Institutionalization of psychotherapy: A necessary reform for public health

By Thekla Vasiliou, president of the Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists

The debate surrounding the institutionalization and regulation of psychotherapy in Cyprus has been resurfacing more and more in recent years, as the need for quality and reliable mental health services increases. For the Cyprus Association of Psychotherapists, the institutionalization of the profession is not a simple professional request, but an essential need for public health, directly linked to the protection of citizens and the quality of the services they receive.

Today, in Cyprus, there is no comprehensive and clear regulatory framework that determines who can practice psychotherapy, what qualifications are required and what oversight and accountability mechanisms should operate. The absence of this framework creates significant gaps, as citizens do not always have the opportunity to know whether the professional they are addressing has the appropriate training and competence.

The problem becomes even more serious if we consider that mental health concerns a particularly sensitive sector, where intervention by unqualified professionals can have substantial consequences on a person’s life. The lack of uniform criteria and formal oversight mechanisms creates scope for the emergence of uncertified practices, which intensifies uncertainty and undermines trust in the sector.

The Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists argues that the answer to this problem is the creation of a clear and functional regulatory framework. In this context, we propose the creation of a Register of Registered Psychotherapists, the establishment of strict training and certification criteria, as well as the establishment of a competent supervisory and control body. At the same time, we consider it necessary to have transparent procedures for submitting and examining complaints, in order to ensure effective accountability and protection of citizens.

At the same time, our Association points out that in Cyprus there is already a strong scientific base in the field of psychotherapy. Today, there are notable educational institutes operating, which offer training in recognized psychotherapeutic approaches, such as systemic, cognitive-behavioral and person-centered psychotherapy.

In fact, four of these institutes are members of the Pancyprian Association of Psychotherapists and operate based on the European standards of the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP). Their educational programs include a comprehensive four-year education, theoretical training, clinical practice, supervision and personal therapy – elements that are considered fundamental for the safe and scientifically documented practice of psychotherapy.

The existence of this scientific and educational base demonstrates that Cyprus already has the conditions to proceed with the institutionalization of the profession. What remains is the political will on the part of the Ministry of Health and all the competent bodies to promote a modern legislative framework, which will respond to the needs of society and will be harmonized with European practices.

Besides, the institutionalization of psychotherapy does not only concern professionals in the field. It concerns every citizen who seeks support and every society that seeks to invest substantially in the mental health and quality of life of its people.