Psychotherapy in Cyprus: The institutional vacuum and the need for immediate regulation

by Thekla Vasiliou, President of PAP

The request for the institutionalization and regulation of psychotherapy in Cyprus, with the aim of ensuring the provision of high-quality services and the effective protection of citizens, has been a timeless and non-negotiable priority of the Pancyprian Association of Psychotherapists since its establishment until today.

This pursuit is not simply a professional request, nor is it aimed at serving individual interests. On the contrary, it concerns the filling of a critical institutional gap, which directly affects public health. In a sector as sensitive as mental health, the absence of a clear regulatory framework poses serious risks for those being treated, as it is not ensured that services are provided by appropriately trained, certified and supervised professionals.

Aiming for a modern regulatory framework

The Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists has over time taken an active role in promoting the institutionalization of the profession. As early as March 2017, a draft bill was submitted to the then Minister of Health, Mr. George Pamborides, which aimed to regulate the practice of the profession of psychotherapist.

This draft included basic provisions for the establishment of a Psychotherapist Registration Board, the determination of the necessary qualifications for registration in the Register, as well as transitional arrangements for professionals already practicing the profession. In November 2020, the Ministry of Health put the bill out for public consultation, without, however, adequately informing the Association. Since then, there has been no substantial development or progress. The result is the maintenance of a regime of uncertainty, which affects both professionals and citizens seeking reliable psychotherapeutic support.

Today, the Association is in the process of updating and strengthening this draft, with the aim of harmonizing it with modern scientific developments, European practices and the growing needs of society. At the same time, it seeks to restart the dialogue with the Ministry of Health and all the stakeholders involved, in order to promote the institutional consolidation of the profession in a substantial and effective manner.

The effects of non-regulation

The absence of an institutional framework creates an environment of ambiguity and lack of control. Citizens seeking help are unable to clearly distinguish which professionals have the required training and which do not. This poses serious risks to the quality of the care provided, but also to the mental safety of citizens themselves.

At the same time, non-regulation undermines the credibility of the profession, limits the possibility of developing quality services and makes it difficult to create substantial synergies between mental health professionals.

The protection of the mental health of citizens is a fundamental obligation of the State. The Ministry of Health is called upon to take an active and leading role, placing the issue of regulating psychotherapy as an immediate priority and promoting its institutionalization through a coordinated and substantial process.

What does the Association demand?

The Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists seeks the establishment of modern, functional and effective legislation that will ensure that the practice of psychotherapy is carried out exclusively by professionals with proven qualifications and appropriate training.

In this context, the Association demands:

- Establishment of frameworks for education, certification, supervision and continuing education

- Development of effective accountability and control mechanisms

- Establishment of clear, accessible and reliable procedures for submitting and examining complaints

- Institutionalization and protection of professional titles

The goal is to protect citizens and especially vulnerable groups who need safe and reliable services.

Public health issue

The Cyprus Association for Psychotherapists sounds the alarm and underlines that the institutionalization and regulation of psychotherapy cannot be delayed any longer. It is a necessary step to protect mental health in Cyprus, strengthen citizens' trust and upgrade the level of services provided.

This is a reform that does not concern exclusively professionals in the sector, but the whole of society.

Our Association is ready to contribute actively and constructively, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and all competent and involved bodies, to the formation of a modern, functional and effective legislative framework, which will upgrade mental health services and protect public health.

Thekla Vasiliou

President of the Cyprus Association for Psychotherapists

Psychologist (MSc)

Systemic Psychotherapist