From September 2, a new law on psychological activity comes into force in Kazakhstan: a mandatory registry is introduced and practice without registration is prohibited. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to the NPA, from this date it is prohibited to carry out psychological activities, use the name 'psychologist' or derived terms for persons who have not passed registration. That is, only persons with higher and (or) postgraduate education (or an academic degree) in the field of psychology can now call themselves psychologists and provide such services. Specialists without a specialized diploma are deprived of the right to use this name.
Mandatory requirements for informed consent of clients and professional development of specialists are also fixed. That is, psychological assistance is provided only after the client (or his 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 norm is postponed until 2028.
This date marks the official launch of the first comprehensive regulation of the psychological services market in the history of Kazakhstan. Practicing specialists are obliged to restructure their work under the new legal requirements, and citizens receive legal protection from unqualified services and fraudsters.
Earlier, 'Kursiv' wrote that Kazakhstan wants to bring order to the sphere of psychological assistance and rid the market of unfair practices. The Ministry of Labor has developed a special set of rules. It will become mandatory for all legal psychologists.
We are talking about the Code of Ethics for psychologists, which was 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. It will allow assessing the compliance of specialists with established requirements. Also, a state register of psychologists will appear in Kazakhstan.
Tokayev drew attention to the growth in the number of so-called 'fake psychologists' and 'coaches' and spoke about the need to strengthen control in this area.