The observance of professional and ethical standards in the field of psychology will be overseen by the National College of Psychologists. The process of establishing the professional body was launched on Thursday, a year after the adoption of the Law on the Practice of the Psychology Profession, reports IPN.

The Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun, mentions that the new institution is set to manage the unique register of psychologists in the Republic of Moldova, to organize the process of professional certification, to approve the Code of Ethics, and to establish practice standards. According to the dignitary, citizens will be able to check in the unique register whether a psychologist is authorized, what their specialization is, and what their professional status is.

Deputy Liliana Grosu mentioned that the main benefit will be the improvement of mental health services by establishing clear rules of access to the profession.

University Professor Maria Virlan, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Special Psychopedagogy, “Ion Creanga” State Pedagogical University, emphasized that the development of a psychologist does not end with the obtaining of the diploma, the profession requiring continuous training, updating of working methods and adaptation to the needs of society.

Psychologists from Moldova are set to register on a platform launched by the authorities, where they will create their professional file and sign up to participate in the country’s first professional Congress where the leadership of the National College of Psychologists will be elected.

According to the legislation, membership in the College will be mandatory for practicing the profession, and freelance psychologists will be able to operate only on the basis of a certificate issued by the College. Registration on the platform is open until September 15.