Starting September 2, a new law on psychological activity has come into force in Kazakhstan, introducing a mandatory registry of specialists and prohibiting practice without registration, reports infohub.kz.
According to regulatory legal acts, from this date it is prohibited to carry out psychological activities, as well as to use the title "psychologist" or derived terms by persons who have not undergone registration. Now, only individuals with higher and/or postgraduate education (or an academic degree) in psychology can call themselves psychologists and provide such services. Specialists without a relevant diploma lose the right to use this title.
Mandatory requirements for informed consent of clients and professional development of specialists are also established. Psychological assistance is provided only after the client (or their legal representative) signs a written informed consent. Consent is not required in cases of suicidal behavior, crisis situations, or facts of domestic violence. In these cases, the psychologist is obliged to immediately notify state bodies.
At the same time, the mandatory certification requirement has been postponed until 2028.
What changes:
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Psychological Activity" has been enacted 60 calendar days after its official publication.
A mandatory state registry of psychologists has been launched on the digital platform of the national qualifications system.
A direct ban has been introduced on conducting psychological activities and using the title "psychologist" by persons not included in the state registry.
A mandatory requirement for informed consent of clients to receive psychological assistance has been established.
The requirement for practicing specialists to undergo professional development at least once every five years has been fixed.
Why it matters:
This date marks the official launch of the first comprehensive regulation of the psychological services market in Kazakhstan's history. Practicing specialists are obliged to restructure their work to meet the new legal requirements, and citizens receive legal protection from unqualified services and fraudsters.
Context:
Earlier, "Kursiv" wrote that Kazakhstan wants to bring order to the sphere of psychological assistance and rid the market of unscrupulous practices. The Ministry of Labor has developed a special set of rules that will become mandatory for all legal psychologists.
This refers to the Code of Ethics for psychologists, developed in accordance with the law on psychological activity.
Recall that in early July, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law "On Psychological Activity." It introduces new requirements for the training of specialists. In particular, a professional standard will be established that defines the requirements, competencies, and level of training of psychologists.
One of the key innovations will be a certification system for psychologists, which will allow assessing the compliance of specialists with established requirements. Kazakhstan will also have a state registry of psychologists.
Tokayev has drawn attention to the growing number of so-called "fake psychologists" and "coaches" and spoke about the need to strengthen control in this area.