Psychologists call its PRB’s requirements ‘unreasonable, stringent’

THE Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) of Psychology’s provision of securing permits to operate psychological centers are “unreasonable and stringent” for practicing psychologists, an official from the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) - Southern Mindanao Chapter said.

This is in response to the issued Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Resolution No. 04, Series of 2023, amending the Issuance of Permit to Operate a Psychology or Psychometrics Office, Center, Clinic, or Facility which was released to members of PAP last July 5.

The amendment of rules of regulations is pursuant to implement Section 33 (B) of the Republic Act No. 10029, also known as the "Philippine Psychology Act Of 2009", which includes requiring psychological clinics or psychological centers to be led by a psychologist with seven years of experience or more.

“The latest announcement of the PRB for psychology has shocked a lot of practitioners because of the requirements needed for their Permit to Operate,” Dr. Maria Isabel Soriano-Lemen, chair, Psychological Association of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao Chapter, said in a statement sent to SunStar Davao.

“The requirements are unreasonable and are stringent when compared to those who are practicing medicine and law. It does not take into consideration solo practitioners who have the qualifications (i.e. their license) and educational attainment that goes beyond what they require, which is a Masters degree in Psychology,” Soriano-Lemen added.

The provision also states PRB can only issue operating permits to psychology or psychometrics offices, centers, clinics, or facilities if they have employed a recommended number of psychologists in connection with clients they serve.

According to the amendment, for an average of 30 clients per day, at least one Psychometrician should be employed. For more than 30 up to 60 clients per day, at least two Psychometricians should be employed.

Meanwhile, for more than 60 up to 90 clients per day, at least three Psychometricians should be employed. For more than 90 up to 120 clients per day, at least four Psychometricians should be employed.

No consultation

Soriano-Lemen also said that the new restrictions may significantly impair the delivery of mental health services in the Philippines due to a potential reduction in practicing psychologists.

“Although there was a public consultation held on September 16, 2022, many practitioners raised their concerns and were assured that they would have more consultations regarding the issues raised. However, no such consultation was held,” Soriano-Lemen said.

Additionally, she noted irregularities with PRB's leadership tenure exceeding its legal limit and lack of action on nominations submitted by The Psychological Association of the Philippines.

“Incidentally, the officers of the PRB have been there since 2013. The law says that they will hold office for a term of three years or until their successors have been appointed,” Soriano-Lemen said.

“The Psychological Association of the Philippines has submitted their nominations several times, but this has not been acted upon until the present, making them incumbent for over 10 years,” she added.

Meanwhile, the PAP urges the PRB of Psychology to address these concerns through discussions with stakeholders and requests for a public forum with the PRB.

However, the organization expresses its support in its “quest to ensure the high quality of psychological services in our country”.

“We aim to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure that the interests and welfare of our members and the field of psychology in the Philippines are upheld,” PAP said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Davao psychologists react

Davao psychologists said they were caught off guard when the provision was being disseminated to them.

To say the least, the PRB’s resolution is “anti-poor and anti-professionals”, said Jereco Paloma, a psychologist and psychometrician.

“With the growing number of people experiencing mental health issues, that provision can further limit people’s access to professional help,” Paloma said via Facebook Messenger on July 9.

Paloma said despite the provision of the law aiming to ensure only qualified and trained professionals practice psychology in the country, the provision failed to take into account the actual figures in the field ratio of psychologists in connection to the population and the number of professionals with seven years length of experience.

The provisions could also affect those psychologists in the private and public sector, as it stated that psychological centers should cease their operation if they fail to meet the criteria.

“At first glance, that specific provision is very limiting and counter-intuitive relative to the true intention of RA 10029, the law that professionalizes the practice of psychology in the Philippines,” Paloma said.

“They should reconsider some salient provisions of the resolution especially those that seemed limiting. They should consider more the end-user of the resolution — the public,” Paloma added.

Meanwhile, for De Mar Bangeles, also a psychologist and psychometrician, he said with the provisions, they will be forced to stop the operations of their clinics unless they can hire a psychologist with seven years of experience.

“Pero pwede man gihapon maka-practice uban nga RPsy, it's just that need gyud ug someone na mag-supervise or mag employ somewhere else,” Bangeles said.