Evaluating the need of regulating the profession of psychotherapy based upon the opinions of Polish psychotherapists

Abstract

630 Polish psychotherapists participated in a study examining their opinions regarding possible legal regulation of the psychotherapy profession. Participants completed a survey using a five-point Likert scale to rate the favourability of certain issues for inclusion in the legal regulation of the profession of psychotherapy such as patient rights, rights relating to the profession, establishing a professional regulatory body, and other issues. Regardless of the psychotherapeutic approach, the most beneficial outcome of legal regulation of the psychotherapist’s profession was the guarantee of the right to patient confidentiality in relations with state authorities and the establishment of unambiguous criteria for waiving it. The participants were also unanimous regarding the most unfavourable effects of regulation, such as increased control over the activities of psychotherapists, mainly by state authorities, which suggests that they prefer a professional self-governing body. Despite differences between psychotherapeutic approaches on specific issues that have been examined here, Polish psychotherapists see a need for legal regulation of their profession. The results are important not only in the context of mental health deterioration but also given that legal regulations for the psychotherapy profession vary worldwide, and in many countries discussions are ongoing.