Errant psychologists, those wrongly claiming to be registered to face action under planned rules

Errant psychologists flouting rules and those who masquerade as registered psychologists will be taken to task under a new registration framework to boost the standards of mental health professionals. 

An inter-agency committee, which will conduct consultations on the framework later in 2025, is set to complete its work by 2026. It is currently defining requirements for registration.

Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary gave these updates on March 29, during an inaugural symposium held by the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS) at YWCA Fort Canning. 

During its budget debate in March, the Ministry of Health announced that Singapore will be working towards registering psychologists, amid rising concerns over client safety in an unregulated sector. 

“The registration framework will establish clear guidelines on protected titles and scope of services. Importantly, it will include enforcement mechanisms to take actions against errant psychologists or those falsely claiming to be registered psychologists, ensuring the public is protected from unauthorised practice,” said Dr Janil. 

He pointed out that psychologists play an expanded role beyond just the provision of mental health services. 

These professionals also contribute in schools, social service agencies and workplaces, with their work profoundly impacting the well-being of individuals, families and communities.

With an increased focus on mental health in recent years, there is a need for additional safeguards.

“Registration will provide greater clarity and assurance. Psychologists who wish to practise in Singapore will need to possess stipulated qualifications. They will need to be able to demonstrate certain necessary clinical experience to meet those standards. And these standards will be referenced to international benchmarks,” said Dr Janil. 

He said the ministry is mindful of the short- and long-term implications that registration brings to the profession. 

For a start, registration will focus on those who provide direct patient care, perform higher-risk assessments and interventions, and work across various sectors.

The committee will partner the SPS to organise consultation sessions in the second half of 2025. This is to seek feedback on the proposed registration requirements and anticipated operational challenges as a result of registration.

“This partnership and feedback will go a long way in helping us to calibrate the standards for registration, as well as to formulate plans to support your industry so as to minimise disruption to essential psychological services,” said Dr Janil. 

“We know that what you are providing as a service is essential to your clients and patients, both current and future, as well as the families. We want to make sure that you’re able to do so and to continue to do so well.”

Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, medical director of The Starfish Clinic of Psychiatry and Mental Wellness, said: “I think this is a step forward to make sure that everyone who is supporting the needs of our patients is regulated. It’s a framework towards improving the (mental health) fraternity as a whole and to continue the lifelong learning of professionals within the fraternity.”

Dr Syed Harun is a former Nominated MP who resigned from his seat in Parliament on Feb 14, fuelling speculation that he might run in the upcoming general election, which has to be held by November. He declined to speak on general election-related issues.

Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

Why you must act in good faith after signing work contracts ‘Disturbing’ trend of individuals blaming their lawyers to challenge convictions: Judge