A bill seeking to integrate counselling psychologists into the national health system (Gesy) is expected to be brought before parliament in the coming days. This follows discussions in the House health committee on Thursday, where the proposal was presented by Disy MP Charalambos Pazaros and Dipa MP Alekos Tryfonidis.
The legislation aims to amend the general health insurance law to formally recognise counselling psychologists as “other health professionals” within the system. This recognition would enable them to provide services to Gesy beneficiaries, marking a significant step in the evolution of mental health services in Cyprus.
Counselling psychologists: Support from Health Officials
During the committee meeting, Pazaros noted that the health insurance organisation (HIO) had expressed a willingness to assess the proposal and present it to its board of directors for approval. The initial integration is likely to focus on a limited package of services targeting specific health conditions, with the potential for gradual expansion based on available funding.
Complementary Role in Mental Health Care
Pazaros highlighted the complementary nature of counselling psychology alongside clinical psychology, suggesting that counselling professionals could effectively manage cases that do not strictly fall within the clinical realm. This integration could alleviate pressure on the system, reducing waiting times and distributing cases more effectively among health professionals.
He emphasised the importance of counselling psychologists in prevention and early intervention, particularly for patients grappling with psychosocial challenges or chronic illnesses. “Mental health is a fundamental pillar of overall health and well-being,” Pazaros stated, stressing that access to psychological support must be universal and of high quality.
Addressing Growing Demand
Tryfonidis reiterated the pressing need for counselling psychologists within Gesy, pointing out the increasing demand for such services. He argued that patients should not have to rely on private care for appropriate support. “The goal is for citizens to be able to access counselling psychologists within the general health system without additional financial burden,” he remarked.
Professional Associations Back the Initiative
The proposal has garnered positive feedback from key stakeholders, including the psychologist’s association (Pasypsy), the patients’ association (Osak), and the health ministry. This renewed legislative push comes after years of debate regarding the structure of mental health services under Gesy and criticism of an overly clinical approach to psychological care.
When Gesy was first established, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists were incorporated into the system, with counselling psychologists expected to follow later as part of a broader mental health framework. However, this step has yet to materialise, leading to ongoing criticism from various professional organisations.
Addressing Service Gaps
Pasypsy warned as early as 2022 that the exclusion of counselling psychologists has created significant gaps in the system’s ability to handle less severe yet important mental health needs. The existing model has been critiqued for focusing primarily on diagnosing and treating mental disorders, neglecting the broader social and emotional pressures that affect individuals’ well-being.
Counselling psychologists typically assist individuals dealing with everyday psychological challenges such as stress, relationship difficulties, grief, anxiety, or adjustment to major life changes. Unlike psychiatrists, who can prescribe medication, or clinical psychologists focused on mental illness treatment, counselling psychologists provide vital support for non-clinical issues.
The Impact of Dual Access
Excluding this specialisation from Gesy has resulted in limited service options for patients, compelling many to seek help privately. This divide has effectively created two categories of patients: those who can access counselling through private therapy and those reliant solely on the services provided by Gesy. Professionals have raised concerns that the lack of counselling services can lead to inappropriate referrals, with general practitioners sometimes directing patients to clinical psychologists or psychiatrists for issues that could be more suitably addressed through counselling.
