly impact your consultation volume.
Do international courses count?
Yes, under conditions. The training must be relevant to your practice and provided by a recognised or equivalent-level organisation. International travel costs remain tax-deductible within reasonable proportions.
Supervision and continuing education are not mere formalities. They protect your practice, enrich your clinical approach and maintain your access to insurance reimbursement. As a bonus, they reduce your tax bill.
If you are setting up your practice, include a continuing education budget from the start. If you already practise, take a few minutes to check where you stand in your three-year cycle.
A practice management software adapted for Swiss therapists can help you track your hours automatically, centralise your certificates and prepare your tax documentation.
Need to track your supervision and continuing education hours? Therago centralises everything.
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