Counsellors must meet the highest standards
The role of counsellors has become increasingly important in Hong Kong amid concerns about mental health and well-being in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially among the young. Their expertise in offering support to people suffering from conditions such as anxiety and depression is valuable, helping clients to cope and to find a way through their problems. But there is a need to ensure that those offering such services are sufficiently trained and qualified. And there should be safeguards to guard against misconduct or abuse. A recent case has prompted calls for stricter regulation of the sector through the introduction of a statutory registration system for counsellors. There is also support for legal exemptions for professional bodies to enable them to publicly reveal details of disciplinary decisions, identifying counsellors found to be culpable. These issues deserve urgent attention.
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A counsellor was expelled from the Hong Kong Psychological Society after a complaint against her was substantiated in December. The therapist has since been rehired elsewhere. The organisation has not revealed details because of legal issues relating to personal data privacy. Those issues need to be resolved so that professional bodies know where they stand. Disciplinary matters are sensitive. But transparency is important and the public should be able to make informed decisions on which counsellors they consult. Legal exemptions for the organisations may be needed.
The bigger issue concerns the lack of regulation for the sector. Counsellors develop close relationships with their clients, who might include children, and confidentially discuss deeply personal matters. The need for them to be well-trained and to adhere to strict ethical standards is evident. But, unlike some other parts of the world, there is no statutory registration scheme. The Department of Health has a voluntary accreditation scheme for the registration of healthcare professionals who are not regulated by law. It covers speech therapists, psychologists and audiologists, but not counsellors.
Tackling the city's mental health crisis requires skilled, dedicated counsellors who meet high ethical standards. Steps should be taken to safeguard the public and boost confidence in the profession.
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