It has come to the attention of the Cyprus Psychologists’ Association (CPA) of a case at a public school in which an external contractor appears to be providing psychological services within the school, in direct contact with students, performing duties that fall within the scope of a registered psychologist, without evidence of corresponding registration in an approved specialty, the Association states in its announcement. It also notes that “this issue takes on particular significance when it concerns services for minors and other vulnerable populations.”
The Association points out that “the performance of duties falling within the professional scope of a licensed psychologist by a psychology graduate constitutes a violation of current legislation, a fact that becomes particularly serious when such duties are assigned, provided for, or performed within the context of public services or organizations.”
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In this context, the Hellenic Psychological Society clarifies the distinction between registration in the Registry of Licensed Psychologists and registration in the Registry of Registered Psychologists, explaining that, by law, a graduate psychologist is limited to teaching psychology-related subjects, conducting research in fields of psychology, and conducting interviews for the sole purpose of referring clients to a registered psychologist.
It also points out that this issue arises in the context of police operations, specifically regarding whichprofessional is authorized to assess the psychological fitness of police officers to carry a weapon and whether such assessments are conducted by licensed psychologists, given the seriousness and responsibility involved in such an assessment.
The Cyprus Psychologists’ Association (CPA) also recalls that, in a statement to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) in July 2026, it clarified “that psychological assessment and support services for members of the Police must be provided by professionals registered in the Registry of Registered Psychologists,” adding that “this issue has already been raised by the Hellenic Psychologists’ Association (HPA), through relevant memoranda, both to the Minister of Justice and Public Order and before the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights.”
Finally, it calls on the competent authorities to review current practices, to clarify the duties assigned to licensed psychologists in public services, and to take the necessary steps to ensure that services constituting the practice of the profession of a licensedare provided exclusively by individuals who possess the corresponding legal right to practice.
Source: CNA
