Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During the fifty-seventh plenary session of the Senate, the Law on Providing Psychological Assistance to the Population was reviewed and discussed.

In recent years, significant efforts have been made in the country to train educators in the field of psychology and to support the work of practicing psychologists.

Currently, 10 universities across the country offer specialized programs in "Psychology," while 19 universities provide programs in "Pedagogy and Psychology." Additionally, medical institutions are training specialists in "Medical Psychology" and "Medical Psychotherapy."

There are now over 2,500 educational psychologists working in the preschool education system and more than 13,000 specialists in general secondary schools.

Private psychological practice is also growing rapidly, offering consultations, training courses, workshops, and seminars, both online and offline.

The law outlines the key principles, objectives, forms, types, and standards of psychological assistance. It stipulates that standards for providing such assistance must be developed and approved by the Ministry of Health. The head of any legal entity providing psychological services is required to hold a higher degree in psychology.

The law also defines the rights and responsibilities of all participants in this field, clarifies the categories of citizens eligible for free psychological services, and establishes the legal basis for the activities of professional psychological associations.

Furthermore, individuals with higher education in other fields who wish to engage in private psychological practice must undergo retraining.

Amendments to the Code of Administrative Responsibility introduce penalties for providing psychological services without proper authorization and for non-compliance with legal requirements in this area.

The adoption of this law creates a legal framework for the development of psychological assistance services, meets the growing demand for such services among the population, and ensures the lawful regulation of practicing psychologists.

Following the discussion, the law was approved by the senators.