Nicosia, Cyprus. Parliament unanimously approved legislation on Thursday to include counselling psychologists under the national health system, Gesy. The House passed the amendment with 45 votes in favour.
Amendment passed with unanimous support
The amendment enables counselling psychologists to be recognised as “other health professionals” and to provide services within Gesy.
Lawmakers cite mental health access and system modernisation
Dipa MP Alekos Tryfonides said the change was the result of a coordinated effort and described counselling psychology as “an autonomous and important pillar” addressing needs beyond clinical practice. He said the goal is to ensure “quality mental health services without exclusions” and called the reform “a decisive step for the modernisation of the health system”.
Years of debate over Gesy mental health framework
The legislation follows years of debate over gaps in Gesy’s mental health framework. When Gesy was first introduced, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists were included, with counselling psychologists expected to follow, but their integration was repeatedly delayed amid growing demand and criticism from professional bodies.
Supporters say move will ease pressures and cut waiting times
Disy MP Charalambos Pazaros, who co-promoted the proposal, said discussions with the health insurance organisation (HIO) had been ongoing for a year and rejected claims the timing was politically motivated. He said counselling psychologists can “operate complementary to clinical psychology”, helping to reduce waiting times and distribute cases more effectively, adding: “Towards this end the system is decongested.”
How do you think the inclusion of counselling psychologists in Gesy will affect access to mental health services?
