Psychologists won’t be regulated for three years

The Department of Health has revealed that it will be at least another three years before psychologists will be fully regulated in Ireland — despite the introduction of legislation paving the way for registering the profession more than 10 years ago.

As it stands there is no regulation on the title, meaning that anyone is entitled to call themselves a psychologist, and offer services as a private practitioner, regardless of their qualification.

Legislation to regulate the trade was introduced in 2005. However, the Health and Social Care Professionals Act covers 14 professions including clinical biochemists, dietitians, and occupational therapists, and the act is being introduced on a phased basis. While a Psychologists Registration Board was due to be established in early 2016, the department has confirmed this has still to be put in place.