PAP Annual General Assembly 2026: "The legalislation of psychotherapy is a public health issue"

“We assure the Ministry of Health that we are ready to cooperate substantially in the formation of a comprehensive institutional framework for psychotherapy,” pointed out the president of the Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists, Photini Dimitriou – Ipsmiller, from the podium of the Annual General Assembly held on Tuesday, February 3.

The General Assembly was honored with the presence of the Attorney General, representatives of political parties, educational institutions, associations and organizations. Greetings were delivered by the Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of the Child, Ms. Eleni Pericleous, and the President of the Committee for the Supervision and Protection of the Rights of the Mentally Ill, Dr. Nikos Nikolaou.

In a speech delivered by the President of the Association, she emphasized that mental health is a key pillar of a functioning society and therefore, its protection is a public health issue and an act of social responsibility.

Highlighting the need to institutionalize and regulate the profession of psychotherapist, Ms. Dimitriou – Ipsmiller, emphasized the dangers posed today by the lack of clear regulations and control mechanisms, which leave room for arbitrariness and undermine public trust.

“The Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists seeks to formulate modern and effective legislation that ensures clear and binding frameworks for education, supervision and accountability,” emphasized the President of the Association, while underlining the decisive role of the Ministry of Health in this effort.

"The key", as she underlined, is the cooperation and dialogue between the state, professionals in the sector and all the bodies involved.

Finally, the President of the Association assured those present that the Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists will continue to work consistently and responsibly to secure the profession and ensure high quality mental health services to the public.