Calling yourself a psychologist in Kazakhstan will no longer be so easy: law signed

Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan will introduce a state register of psychologists, mandatory qualification requirements and certification for specialists. The relevant law was signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on July 2. From now on, only those who meet the established requirements will be allowed to work in the profession, citing Akorda press service.
Why the sector will be regulated
The law was earlier approved by the Senate. Senator Asem Rakhmetova recalled that some Kazakhstanis, having trusted fake psychologists and coaches, ended up being deceived.

“There are now many fake psychologists and ‘coaches’ who make money by giving advice. Many people who trusted them have become victims of fraud. I receive many complaints about this. The responsible authorities must pay attention to this problem as well,” the senator said.

According to her, psychological assistance is playing an increasingly important role in society.
What will change for psychologists
The main purpose of the law is to create the legal and organizational framework for psychological activity in Kazakhstan, ensure citizens’ access to quality psychological assistance and protect their rights when receiving it.
The document defines:

requirements for the professional training of psychologists;
the procedure for confirming and improving their qualifications;
the powers of state bodies and local executive bodies;
as well as the rights and obligations of both psychologists and recipients of psychological assistance.

One of the main innovations is a professional standard for psychologists. It will establish unified requirements for specialists’ level of education, professional competencies and qualifications.
It was also reported that a unified code of professional ethics for psychologists will be approved, setting requirements for confidentiality, professional responsibility and professional competence.
To improve the quality of psychological assistance, the law provides for the use of exclusively scientifically grounded and verified methods. It also introduces the institution of supervision, which will allow specialists to improve their professional skills and the quality of services provided.
Another important provision will be a ban on psychologists engaging in medical activity and prescribing medication.
In addition, the law provides for the phased introduction of certification for psychologists, which will confirm that specialists meet the established qualification requirements.
Who will be included in the register
A state register of psychologists will also be created. Specialists who are not included in it will be prohibited from carrying out psychological activity and calling themselves psychologists.
As noted in the conclusion of the Senate Committee on social and cultural development and science, this measure will become one of the main guarantees for protecting citizens from poor-quality services and specialists without confirmed professional training.
According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, psychologists are currently trained at 43 domestic universities. About 17,000 students are enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs, while nearly 4,000 specialists graduate each year.
On the President’s instructions, psychological support centers are already operating in all regions of Kazakhstan. Last year alone, they provided about 50,000 psychological consultations.
How psychologists will be distinguished from coaches
During the discussion of the law, deputies drew attention to the online consultation market, where psychological assistance is often provided under the guise of coaching, tutoring, mentoring or esoteric practices.
First Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection Yerbol Tuyakbayev explained that when applying the law, the state will assess not the name of the profession but the content of the service being provided.
According to him, it will not matter what a person calls themselves — a coach, mentor, tutor or personal growth specialist. If, under another name, they are effectively providing services that affect citizens’ emotional state, the state will examine the content of such work, distinguish between these types of activity and exercise the relevant oversight.
Tuyakbayev also said that specialists will be given the opportunity to undergo certification and prepare for the new requirements.
The register will include specialists with relevant higher education, appropriate diplomas and international certificates. After the register is launched, according to the First Vice Minister, the authorities expect to gradually regulate this sector.
As a reminder, in February 2025, deputies of the Mazhilis questioned the effectiveness of coaches and business trainers, pointing to the lack of standards and certification, which creates conditions for fraud and undermines citizens’ trust.
In early June 2026, the Mazhilis approved the draft law “On Psychological Activity” in the second reading. This document will, for the first time, comprehensively regulate the work of psychologists in Kazakhstan.