By Thekla Vassiliou

• President of the Pan-Cyprian Association of Psychotherapists
• Psychologist (MSc)
• Systemic Psychotherapist

At a time when mental health needs are constantly increasing and more and more people are seeking professional support, the need for a clear, modern, and reliable regulatory framework for psychotherapy has become imperative. The absence of such a framework affects not only professionals in the field, but primarily affects the public, who have the right to know that the services they receive are provided by properly trained, certified, and supervised professionals.

It was within this context that a recent meeting took place between the Pan-Cyprian Association of Psychotherapists and the Minister of Health, Mr. Neophytos Charalambides. The meeting was a significant first step toward promoting the institutional recognition of psychotherapy in Cyprus and highlighted the shared recognition that this is an issue that directly concerns publichealth, the quality of mental health services provided, and, above all, the protection of citizens.

During the meeting, the Pan-Cyprian Association of Psychotherapists presented its positions and recommendations, backed by evidence, emphasizing the need to move forward with a reform that has been pending for years. The institutional recognition of psychotherapy is not merely a professional demand. It is, first and foremost, a public health issue. The government has a duty to ensure that psychotherapy services are provided by professionals with recognized education, adequate training, ongoing supervision, and clear ethical obligations. This strengthens public trust and ensures the quality of the services provided.

A Working Group with a Common Goal

One of the most important recommendations we submitted was the establishment of a working group involving the Ministry of Health and all relevant stakeholders. We believe this is a necessary initiative that can serve as the essential starting point for shaping a modern and functional institutional framework.

Experience from other European countries has shown that complex public health issues cannot be addressed in isolation. They require cooperation, the exchange of expertise, and meaningful dialogue among all stakeholders. Such a working group could serve as the appropriate framework for identifying needs, examine European best practices, and formulate proposals that will address the real needs of Cypriot society.

As the Pan-Cyprian Association of Psychotherapists, we believe that only through a structured, scientifically grounded, and substantive dialogue can an institutional framework be established that serves the public interest. A framework that will protect citizens, ensure high-quality mental health services, and strengthen the transparency, accountability, and credibility of the profession.

The Way Forward

The Pan-Cyprian Association of Psychotherapists remains committed to the goal of institutionally recognizing psychotherapy and is ready to actively contribute to any initiative that will lead to theits implementation. The recent meeting with the Minister of Health laid the groundwork for the start of a substantive and constructive dialogue.

The next step is to move from dialogue to action. Through cooperation, scientific evidence, and political will, Cyprus can establish a modern, functional, and reliable institutional framework for psychotherapy, in line with European standards and focused primarily on protecting citizens and improving mental health services.