Psychologists up in arms over law regularising profession

Chamber of Psychologists to consider industrial action if concerns fall on deaf ears

The Malta Chamber of Psychologists (MCP) has officially raised grave concerns on a new law backed by the Psychotherapists’ Association (MAP) to regularise the profession.

The MCP said that while in favour of the regularisation of any profession, the Bill tabled in parliament will not only regularise the title of the psychotherapist, but the actual practice of psychotherapy.

“This is undeniably threatening to encroach and impede psychologists from practicing psychotherapy freely and without impediment,” the Chamber said in a statement.

“Psychologists are also trained practitioners of psychotherapy, as well as other psychological interventions, and should in no way be conditioned on how, when or with whom they practice their specialisation.”

The Chamber has now raised objections and called for an official meeting with the Prime Minister.

The Chamber also said the Bill attempts to create a monopoly on roles in the public sector, with the possibility of role descriptions being advertised for the exclusive recruitment of psychotherapists, which would preclude psychologists from applying for these posts – whom are perfectly within their realm and competence to do so.

The MCP has already met with home affairs minister Michael Farrugia and social policy minister Michael Falzon post election, “but both meetings proved futile since suggestions were ignored. The Chamber will have no option but to adamantly consider industrial action if their concerns continue to fall on deaf ears.”