To address a growing shortage of psychologists in Denmark, the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) has launched a new psychology program in Esbjerg, where 75 students began their studies this week. Officials hope the move will ease recruitment challenges and improve mental health services in western Denmark.
New Psychology Program Begins in Esbjerg
This week marks the official start of a new psychology bachelor’s program at the University of Southern Denmark’s (SDU) campus in Esbjerg. Following an introductory week, 75 students have officially begun their studies with the hope that, upon graduation, they will choose to stay in the region and help alleviate the mounting shortage of mental health professionals in southern and western Jutland. Hopefully, many will stay in the area to work as a psychologists in Denmark.
Bringing the program to life has been years in the making, requiring a total investment of 10 million Danish kroner (approximately $1.5 million USD). Half of this amount was provided by Education Esbjerg, an education-focused initiative aimed at strengthening the city’s academic opportunities, while the other half came from local foundations and regional partnerships. The local access to mental health services will hopefully get improved with the program.
A Shortage Driven by Demographics and Geography
The decision to offer psychology studies in Esbjerg directly responds to a well-documented shortage of psychologists in Denmark, particularly in the more rural and western areas. According to data from Education Esbjerg, as of 2023, the average age of practicing psychologists in the region was 57 years. In several municipalities, the numbers are even higher—60.6 years in Esbjerg, 60.3 in Tønder, and a striking 64.7 in Varde.
Worryingly, in 2022, 39% of psychologist positions in Region Southern Denmark remained unfilled, compared to a national average of just 16%. Leaders across the region fear the shortage, particularly of younger professionals, could gradually erode access to mental health care unless action is taken.
Improving Local Retention
Authorities hope that by rooting educational programs locally, students will be more inclined to remain in the area after graduation. According to the administrators of SDU Esbjerg, significant efforts are being made to connect the new students with local businesses, institutions, and social networks early in their academic careers. The goal is to encourage a sense of community and belonging—key factors in young graduates’ decisions about whether to settle permanently in an area.
This approach is aligned with the larger regional strategy to ensure equitable access to healthcare services across Denmark. By training more psychologists in Denmark, officials aim to reduce inequalities in mental health services between rural and urban populations.
Enhancing Academic Life in Esbjerg
Aside from meeting labor market needs, the new psychology program brings broader benefits to the SDU campus in Esbjerg. University staff have already noted a significant boost in energy and an improved academic atmosphere following the arrival of the new cohort. The psychology students join peers studying other programs such as Business Administration and Law, bringing fresh perspectives that enrich interdisciplinary collaboration.
Plans don’t stop at the bachelor’s level. SDU is set to launch a two-year master’s degree in psychology in Esbjerg by 2028. This means the first full cohort of psychology graduates from both bachelor’s and master’s levels is expected by the summer of 2030.
A Strategic Investment in Mental Health
This latest expansion in Esbjerg is part of Denmark’s broader efforts to respond to growing mental health needs amid rising demand for psychological treatment. The public healthcare system has been increasingly burdened by long waiting times for mental health consultations, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people, in particular, have been significantly affected, as national surveys continue to highlight growing levels of anxiety, stress, and depression among youth.
By launching this new program and anchoring it in a region that has historically struggled with recruitment, the University of Southern Denmark and its regional partners aim to ensure long-term improvements in both educational access and public health.
With the Esbjerg campus now offering degrees in psychology, business, and law, the city is poised to grow as a more comprehensive academic hub, capable of meeting both social and economic needs across southwestern Denmark.
