Psychologists will have to register to practise here, to ensure patient safety

In a move to strengthen mental health services, Singapore will be working towards registering psychologists, amid concerns raised by practitioners over client safety in an unregulated sector.

- Lee Li Ying

The change means that psychologists who wish to practise in Singapore will have to ensure they meet the required standards set by law.

An inter-agency implementation committee consisting of practitioners, regulators and service providers from both the public and private sectors has been set up to oversee the process.

Announcing this during the debate on the Ministry of Health's (MOH) budget on March 7, Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary said the increased focus on mental health in recent years has prompted changes in psychological practice, with more psychologists now working beyond traditional clinical settings, in the community and private sector. The registration will focus on those providing direct care.

"This will raise professional standards, safeguard patient safety and increase public confidence in psychological services. Further details will be announced at a later date," said Dr Janil.

Currently, among mental health professionals in Singapore, only psychiatrists are regulated by the Singapore Medical Council. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who oversee interventions such as medication, hospitalisation and other treatments.

While psychologists do not give medical advice or prescribe medication, they can provide diagnoses based on psychological assessment and evaluation tools. Psychologists have lauded the move to regulate the sector, with many saying it is long overdue.

Ms Mavis Seow, senior principal clinical psychologist and head of psychology at the Institute of Mental Health, said: "I have been hoping for regulation to come through for more than 20 years." Ms Seow, who is in the inter-agency implementation committee, has come across some unsafe clinical practices. These include inappropriate psychological assessments provided by individuals practising beyond their scope of competence, and ethical violations, such as practitioners engaging in inappropriate relationships with clients.