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I founded my international online practice in 2016. While this first blog article was written when I was still based in Malaysia, the core issues remain globally relevant. I'm now back in the UK, but I still work online with clients in 20+ countries, and the sad truth is that most of them face the same chaos I described years ago.
The problem is simple: regulation in the mental health field is a mess.
The Malaysian Mismatch: A Case Study in Chaos
When I was working in Malaysia, it was tough to find a qualified mental health practitioner, largely because very few laws govern the professions. Here’s how the system breaks down:
- Psychiatrists are fine: If you need a medical doctor specializing in mental disorders, you're usually safe. There’s a mandatory professional association for them.
- Counselling is restricted (on paper): There is a counsellor association, but their training standards vary, and they often don't accept foreign-trained professionals or those who want to practice exclusively online. While the term "counsellor" is legally restricted, the law isn't always enforced.
- Psychology is wide open: There are no laws that cover the terms "psychologist," "therapist," and other mental health worker descriptions.
In a word, it’s chaos. I had a Malaysian friend with a fully accredited Australian counselling degree who couldn't join the local organization unless she retook her entire degree at a local school.
Meanwhile, I saw a quack with no training whatsoever advertising "psychology services" in the newspaper. He put up billboards, even, and started his own "school" and "association." People with fake degrees were practicing legally.
My clients from the Middle East, Africa, and the Far East tell me they have the exact same issues in their countries. Malaysia is the rule, not the exception.
The Trouble with Associations
Frankly, I don't believe in relying on regulation because the people who run professional associations are often corrupt or focused on exclusivity rather than client protection. It’s a problem everywhere. I don't expect matters to improve soon, because accreditation is a global nightmare:
- Exclusion over Inclusion: Professional groups tend to be exclusive. If your degree says 'psychology,' you may not be able to join a counselling organization, and vice versa.
- Working Cross-Borders is a Mess: Even in highly regulated areas, licenses rarely travel. In the European Union, a Polish degree may only work in Poland. In the USA, licenses often cover just a single state.
This reality means that bypassing the organizations and focusing on real, verifiable qualifications is often the safest path.
My Advice: How to Find Real Help (Bypassing the Bureaucracy)
If you live in a country where mental health practice is still fairly new and unregulated, and you need help, I suggest you ignore the self-serving associations and focus on these practical steps:
- Ask Your Doctor: Ask your General Practitioner (GP) or family doctor to list the practitioners she knows. She may not know straight away, but she’ll know how to sort out the quacks and cons.
- Go to the Government: Go to a government hospital and ask for recommendations. They tend to be better at screening and less motivated by profit than private hospitals.
- Look for the Master's Degree: Prioritize professionals with a Master's degree in a core field like Counselling or Psychology. This demonstrates a significant, verifiable academic commitment that fake practitioners usually won't have.
The global reality is that many people need to seek help internationally, which is why I founded my online practice. It gives you the freedom to choose a qualified, ethical professional, regardless of your location.
About Me
I'm Ellen Whyte, BSc Psych (Hons), MCouns (Dist), a psychotherapist with 10 years of experience helping clients across 20+ countries navigate life's challenges and thrive. My approach is grounded in a Bachelor's with Honours in Psychology, a Master's with Distinction in Counselling, and 10 years of dedicated experience.
If you're ready to gain control over your life with experienced, confidential support, message me today for your free 15-minute consultation Email: ellen.whyte@gmail.com | WhatsApp: +44 7514 408143
Credit:Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
