The Cyprus Psychologists Association (CPA) has raised concerns over reports that psychological services may have been provided to students at a public school by a person who is not registered to practise as a psychologist.
In a statement, the association said it had become aware of a case involving an external collaborator who allegedly had direct contact with pupils while carrying out duties that appear to fall within the professional remit of a registered psychologist.
The association described the matter as particularly serious because it concerns minors and warned that the provision of services reserved for registered psychologists by individuals holding only a psychology degree may breach existing legislation.
What psychology graduates can do
The CPA stressed that the law draws a clear distinction between psychology graduates and registered psychologists.
According to the association, psychology graduates may:
- teach psychology-related subjects;
- conduct research;
- carry out interviews solely for referral purposes.
However, they are not authorised to provide services that fall within the professional scope of a registered psychologist unless they hold the required registration.
Questions over police assessments
The association also raised concerns about the psychological assessment of police officers, particularly evaluations linked to fitness for carrying firearms.
It called for clarification on whether such assessments are being conducted by registered psychologists or by psychology graduates without professional registration.
The CPA said it had already highlighted the issue in July and maintains that psychological assessments and support services for police officers should be carried out exclusively by professionals listed on the Register of Psychologists.
The matter has previously been raised with the Justice Ministry and the House Human Rights Committee.
Calls for investigation
The association is urging the relevant authorities to review current practices across public services and clarify the duties assigned to psychology graduates.
It also called for safeguards to ensure that services requiring professional registration are provided only by individuals legally authorised to practise as psychologists.
