The Ministry of Health proposes stricter rules for psychotherapy and the training of psychologists

The Ministry of Health is proposing amendments to two regulations that, for the first time, introduce clearer rules for psychotherapy, specialist training, and mental health care. The drafts have been published for public consultation, reports zdrave.net.

With the amendments to Regulation No. 1 of 2007, psychotherapy is now defined as a scientifically based, ethically regulated, and methodologically structured professional activity. According to the explanatory memorandum, the goal is to transition from a predominantly pharmacological approach to a comprehensive biopsychosocial treatment model tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

One of the primary changes is the replacement of the term “method” with “psychotherapeutic modality.” The Ministry of Health notes that, until now, “method” was perceived as an individual technique that could be applied independently, whereas the new term describes a comprehensive psychotherapeutic school with its own theory, methodology, and ethical principles aligned with European standards.

The draft also includes new diagnoses, such as developmental post-traumatic stress disorder, specific learning disabilities, and speech and language disorders. These are intended to be covered by coordinated care between physicians and other mental health specialists.

Changes are also proposed for pediatric psychiatric programs due to the need for the regulatory framework to align with modern classifications of mental disorders and the increasing issues among children and adolescents.

“Anxiety and depressive states, learning difficulties, and behavioral disorders, as well as developmental post-traumatic disorders resulting from war and migration, are increasingly common in childhood and adolescence,” the ministry states.

The draft also introduces a requirement for psychological assessments to be conducted using standardized instruments to limit subjective diagnosis and ensure a more objective evaluation of patients.

In parallel, the Ministry of Health is proposing amendments to Regulation No. 29 of 2006 regarding the professional competence of psychologists. A minimum of 1,400 hours of training is being introduced to obtain psychotherapeutic certification, along with mandatory specialized training in a specific psychotherapeutic modality.

According to the proposals, psychotherapy may only be practiced by individuals who have completed a master’s degree, a specialization in clinical psychology, a clinical internship, and additional training including theory, personal therapy, and supervision.

Among the new provisions is the regulation of psychological support for medical professionals to prevent occupational burnout. The Ministry of Health notes that such a competency has not previously been explicitly regulated within the scope of clinical psychologists’ activities in healthcare facilities.