Integration of counseling psychologists into the General Health System of Cyprus

Discussions are currently ongoing regarding the inclusion of counseling psychologists in the Cyprus General Health System (GeSY). While the Health Insurance Organization (HIO) maintains that its planning and timelines remain unchanged, professional associations representing counseling psychologists have publicly voiced their opposition. The Cyprus Psychological Association has submitted formal letters to the HIO, the Ministry of Health, and the Parliament, claiming that the proposed integration treats their profession as inferior to clinical psychology. They argue the plan lacks a scientific basis and does not reflect international standards. Under the HIO's proposal, counseling psychologists would be limited to six sessions per year for adults and children. For adults, these sessions are restricted to specific diagnoses, including sexual behavior and orientation counseling, HIV counseling, disability-related activity limitations, family breakdown or divorce issues, and reintegration after imprisonment. Professional associations continue to challenge these terms, seeking a revision of the proposed framework.