The Discussion On Legalization Of Consultation And Psychotherapy

Nowadays, the legal environment of the market offering psychological services in our country goes by, generally, without laws. It is only Labor Law and General Civil Law that can be partially referred to in psychological consultation and psychotherapy. Among the very few concerning laws and rules are those regulations, say, regional Mental Health Regulation, National Principles of Professional Behavior of Psychological Consultant, Ethics Criteria of Practitioners for Psychotherapy and Consultation, and Moral Standards of Psychological Tester, laid down by related trade associations.Legal regulation to the consultation in China has not yet adapted to the complicated social economic activities. Nor can the law value of justice be embodied by judicial means. With the increasing number of patients suffering from mental illness in China, it is essential for us to reflect the legal position of psychotherapy and amelioration of its corresponding laws. In the light of related laws of other nations and regions, the thesis takes the professional admittance for consultation and psychotherapy as departure, probing into the practical experiences we can draw on for legislation in this field.The conclusions made by the thesis are as following: (1) To simplify the administrative procedures in legislation. It is suggested that the qualifications of psychological consultant and therapist be issued by designated authoritative institution. (2) To establish trade association. Apart from organizing academic exchanges and conducting trade-related propaganda, psychological trade association should be entitled to supervise and regulate consultation and psychotherapy. (3) To define the obligation of consultation and psychotherapy by legislation. And put forward some suggestions to consultation and psychotherapy.