Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan has adopted a code of ethics for psychologists. Specialists will be required to obtain informed consent from clients, use evidence-based methods and refer people to a psychiatrist if signs of mental disorders are identified. Here is what else the code will change.
What principles must psychologists follow
The document states that the code is a set of ethical rules governing psychologists’ conduct when providing psychological services. All specialists engaged in psychological practice in Kazakhstan must comply with it.
The main principles of psychological ethics are:
- legality;
- voluntary access to psychological assistance;
- confidentiality;
- professional competence;
- scientific validity.
The final principle means that specialists must use methods and approaches that are scientifically grounded and consistent with the current level of psychological science and professional standards, while refraining from methods whose effectiveness and safety have not been confirmed by scientific evidence.
What must psychologists do when working with clients?
The code sets out the main ethical requirements for psychologists. They must:
- obtain the client’s informed consent;
- respect the rights, freedoms, honor and dignity of others and prevent any discrimination or cruel or degrading treatment;
- provide psychological assistance honestly and in good faith and not misrepresent their qualifications, experience or methods;
- ensure confidentiality and protect professional secrecy, including safeguarding records made during psychological assistance from access by third parties;
- avoid causing physical, psychological or moral harm;
- use scientifically grounded methods;
- respect the client or their legal representative, including the right to discontinue psychological assistance;
- provide high-quality psychological assistance and contribute to improving psychological literacy in society;
- conduct psychological practice in accordance with professional standards and within the limits of their professional competence, as determined by their education, qualifications, additional training, practical experience and continuing professional development;
- if signs of mental or behavioral disorders requiring medical intervention are identified, recommend that the client or their legal representative consult a psychiatrist;
- refuse to provide psychological assistance in the event of a conflict of interest or if circumstances fall outside their professional competence.
Tengrinews.kz discussed these rules with practicing psychologists, who expressed concern that some provisions could restrict access to psychological assistance. The discussion concerned work with clients who have diagnosed mental disorders.
“If such clients are cut off from therapy, we will leave them alone with medication and their isolation. A psychologist does not make clinical diagnoses or prescribe medication, but psychological work helps a person understand the mechanisms behind their condition, build healthy communication with loved ones and restore their quality of life,” the experts said.
It remains to be seen how the rules will work in practice.
What are psychologists prohibited from doing when working with clients?
Psychologists are prohibited from:
- conducting medical diagnoses or prescribing medication, as well as using psychoactive substances or psychoactive methods that affect consciousness;
- providing psychological assistance to people showing signs of mental or behavioral disorders that require medical intervention;
- guaranteeing a specific outcome from psychological assistance, including for advertising or other purposes.
What must psychologists do to maintain their professional level?
- seek supervision in a timely manner;
- comply with supervision requirements;
- take supervisors’ professional recommendations into account.
In relations with colleagues, psychologists must:
- follow generally accepted moral and ethical standards and maintain politeness and professionalism;
- treat colleagues with respect and act on the presumption of their good faith;
- contribute to the development of the professional community and improvement of the quality of psychological assistance.
The order will take effect on November 17. The document does not specify whether any penalties will apply for failure to comply with the requirements.
