Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan will establish a state registry for psychologists. Specialists not included in the registry will be prohibited from practicing or identifying themselves as psychologists. These amendments were approved by the Senate on June 25 as part of the Law "On Psychological Activity".
Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan will establish a state registry for psychologists. Specialists not included in the registry will be prohibited from practicing or identifying themselves as psychologists. These amendments were approved by the Senate on June 25 as part of the Law "On Psychological Activity".
Why the sector is being regulated
Presenting the bill, Senator Asem Rakhmetova noted that many Kazakhstanis have fallen victim to fraud after placing their trust in "fake" psychologists and life coaches.
"There is now a proliferation of fake psychologists and 'coaches' who profit by giving advice. Many people have been deceived after trusting them. I receive numerous complaints regarding this issue. Relevant authorities must address this problem," the senator stated.
According to Rakhmetova, psychological assistance is playing an increasingly vital role in society. It is essential for maintaining the emotional well-being of citizens, strengthening the institution of family, ensuring the harmonious development of children and youth, and fostering a healthy psychological climate in the workplace.
Changes for professionals
The primary objective of the law is to establish legal and organizational frameworks for psychological activity in Kazakhstan, ensuring citizens have access to high-quality psychological assistance and protecting their rights during the process.
The document defines requirements for professional training, procedures for credentialing and continuing education, the powers of state and local executive bodies, and the rights and responsibilities of both psychologists and their clients.
Furthermore, a unified code of professional ethics will be approved, mandating requirements for confidentiality, professional responsibility, and competence.
To improve the quality of care, the law stipulates the use of exclusively evidence-based and verified methods. It also introduces the institution of supervision, allowing specialists to refine their professional skills and improve the quality of services provided.
Additionally, the law provides for the phased implementation of a certification system for psychologists to verify that specialists meet established qualification standards.
Who will be included in the registry
A state registry of psychologists will also be created. Individuals not listed will be barred from conducting psychological activities and identifying as psychologists. According to the conclusion of the Senate Committee on Socio-Cultural Development and Science, this measure will serve as a primary guarantee protecting citizens from low-quality services and specialists without verified professional training.
According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, 43 domestic universities currently train psychologists. Approximately 17,000 students are enrolled in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, with nearly 4,000 specialists graduating annually.
Furthermore, following a presidential directive, psychological support centers are already operating in all regions of Kazakhstan. Last year alone, they provided approximately 50,000 psychological consultations.
Distinguishing psychologists from coaches
During the discussion of the law, lawmakers turned their attention to the online consultation market, where psychological help is often provided under the guise of coaching, mentoring, or esoteric practices.
First Vice-Minister of Labor and Social Protection Yerbol Tuyakbayev explained that when applying the law, the state will evaluate the content of the service provided rather than the job title.
He stated that it will not matter whether a person calls themselves a coach, mentor, or personal growth specialist. If they are effectively providing services that impact the emotional state of citizens under a different name, the state will examine the nature of the work, distinguish such activities, and exercise appropriate oversight.
Tuyakbayev also noted that specialists will be given the opportunity to undergo certification and prepare for the new requirements.
The registry will include specialists with a relevant higher education degree, appropriate diplomas, and international certificates. Following the launch of the registry, the First Vice-Minister said authorities expect to gradually regulate the sector.
As a reminder, in early June 2026, the Mazhilis approved the bill "On Psychological Activity" in its second reading. This document represents the first comprehensive regulation of psychological work in Kazakhstan.
