Bloggers And Coaches Will Not Be Allowed To Pose As Psychologists In Kazakhstan

The Mazhilis has approved the draft law On Psychological Activity in its first reading, Orda.kz reports.

The law is meant to regulate the work of psychologists systematically. It sets out the basic principles of providing psychological assistance, as well as the rights and obligations of both specialists and their clients.

Yes, indeed, in recent years we have seen active growth in the coaching services market and have been surprised by the variety and odiousness of these services. I would like to say that the draft law addresses this issue through a systemic legal distinction based on key mechanisms. First, we clearly define the legal status of a psychologist. A psychologist is recognised only as a person who meets the qualification requirements, has passed competence confirmation and is included in the state register of psychologists. Other persons have no right to work with a person’s psycho-emotional state. deputy Aina Musralimova said. 

A psychologist will also have to meet professional standards. Coaches, however, will not be given the right to work with citizens’ psycho-emotional state.

The key innovation is the creation of a unified state register of psychologists. It will be impossible to work officially without being included in it. A professional standard setting out qualification and competency requirements for specialists is also being introduced.

The bill also clearly separates psychological and medical activity. Psychologists will be banned from using medicines. The document defines the forms of assistance as in-person, remote and mixed. At the same time, assistance must remain voluntary, and the client must receive full information about the service.

Original author: Ilya Astakhov

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