In the Netherlands there is a national professional association of and for psychologists, also called the ‘Dutch Institute of Psychologists’ (NIP). The NIP is dedicated to promoting the practice of psychology, ensuring quality in the practice of the profession and representing the interests of psychologists. In this way, the NIP contributes to the well-being of people and society.
To strive
There are a number of goals that the NIP strives for:
- good training for psychologists, both in theory and in practice;
- ensuring the professional quality;
- provide professional psychologists with professional support;
- provide protection against activities by unauthorized psychologists;
- providing information to people, both within and outside the field.
NIP professional code
The NIP has drawn up rules of conduct for all its members that they must adhere to when practicing their profession. These rules of conduct are laid down in the NIP professional code. Members who do not adhere to these rules can be held accountable. To guarantee the quality of psychologists, the NIP has developed various registrations and qualifications.
Unprotected title
Since 1993, the title of psychologist is no longer legally protected in the Netherlands. In order to be able to ensure high-quality psychologists and to maintain some control over this, the NIP has drawn up a special classification, also known as the service mark. This service mark is psychologist NIP. Only psychologists with a completed university degree may use this service mark. This makes it clear to outsiders which psychologist belongs to the qualified psychologists.
Members
To become a member of the NIP, certain conditions must be met. Membership is possible if you:
- holds a PhD in psychology from a Dutch university;
- holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology from a Dutch university;
- has the BIG Healthcare Psychologist registration;
- has obtained a diploma in Belgium;
- are a psychology student.
As a member of the NIP you can, among other things, come into contact with other psychologists and request support from the NIP. You can also obtain classifications and the NIP represents your interests.
NIP sectors
The members of the NIP are divided into one of the four sectors to which their profession best suits them. These four sectors are subdivided into several sections. The four sectors are:
- Healthcare: For members who work in healthcare or who are involved in research in the field of healthcare
- Work and organization: For members who are involved in their work with personnel selection, career development, training, management, absenteeism due to illness, sheltered employment and the like
- Youth: For members who are child and youth psychologists
- Intersector: This sector focuses on the new fields within psychology, or the fields that still have to grow. The members come from different areas.
Information for (future) patients
The NIP website also contains information for (future) patients. You can find information about how to find a psychologist, what a psychologist can do for you, which psychologist you need and the like.