The subspecialty in old-age psychiatry and psychotherapy is a two-year additional specialisation building on the specialist title in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy – run by the SGAP and examined according to the FMH/SIWF training programme.
The path to the subspecialty
Specialist title in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Acquiring the subspecialty requires the Swiss federal – or a recognised foreign – specialist title in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy.
Practical training · 2 years
At recognised old-age psychiatry institutions: one year inpatient, one year outpatient. One year may already be completed during specialist training; part-time work from a 50% workload is possible.
Theoretical training · ≥ 60 credits
At least 60 hours of theory, including a minimum of 40 credits in the regional SGAP courses and the remainder in recognised courses of free choice.
Supervision · 120 hours
Integrated old-age psychiatry / psychotherapy supervision, including at least 20 hours with an external supervisor.
Subspecialty examination & title
Written and oral examination according to the SIWF. Upon passing, the subspecialty title in old-age psychiatry and psychotherapy is awarded.
SGAP training course
The theoretical part is run by the SGAP: 14 modules over two years (Part 1: modules 1–7, Part 2: modules 8–14). You can join the course at any time – there is no registration deadline.
At least 40 of the 60 required credits must be earned in the regional SGAP courses; the rest in recognised courses of free choice as well as at congresses and symposia of the training institutions.
Subspecialty examination
The examination consists of a written and an oral part. The written part is held once a year centrally, the oral part once a year on a decentralised basis. Admission to the oral exam requires having passed the written part. Both parts take place in Bern in 2026.
Examination language German or French. Minimum interval between the parts: 6 months. The exam may be repeated any number of times – only the part not passed. Dates are published at least 6 months in advance via the SIWF.
Training institutions in the Canton of Bern
Recognised old-age psychiatry clinics and services where the practical training can be completed.
Categories of institutions
Each recognised institution is led by a holder of the subspecialty title. Classification is based on the range of services and size:
Programme, logbook & registers
Official foundations and tools of the training – at the SIWF and the SGAP.