Akademie für Psychotherapie und Interventionsforschung

What Akademie für Psychotherapie und Interventionsforschung does

Akademie für Psychotherapie und Interventionsforschung (API) is a Potsdam-based, private limited company (GmbH) founded on December 14, 1998 from an initiative of the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the University of Potsdam. It operates as a combined training and treatment center for behavioral therapy, recognized since 1999 as a state-approved training institute for Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy (KJP) and since 2014 for Psychological Psychotherapy (PP). API is Germany's largest university-affiliated KJP training institute, with 514 graduates certified by autumn 2024 (541 by autumn 2025) and a 27th KJP cohort starting in autumn 2025.

The core product portfolio comprises a three-year full-time or part-time KJP training program (EUR 17,280 total tuition), a two-year shortened PP program for already-certified KJP therapists (EUR 8,400 total, EUR 7,200 for API graduates), and a continuing-education (Weiterbildung) program recognized by the Ostdeutsche Psychotherapeutenkammer (OPK) since 2023 and extended to adult psychotherapy in September 2025. Delivery relies on approximately 125 lecturers and around 100 supervisors, a 30-room training ambulance at the Potsdam headquarters, and a network of roughly 250 cooperating facilities spanning all federal states, including all child and adolescent psychiatric clinics in Berlin and Brandenburg plus university hospitals in 10 states.

API's commercial engine combines individual trainee tuition with GKV-billed outpatient psychotherapy services delivered through its training ambulance and partner clinics (approximately 1,200 children and adolescents treated annually). Supplementary revenue comes from additional qualifications (group therapy, PMR, infant-toddler therapy, learning therapy, forensic assessment), the Zentrum für Lerntherapie learning-therapy subsidiary, and master's-level internships. The business is funded entirely through operating cash flow with no disclosed external investment; ownership rests with the founding managing directors (Prof. Dr. Günter Esser and Wolfgang Ihle) alongside the commercial director Stefanie Kröschel.

Name

Akademie für Psychotherapie und Interventionsforschung

Legal name

Akademie für Psychotherapie und Interventionsforschung GmbH

Website

https://api-potsdam.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Akademie für Psychotherapie und Interventionsforschung (API) is a Potsdam-based, University of Potsdam-affiliated training and treatment center that runs Germany's largest KJP and PP behavioral therapy certification programs, supported by a 250-facility clinical network and a 1,200-patient-per-year training ambulance.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Psychotherapy Training and Behavioral Therapy Education

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (62134)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

Related Therapy Services (Speech, Occupational, Physical, Feeding) (EDAJAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Developmental Therapy / Early Childhood Special Instruction (EDACAFAG)

Keywords

• Psychotherapy training
• Behavioral therapy education
• Child adolescent psychotherapy
• Outpatient mental health
• Psychotherapist certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Potsdam

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Psychotherapy Training Fees: Tuition fees for KJP and PP psychotherapy training programs. KJP full-time training: 17,280 EUR total (480 EUR/month for 3 years). PP shortened training: 8,400 EUR total (350 EUR/month for 24 months), or 7,200 EUR for API graduates.
2. Ambulatory Psychotherapy Treatment: Outpatient psychotherapeutic treatments for children, adolescents, and adults covered by statutory health insurance. Approximately 1,200 children and adolescents are treated annually in the ambulances and training practices.
3. Training Therapy Honorariums: Trainees receive honorariums of 44-57 EUR per therapy session. Total potential earnings from training therapies range from 26,400 EUR (600 treatment hours) to 45,600 EUR (800 treatment hours).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Akademie für Psychotherapie und Interventionsforschung (API) operates a training and treatment center for psychotherapy in Potsdam, offering state-recognized three-year KJP training and shortened two-year PP training with a focus on behavioral therapy, complemented by an outpatient clinic treating approximately 1,200 children, adolescents and families annually. The institute also provides additional certifications (group therapy, PMR, infant therapy, learning therapy, forensic assessment), continuing education for licensed psychotherapists, and operates a learning therapy center for children with dyslexia and dyscalculia.

Product overview

The Akademie für Psychotherapie und Interventionsforschung (API) operates as an educational and treatment center offering a comprehensive portfolio of psychotherapy training programs and clinical services. The core offerings include the KJP-Ausbildung (Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapeut training) and PP-Ausbildung (Psychologischer Psychotherapeut training), complemented by the Psychotherapeutische Ambulanz für Kinder und Jugendliche outpatient clinic providing behavioral therapy. These are supported by specialized services including the Säuglings- und Kleinkindsprechstunde (infant/young child clinic), Gruppentherapie (group therapy), and the Zentrum für Lerntherapie (learning therapy center). API also offers continuing education programs (Weiterbildungsprogramm) and various additional certifications (Zusatzqualifikationen) including group therapy, PMR, infant therapy, learning therapy, and forensic assessment. All services are provided at the university's location in Potsdam with multiple cooperating facilities across Germany.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KJP-Ausbildung (Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist Training) Three-year full-time or part-time state-recognized training program to become a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist (KJP) with a focus on behavioral therapy. The largest KJP training institute in Germany with 514 graduates (by autumn 2024). Includes 600h theory, 120h self-experience, introductory workshop, and administration costs. Total fee 17,280 EUR (480 EUR/month for 36 months), with reduced administrative fees for part-time students from year 4 (35-45 EUR/month).
• PP-Ausbildung (Psychological Psychotherapist Shortened Training) Two-year part-time condensed postgraduate training program for already certified Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists to become Psychological Psychotherapists (PP) with a focus on behavioral therapy for adults, enabling dual certification. Total fee 8,400 EUR (350 EUR/month for 24 months), reduced to 7,200 EUR for API graduates. Includes 200h theory, supervision costs, and exam fees.
• Psychotherapeutische Ambulanz für Kinder und Jugendliche (Outpatient Psychotherapy Clinic) Outpatient psychotherapeutic clinic providing behavioral therapy treatments for children, adolescents, and families, with statutory health insurance coverage and approximately 1,200 patients treated annually. Includes diagnostic assessments, behavioral therapy, group therapy, and specialized clinics for infants and learning disorders.
• Weiterbildungsprogramm für approbierte Psychotherapeuten (Continuing Education Program for Licensed Psychotherapists) Continuing education programs for certified psychotherapists in behavioral therapy for both adults and children/adolescents, approved by OPK as a Weiterbildungsstätte and Weiterbildungsinstitut. Enabled by authorization from Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Brandenburg received June 19, 2024 for billing arrangements with health insurance providers.
• Zusatzqualifikationen (Additional Qualifications: Group Therapy, PMR, Infant Therapy, Learning Therapy, Forensic Assessment) Additional certifications available during KJP training including group therapy expertise, Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), infant/young child behavioral therapy, integrative learning therapy, and forensic family law assessment.
• Säuglings- und Kleinkindsprechstunde (Infant and Toddler Clinic) Specialized outpatient clinic for infants and young children (0-3 years) addressing regulatory disorders, feeding difficulties, and parent-child interaction problems using video-supported behavioral therapy.
• Gruppentherapie für Kinder und Jugendliche (Group Therapy for Children and Adolescents) Group therapy programs for children and adolescents in small groups of 3-9 participants, combining group and individual therapy approaches for social skills training and problem-solving.
• Kurz- und Langzeittherapie (Short-term and Long-term Therapy) Short-term therapy (12 sessions extendable to 24) and long-term therapy (60 sessions) for children and adolescents with additional Bezugspersonen (reference person) sessions included.
• Zentrum für Lerntherapie (Learning Therapy Center) Learning therapy center for children and adolescents with dyslexia and dyscalculia, operating in close cooperation with API and treating approximately 1,200 patients annually. Operates in cooperation with the API for specialized further training for KJP trainees.
• Praktikum für Masterstudierende (Internship for Master's Students) Internship opportunities for psychology, psychotherapy, and social pedagogy master's students during their studies, providing practical diagnostic knowledge and co-therapist experience in the training ambulance.

Quantifiable outcome

• 514 graduates certified as KJP therapists (by autumn 2024), making it the largest KJP training institute in Germany
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature1 record

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• German Society for Psychology (DGPs)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2002API is a DGPs-accredited university training institution for Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy since 2002. Adheres to scientific standards and quality criteria of the professional association.
• University of PotsdamcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 1999API was founded as an initiative from the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the Institute of Psychology at the University of Potsdam. Recognized as a scientific institution at the university. Provides university-level training with research integration.
• unith e.V. (Verbund universitärer Ausbildungsstätten für Psychotherapie)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member of unith e.V., the Association of University Training Programs for Psychotherapy. Commits to common scientific standards and quality evaluation criteria in teaching and research.
• Ostdeutsche Psychotherapeutenkammer (OPK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPI is recognized as a further training institution and outpatient further training facility by OPK for the areas of Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents as well as Psychotherapy for Adults in behavioral therapy procedure since 2023.
• All child and adolescent psychiatric clinics in Brandenburg and BerlincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation agreements with all child and adolescent psychiatric clinics in Berlin and Brandenburg for practical training (PT 1). Additionally cooperates with clinics across all federal states nationwide.
• University Hospital Charité BerlinmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional teaching ambulance partner at university level for practical training components. Students can complete portions of their practical training at Charité Berlin.
• University Hospital MagdeburgmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional teaching ambulance partner for practical training cooperation.
• Asklepios Clinic GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeaching clinic partnership for practical training placements in child and adolescent psychiatry.
• DRK Kliniken Westend BerlinmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeaching clinic partnership for practical training in child and adolescent psychiatry.
• Vivantes Clinic BerlinmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeaching clinic partnership for practical training in child and adolescent psychiatry.
• Zentrum für Lerntherapie (Learning Therapy Center)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClose cooperation with the Center for Learning Therapy for treatment of children with reading-writing disorders and/or arithmetic disorders (dyscalculia). Provides specialized further training for KJP trainees.
• KJPVT e.V. (Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapie Verhaltenstherapie)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPI staff members co-founded and maintain continuous involvement in the board of this association for behavioral therapy in child and adolescent psychotherapy.
• Gesundheit Berlin Brandenburg e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member organization for health promotion in Berlin-Brandenburg region.
• proWissen Potsdam e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive member and contributor to science communication and knowledge transfer to society.
• Bündnis Gesund Aufwachsen (Landes Brandenburg)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive participant in alliance for healthy upbringing of children in Brandenburg.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• IFT Institut für Therapieforschung München: Munich-based institute combining behavioral therapy Ausbildung, outpatient treatment, and applied research. Comparable operating model (training + ambulance + research integration) though more focused on addiction-related psychotherapy.
• IVT Köln (Institut für Verhaltenstherapie): Cologne-based institute providing state-recognized Ausbildung in behavioral psychotherapy for adults and KJP. Directly comparable in scope (Verhaltenstherapie training + Ausbildungsambulanz) and competes for the same student pool.
• DGVT – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Verhaltenstherapie: Germany's leading professional association for behavioral therapy that also runs its own Ausbildungsakademie. Competes directly with API for KJP/PP trainees in the Verhaltenstherapie orientation.
• Christoph-Dornier-Stiftung (Klinik für Psychotherapie): Dortmund-based behavioral therapy training and treatment institute offering KJP/PP Ausbildung and outpatient psychotherapy — directly comparable as a German Verhaltenstherapie training institute competing for the same cohort of psychology graduates.
• Centrum für Integrative Psychotherapie (CIP) München: Munich-based university-affiliated Ausbildungsstätte for psychotherapy with a comparable mix of state-recognized training programs, Ausbildungsambulanz, and University of Munich academic affiliation — a structural twin to API Potsdam.

Broad incumbents

• Universitätsambulanz Heidelberg (Psychotherapeutische Ambulanz): Heidelberg University Hospital's psychotherapeutic outpatient clinic and training facility. A broader incumbent offering Ausbildung across multiple therapy orientations (VT, TP, systemic) — competes for the same Ausbildung applicants with wider methodological coverage.
• Charité Berlin – Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie: Charité Berlin is a regional teaching ambulance partner of API but also runs its own psychotherapy training paths. A broader incumbent providing Ausbildung in multiple orientations and serving as a referral/competition node for KJP/PP trainees in Berlin.

Others

• Deutsche PsychotherapeutenVereinigung (DPtV): Professional association representing psychotherapists in Germany. While not a direct training competitor, it shapes Weiterbildung standards, statutory reimbursement policy, and the broader ecosystem in which API operates.
• unith e.V. (Verbund universitärer Ausbildungsstätten für Psychotherapie): Consortium of university-affiliated psychotherapy training institutes of which API is a founding member. Sets shared quality standards; its member institutes collectively form the closest peer set for API's accreditation positioning.

Emerging players

• Psychotherapeutisches Zentrum Heidelberg (PHZH): Heidelberg-based outpatient psychotherapy and training provider with a more focused offering. Comparable Ausbildungsambulanz function with growing presence in the VT Ausbildung market.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/akademie-f%C3%BCr-psychotherapie-und-interventionsforschung

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Akademie für Psychotherapie und Interventionsforschung