Article for the PAP Annual General Assembly - "Institutionalization of psychotherapy: Responsibility of the state and right of citizens"

Mental health is an integral part of public health. It is a key pillar of a healthy and functional society and its protection is the responsibility of the state and the right of citizens.

In an era where the needs for psychological support are constantly increasing – especially for children, adolescents and vulnerable groups – the absence of a clear, modern and comprehensive legal framework for the practice of psychotherapy creates protection gaps, undermines trust and leaves citizens exposed to practices that are not subject to adequate control and accountability.

This is precisely the issue that was at the heart of the Annual General Assembly of the Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists, which took place on 3 February, with the participation of members from all the provinces of Cyprus and the presence of institutional bodies, representatives of political parties, educational institutions, professional associations and organizations.

This broad and substantial presence confirmed that the institutionalization of psychotherapy is not a matter of a professional branch, but an issue that concerns society as a whole and the quality of the public health system itself.

The protection of citizens as a priority

A common axis of the interventions carried out during the General Assembly was the need for a clear institutional framework that ensures the quality of the services provided and the protection of citizens.

The President of the Committee for the Supervision and Protection of the Rights of the Mentally Ill, Dr. Nikos Nikolaou, highlighted the importance of the immediate legalization of the profession of psychotherapist, pointing out that the state must proceed without further delay in the regulation of pending bills concerning the mental health sector, including the Psychotherapists Law. As he characteristically stated, a clear legal framework “will protect citizens from reckless and insufficiently documented practices”.

For her part, the Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of the Child, Ms. Elena Pericleous, underlined that “there can be no substantial protection of children without psychological support”. Children need stability, security and a protection system that treats mental health as a basic pillar and not as a complementary service.

A public health issue

In a speech delivered by the outgoing President of the Association, Ms. Fotini Dimitriou – Ipsmiller, she pointed out that the absence of a comprehensive and clear legislative framework for psychotherapy creates critical gaps. Gaps that not only affect the credibility and scientific basis of the sector, but directly expose citizens to practices that are not subject to adequate control, supervision and accountability.

The lack of defined training standards, professional criteria and control mechanisms leaves room for arbitrariness and opacity. It undermines public trust and blurs the boundaries between scientifically documented psychotherapy and uncertified interventions. And when trust is shaken, many people hesitate or are discouraged from seeking the help they really need - with consequences not only individual, but also social.

Just as the state regulates medical practice, education and every profession that directly affects human life and dignity, so it must proceed with the institutional regulation of psychotherapy. Not to interfere with the therapeutic relationship, but to shield it, ensure its quality and protect both the citizen and the professional.

In this context, the Cyprus Association of Psychotherapists calls on the state to proceed immediately with the institutionalization and regulation of the profession. We demand clear, binding and transparent frameworks for education, certification, supervision and continuing education, as well as effective accountability mechanisms that ensure the safety of citizens and especially vulnerable groups.

We seek modern and functional legislation that guarantees that the practice of psychotherapy is carried out exclusively by appropriately qualified professionals, that professional titles are institutionally protected and that there are clear, accessible and reliable procedures for submitting and examining complaints.

The protection of citizens is a fundamental obligation of the state. The Ministry of Health has a decisive role and responsibility to prioritize this issue and to lead a coordinated effort to secure and regulate the profession.

The next day of the Association

Within the framework of the Annual General Assembly, the members of the Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists proceeded to elect the new Board of Directors, which undertakes the continuation and strengthening of the Association's course at a particularly critical juncture for the field of mental health in Cyprus.

Thekla Vassiliou, Psychologist and Systemic Psychotherapist, has been elected as the President of the Association.

Dr. Petros Antoniou was elected as Vice President, Lora Savvidou as Secretary, Amalia Deli as Assistant Secretary and Nikos Alexandropoulos as Treasurer. The following were elected as Members of the Board of Directors: Nelli Konstantinou Papadopoulou, Theclina Theophilou, Panagiotis Proestos, Lisa Pavlou Papagianni, Michelle Frantz Karan, Maria Kassinou, Vivian Demetriou, Demetris Shouer, Dr. Maria Michaelidou and Cleo Skouri.

The new Board of Directors is called upon to responsibly and collectively manage the challenges of the coming period, with the main priority being to promote the institutionalization of psychotherapy and to strengthen the presence of the Association as a reliable interlocutor of the state and society.

Collaboration is the “key”

Our Association clearly emphasizes that the institutionalization of psychotherapy is not a matter of professional interest. It is a matter of democratic principles, social responsibility and essential care for citizens. It concerns the protection of the most vulnerable, the quality of the services provided and the strengthening of trust in the mental health system.

Such a goal cannot be achieved unilaterally. It requires institutional cooperation, honest and documented dialogue, as well as a shared commitment from all those involved. The responsibility is collective - of the state, the Ministry of Health, professionals in the sector, scientific bodies and society itself.

In this context, the Cyprus Association for Psychotherapists declares its readiness to contribute responsibly to the formation of a modern and functional institutional framework. We assure the Ministry of Health and all competent bodies that we seek substantial cooperation and active participation in the process of policy formulation and decision-making, with the sole aim of public interest and the protection of citizens.

Thekla Vassiliou

President of the Association for Psychotherapists

Psychologist (MSc)

Systemic Psychotherapist