New legislation to regulate psychological services in Uzbekistan

There is a saying that the easiest thing in the world is to give advice. Social media platforms are overflowing with such "advisors." Today, everyone is wise, and the wisest among them are setting up profiles on social networks, offering "affordable" courses and consultations for hundreds of dollars. As a result, some individuals fall into depression, and families break apart. This highlights the need for regulation in the field of psychological services.

The law "On the Provision of Psychological Assistance to the Population," adopted on November 11 last year, has come into force today, February 6. This law was passed by the Legislative Chamber on July 23, 2024, and approved by the Senate on September 20. It establishes the legal framework for providing psychological assistance. According to the law, psychological assistance can be offered free of charge or on a paid basis by professionals working in state institutions, private organizations, or independently. Paid psychological assistance must be provided under a written contract. The law also outlines:

• Requirements that individuals providing psychological assistance must have a higher education and a qualification certificate.
• The rights and obligations of psychologists, include treating individuals with respect, maintaining confidentiality, using approved methods and techniques, and providing necessary information.
• The Ministry of Health’s approval of mandatory Standards for the Provision of Psychological Assistance.
• The ability to offer psychological services by establishing a legal entity or registering as an individual entrepreneur.
• A prohibition against individuals who lack the necessary credentials from advertising psychological services or using the title "psychologist" or similar terms in company names.

According to Article 9 of this law, free psychological assistance will be provided and funded by the state for:

• Individuals affected by emergencies and their family members, as well as those involved in emergency response efforts.
• Victims of terrorist acts.
• Low-income families registered in the Unified Social Protection Registry.
• Single elderly individuals and persons with disabilities require care.
• Children in need of social protection.
• Victims of harassment and violence.
• Students in state preschool and general secondary educational institutions.
• Individuals released from penal institutions.
• Victims of human trafficking.

Additionally, non-governmental organizations may offer free psychological assistance based on their internal policies.

The "Egg-Cracking" Debate

Do you recall the conflict in Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver’s Travels", where two nations waged war over which side of an egg should be cracked? Many of the courses sold today resemble such trivial debates. While misleading cooking courses may not cause much harm, the same cannot be said for psychology. Any attempt to influence a person’s psyche carries serious consequences.

Despite this, the "buy-sell psychologist" market thrives on social media. Many so-called experts claim to teach critical thinking after taking courses from self-proclaimed psychologists who themselves have completed dubious programs. Searching for the term "psychologist" online reveals an overwhelming number of profiles advertising courses, mentorship programs, marathons, and even competitions. But do genuine professionals need to host competitions and distribute awards? Consumers fuel this industry by purchasing courses, increasing engagement, and participating in these events, while course sellers accumulate wealth, travel abroad, and acquire luxury assets.

Deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, Shakhnoza Kholmakhamatova, highlighted the extensive discussions and debates surrounding the draft law. In meetings and public discussions, concerns were frequently raised about individuals who, after completing questionable two- or three-month courses, promote themselves as "psychologists," wasting people's valuable time and money. Social media monitoring also revealed an increase in self-proclaimed "psychologists" who, after reading a few pamphlets, gain public trust and interfere in individuals’ personal and moral lives.

As the saying goes, "He who does not light a candle in his own house lights a candle in someone else’s house." Many of these self-proclaimed mentors lack stability in their personal lives, careers, and education, yet they offer guidance to others.

Legal Consequences and Responsibility

With the implementation of this law, amendments have also been made to the Code of Administrative Responsibility. According to Article 593:

"Providing psychological assistance without the necessary qualifications, or violating the restrictions established by law, shall result in a fine of five to ten times the basic calculation amount for individuals and ten to fifteen times for officials. Repeat offenses within a year will result in higher fines: ten to twenty times for individuals and fifteen to twenty times for officials."

Countries worldwide have long regulated psychological services, ensuring that legal and private entities pay taxes, including income and value-added tax. In contrast, many in Uzbekistan offer courses and webinars, receiving payments informally.

While legal measures have been enacted to regulate the industry, consumers must remain vigilant. When seeking psychological services, it is crucial to verify a psychologist’s credentials and professional portfolio to ensure legitimacy.