Mental Health Licensing & Regulation in Belgium: 2025 Guide

In Belgium, mental health professions are formally regulated by both federal and regional authorities. Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and psychotherapists all have specific legal requirements for practice. This guide explains these requirements, how to verify a provider's credentials through official channels, and what to look for to ensure you receive qualified care.

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OFICIAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK

REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE

VERIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR THE PUBLIC

COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

PROTECTED TITLES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

CURRENT PROFESSIONAL STATISTICS

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC

SOURCES AND VERIFICATION

OFICIAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Current Status: Belgium operates a comprehensive federal-regional regulatory system for mental health professionals, with the Federal Public Service (FPS) Public Health providing national oversight and regional communities handling professional registration. The Law of 10 May 2015 on the Practice of Health Care Professions (LHCP) established comprehensive regulation for clinical psychologists, clinical educationalists, and psychotherapy practitioners, effective September 1, 2016.

Primary Legislation:

• Law of 10 May 2015 on the Practice of Health Care Professions (LHCP): Comprehensive regulation of mental health professions

• Law of 8 November 1993: Protection of the psychologist title

• Patient Charter Act of 22 August 2002: Patient rights and healthcare standards

• Royal Decrees: Implementation of professional standards and requirements

• Community Legislation: Regional community-specific professional registration requirements

Legal Authority: Federal Public Service (FPS), Public Health, for national oversight, regional communities for professional registration

REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

1. FEDERAL PUBLIC SERVICE (FPS) PUBLIC HEALTH

Role: Federal authority for mental health professions regulation and national oversight

Authority: Federal ministry with comprehensive regulatory and coordination powers

Functions:

• National Regulation: Federal regulation of mental health professions under LHCP

• Professional Standards: Setting national professional standards and requirements

• Regional Coordination: Coordination with regional community registration authorities

• Visa Issuance: Issuance of professional visas for practice authorisation

• International Recognition: Processing international professional qualification recognition

• Quality Assurance: Ensuring quality standards across regional registration systems

Legal Powers:

• Federal Oversight: Authority over national mental health profession regulation

• Standards Setting: Setting national professional practice standards and requirements

• Visa Authority: Authority to issue professional practice visas

• International Recognition: Authority over international qualification recognition

• Professional Development: Oversight of professional education and training standards

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.health.belgium.be/

• Mental Health Professions: https://www.health.belgium.be/en/health/mental-health-professions

• Address: Place Victor Horta 40 bte 10, 1060 Brussels

• Phone: +32 (0)2 524 97 97

• Email: info@health.fgov.be
  

2. COMMISSION OF PSYCHOLOGISTS (COMMISSION DES PSYCHOLOGUES)

Role: Independent federal public body overseeing psychologist title and ethics

Authority: Federal commission with title protection and professional ethics oversight

Functions:

• Title Protection: Protection of the psychologist title under Law of 8 November 1993

• Professional Registration: Registration of psychologists for title protection

• Ethics Oversight: Professional ethics oversight and disciplinary authority

• Professional Standards: Setting professional practice standards and ethics

• Public Protection: Ensuring professional competency and public safety

• Professional Development: Professional development and continuing education oversight

Legal Powers:

• Title Protection: Legal authority to protect the psychologist title

• Registration Authority: Authority to register psychologists for title use

• Disciplinary Authority: Authority for professional disciplinary actions

• Ethics Enforcement: Enforcement of professional ethics and standards

• Professional Oversight: Oversight of professional practice and competency

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.compsy.be/

• Address: Rue de la Loi 81A, 1040 Brussels

• Phone: +32 (0)2 238 07 40

• Email: info@compsy.be

Professional Statistics:

• Registered Psychologists: Over 15,000 registered psychologists in Belgium

• Professional Coverage: All psychologists, regardless of nationality, background, or status

• Federal Authority: Under the authority of the Minister for Self-Employed, SMEs, and Middle Class

3. REGIONAL COMMUNITY AUTHORITIES

Role: Regional community authorities for mental health professional registration

Authority: Community-level authorities with direct professional registration powers

Functions:

• Professional Registration: Direct registration of mental health professionals within the community

• Registration Verification: Verification and validation of professional registrations

• Professional Supervision: Ongoing supervision and monitoring of professional practice

• Disciplinary Authority: Community disciplinary authority for professional misconduct

• Local Enforcement: Local enforcement of professional standards and requirements

• Public Protection: Ensuring professional competency and public safety
  

A. FEDERATION WALLONIA-BRUSSELS (FRENCH-SPEAKING)

Role: French-speaking community professional registration authority

Authority: Community authority for French-speaking professional registration

Functions:

• French-Speaking Registration: Registration of mental health professionals in the French-speaking community

• Professional Standards: Community-specific professional standards and requirements

• Quality Assurance: Quality assurance for professional education and practice

• Professional Development: Professional development and continuing education

• Community Integration: Integration with the French-speaking healthcare system

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.federation-wallonie-bruxelles.be/

• Registration Authority: Service des Professions de Santé

• Address: Boulevard Léopold II 44, 1080 Brussels

• Phone: +32 (0)2 413 20 06

B. FLEMISH COMMUNITY (DUTCH-SPEAKING) - ZORG EN GEZONDHEID AGENCY

Role: Dutch-speaking community professional registration authority

Authority: Community authority for Dutch-speaking professional registration

Functions:

• Dutch-Speaking Registration: Registration of mental health professionals in the Dutch-speaking community

• Professional Standards: Community-specific professional standards and requirements

• Quality Assurance: Quality assurance for professional education and practice

• Professional Development: Professional development and continuing education

• Community Integration: Integration with the Dutch-speaking healthcare system

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.zorg-en-gezondheid.be/

• Registration Authority: Agentschap Zorg en Gezondheid

• Address: Koning Albert II-laan 35 bus 33, 1030 Brussels

• Phone: +32 (0)2 553 35 00

C. GERMAN-SPEAKING COMMUNITY

Role: German-speaking community professional registration authority

Authority: Community authority for German-speaking professional registration

Functions:

• German-Speaking Registration: Registration of mental health professionals in the German-speaking community

• Professional Standards: Community-specific professional standards and requirements

• Quality Assurance: Quality assurance for professional education and practice

• Professional Development: Professional development and continuing education

• Community Integration: Integration with the German-speaking healthcare system

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.dglive.be/

• Registration Authority: Ministerium der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft

• Address: Gospertstraße 1, 4700 Eupen

• Phone: +32 (0)87 59 63 00
  

4. FEDERAL COUNCIL OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Role: Federal advisory council for mental health professions

Authority: Federal advisory body with standards and policy recommendations

Current Status: Established around 2017 and is fully operational as of 2025. Actively provides advisory recommendations to federal and community authorities. Roles and influence continue to evolve.

Functions:

• Professional Standards: Recommendations for professional standards and requirements

• Policy Development: Policy development for mental health professions

• Quality Assurance: Quality assurance recommendations for professional practice

• Professional Development: Professional development and education recommendations

• Regulatory Coordination: Coordination between federal and community authorities
  

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE

1. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (PSYCHOLOGUE CLINICIEN/KLINISCH PSYCHOLOOG)

Regulatory Authority: FPS Public Health and regional community authorities

Registration Required: Community registration plus a federal visa

Scope: Clinical psychology assessment and intervention

Education Requirements:

• University Degree: University degree in clinical psychology (minimum 5 years or 300 ECTS)

• Clinical Specialisation: Specialised clinical psychology education and training

• Professional Training: On-the-job training in an approved program under supervision

• Supervised Practice: Extensive supervised clinical practice

• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the community's official language

• Continuing Education: Ongoing continuing education requirements

Alternative Qualification (Grandfathered):

• Psychology Degree: Psychology degree (not clinical) obtained before September 1, 2016

• Professional Experience: Minimum 3 years professional experience in clinical psychology

• Demonstration of Competency: Ability to demonstrate clinical psychology competency

Scope of Practice:

• Clinical Assessment: Comprehensive clinical psychological assessment and testing

• Psychological Diagnosis: Clinical psychological diagnosis and evaluation

• Treatment Planning: Clinical treatment planning and case management

• Psychological Intervention: Evidence-based psychological interventions and therapy

• Consultation: Professional consultation to healthcare providers and teams

• Research: Clinical research and evidence-based practice

• Healthcare Integration: Integration with medical and healthcare services

Professional Requirements:

• Community Registration: Valid community registration for clinical psychology practice

• Federal Visa: Federal visa from FPS Public Health for practice authorisation

• Professional Insurance: Professional liability insurance

• Continuing Education: Ongoing continuing education and professional development

• Professional Standards: Adherence to professional ethics and practice standards

2. CLINICAL EDUCATIONALIST (PÉDAGOGUE CLINICIEN/KLINISCH PEDAGOOG)

Regulatory Authority: FPS Public Health and regional community authorities

Registration Required: Community registration plus a federal visa

Scope: Clinical educational psychology and intervention

Education Requirements:

• University Degree: University degree in clinical educational sciences (minimum 5 years or 300 ECTS)

• Educational Specialisation: Specialised clinical educational sciences education and training

• Professional Training: On-the-job training in approved program under supervision

• Supervised Practice: Extensive supervised clinical educational practice

• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the community's official language

• Continuing Education: Ongoing continuing education requirements

Scope of Practice:

• Educational Assessment: Clinical educational assessment and evaluation

• Learning Difficulties: Assessment and intervention for learning difficulties and disabilities

• Educational Intervention: Evidence-based educational interventions and support

• Developmental Services: Developmental assessment and intervention services

• Consultation: Professional consultation to educational and healthcare providers

• Research: Educational research and evidence-based practice

• Healthcare Integration: Integration with educational and healthcare services

Cross-Practice Authorisation:

• Clinical Psychology: Clinical educationalists with sufficient clinical psychology knowledge may practise clinical psychology

• Educational Specialisation: Clinical psychologists with sufficient educational knowledge may practise clinical educational services

3. PSYCHOTHERAPY PRACTITIONER (PRATICIEN EN PSYCHOTHÉRAPIE/PSYCHOTHERAPEUT)

Regulatory Authority: FPS Public Health and regional community authorities

Registration Required: Underlying healthcare qualification plus psychotherapy training

Scope: Psychotherapy practice as a specialised mental health treatment

Education Requirements (New Practitioners - Studies Starting 2017-2018 or Later):

• Healthcare Qualification: Registration as physician, clinical psychologist, or clinical educationalist

• Psychotherapy Training: Additional university psychotherapy training (minimum 70 ECTS)

• Professional Training: On-the-job psychotherapy training (minimum 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time)

• Supervised Practice: Extensive supervised psychotherapy practice

• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in community's official language

• Continuing Education: Ongoing continuing education requirements

Grandfathered Rights (Existing Practitioners):

Category 1 - Studies Completed by 2015-2016:

• Qualification: LHCP or non-LHCP qualification (minimum bachelor's level)

• Psychotherapy Training: Successfully completed specific psychotherapy training

• Practice Proof: Proof of psychotherapy practice by September 1, 2018

Category 2 - Training Started by 2016-2017:

• Qualification: LHCP or non-LHCP qualification (minimum bachelor's level)

• Psychotherapy Training: Successfully completed specific psychotherapy training started by 2016-2017

Category 3 - Bachelor Training Started by 2016-2017:

• Qualification: LHCP or non-LHCP qualification (minimum bachelor's level)

• Psychotherapy Training: Successfully completed specific psychotherapy training

• Professional Training: Minimum 2 years professional on-the-job psychotherapy training

Scope of Practice:

• Autonomous Practice: Autonomous psychotherapy practice (for LHCP-qualified practitioners)

• Supervised Practice: Supervised psychotherapy practice (for non-LHCP-qualified practitioners)

• Individual Therapy: Individual psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children

• Group Therapy: Group psychotherapy and therapeutic groups

• Family Therapy: Family and couples therapy

• Crisis Intervention: Crisis intervention and emergency mental health services

• Treatment Planning: Comprehensive psychotherapy treatment planning

• Healthcare Integration: Integration with Belgian healthcare system

Practice Distinctions:

• LHCP Qualification: Autonomous psychotherapy practice without supervision

• Non-LHCP Qualification: Psychotherapy practice under supervision of LHCP-qualified professional

4. PSYCHOLOGIST (PSYCHOLOGUE/PSYCHOLOOG)

Regulatory Authority: Commission of Psychologists

Registration Required: Commission registration for title protection

Scope: General psychology practice with title protection

Education Requirements:

• University Degree: University degree in psychology

• Professional Competency: Demonstration of professional psychology competency

• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in appropriate official language

• Professional Standards: Adherence to professional ethics and standards

• Continuing Education: Ongoing continuing education and professional development

Scope of Practice:

• General Psychology: General psychology practice and services

• Psychological Assessment: General psychological assessment and evaluation

• Psychological Consultation: Professional consultation and advisory services

• Research: Psychology research and evidence-based practice

• Professional Development: Professional development and training services

• Title Protection: Legal protection of psychologist title

Professional Requirements:

• Commission Registration: Registration with Commission of Psychologists

• Professional Ethics: Adherence to Commission professional ethics and standards

• Professional Development: Ongoing professional development and education

• Professional Standards: Compliance with professional practice standards

5. PSYCHIATRIST (PSYCHIATRE/PSYCHIATER)

Regulatory Authority: FPS Public Health and regional community authorities

Registration Required: Medical registration plus psychiatric specialisation

Scope: Full psychiatric medical practice

Education Requirements:

• Medical Education: 6-year medical degree from recognised university

• Medical Training: General medical training and internship

• Psychiatric Specialisation: Psychiatric specialisation training and residency

• Medical Registration: Community medical registration

• Psychiatric Certification: Psychiatric specialisation certification

• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in community's official language

• Continuing Education: Ongoing medical education requirements

Scope of Practice:

• Medical Authority: Full medical authority, including prescription and procedures

• Psychiatric Diagnosis: Comprehensive psychiatric assessment and diagnosis

• Medical Treatment: Psychiatric medications and medical interventions

• Hospitalisation: Authority for psychiatric hospitalisation and treatment

• Emergency Care: Psychiatric emergency care and crisis intervention

• Healthcare Integration: Full integration with Belgian healthcare system
  

VERIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR THE PUBLIC

Verifying Clinical Psychology/Clinical Educationalist Registration:

Community Verification: Each community maintains professional registration verification systems

Verification Process:

• Community Authority: Contact appropriate community registration authority

• Registration Search: Search professional registration database by name or registration number

• Registration Status: Verify current registration status and validity

• Professional Category: Check professional category and specialisations

• Practice Authorisation: Verify authorised scope of practice and any restrictions

Community Verification Contacts:

• Federation Wallonia-Brussels: Service des Professions de Santé

• Flemish Community: Agentschap Zorg en Gezondheid

• German-Speaking Community: Ministerium der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft

Federal Visa Verification:

FPS Public Health: Federal visa verification for practice authorisation

Verification Process:

• FPS Contact: Contact FPS Public Health professional services

• Visa Search: Search federal visa database by name or visa number

• Visa Status: Verify current visa status and validity

• Practice Authorisation: Verify authorised scope of practice and any restrictions

Commission of Psychologists Verification:

Commission Registry: Commission maintains psychologist registration database

Verification Process:

• Commission Website: Access Commission website at https://www.compsy.be/

• Psychologist Search: Search Commission psychologist registry

• Registration Status: Verify Commission registration and standing

• Professional Information: Check professional qualifications and specialisations

Professional Information Available:

• Registration Status: Current professional registration status and validity

• Registration Category: Type of professional registration and specialisations

• Practice Authorisation: Authorised scope of practice and any restrictions

• Professional Standing: Professional standing and any disciplinary actions

• Community Registration: Community where professional is registered to practice

Red Flags - Warning Signs:

• No Community Registration: Cannot provide valid community professional registration

• Unverified Registration: Registration not found in community verification system

• No Federal Visa: Cannot provide valid federal visa for practice authorisation

• Expired Registration: Registration not current or expired

• Scope Violations: Practising outside authorised scope or making inappropriate claims
  

COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

For Clinical Psychologists/Clinical Educationalists:

Authority: Regional community authority where professional is registered

Process:

• Community Complaint: Submit written complaint to appropriate community registration authority

• Investigation: Community investigation of professional conduct and registration compliance

• Standards Review: Review against professional registration standards and requirements

• Disciplinary Action: Community disciplinary measures if violations found

• Appeal Process: Appeal procedures within community administrative system

Community Complaint Contacts:

Federation Wallonia-Brussels: Service des Professions de Santé

• Address: Boulevard Léopold II 44, 1080 Brussels

• Phone: +32 (0)2 413 20 06

Flemish Community: Agentschap Zorg en Gezondheid

• Address: Koning Albert II-laan 35 bus 33, 1030 Brussels

• Phone: +32 (0)2 553 35 00

German-Speaking Community: Ministerium der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft

• Address: Gospertstraße 1, 4700 Eupen

• Phone: +32 (0)87 59 63 00

For Psychologists (Title Protection):

Authority: Commission of Psychologists

Process:

• Commission Complaint: Submit complaint to Commission of Psychologists

• Professional Investigation: Commission investigation of professional conduct and title use

• Ethics Review: Review against Commission professional ethics and standards

• Professional Sanctions: Commission professional sanctions if violations found

• Appeal Process: Appeal procedures within Commission system

Commission Complaint Contacts:

• Website: https://www.compsy.be/

• Address: Rue de la Loi 81A, 1040 Brussels

• Phone: +32 (0)2 238 07 40

• Email: info@compsy.be

Federal Oversight Complaints:

Authority: FPS Public Health

Process:

• Federal Complaint: Submit complaint to FPS Public Health

• Federal Investigation: Federal investigation of professional conduct and visa compliance

• Standards Review: Review against federal professional standards and requirements

• Federal Action: Federal disciplinary measures if violations found

• Appeal Process: Appeal procedures within federal administrative system

FPS Complaint Contacts:

• Website: https://www.health.belgium.be/

• Address: Place Victor Horta 40 bte 10, 1060 Brussels

• Phone: +32 (0)2 524 97 97

• Email: info@health.fgov.be

Complaint Categories:

• Unlicensed Practice: Practising without a valid community registration or a federal visa

• Registration Fraud: Fraudulent claims about professional registration or qualifications

• Scope Violations: Practising outside authorised scope or making inappropriate claims

• Professional Misconduct: Violations of professional ethics and standards

• Title Misuse: Unauthorised use of protected professional titles

Disciplinary Measures Available:

• Registration Suspension: Temporary suspension of professional registration

• Registration Revocation: Permanent revocation of professional registration

• Visa Suspension: Temporary suspension of a federal practice visa

• Practice Restrictions: Restrictions on professional practice and scope

• Professional Warning: Formal professional warning and counselling
  

PROTECTED TITLES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Protected Professional Titles:

• "Psychologue Clinicien/Klinisch Psycholoog" (Clinical Psychologist): Protected under LHCP Law

• "Pédagogue Clinicien/Klinisch Pedagoog" (Clinical Educationalist): Protected under LHCP Law

• "Praticien en Psychothérapie/Psychotherapeut" (Psychotherapy Practitioner): Protected under LHCP Law

• "Psychologue/Psycholoog" (Psychologist): Protected under Law of 8 November 1993

• "Médecin/Arts" (Doctor/Physician): Protected under medical legislation

• "Psychiatre/Psychiater" (Psychiatrist): Protected under medical legislation and psychiatric specialisation

Legal Requirements for Protected Titles:

• Community Registration: Valid community registration for professional practice

• Federal Visa: Valid federal visa for practice authorisation (clinical professions)

• Educational Compliance: Appropriate university education and professional training

• Professional Standards: Adherence to professional standards and ethics

• Registration Maintenance: Current registration status and compliance with requirements

Penalties for Unlicensed Use of Protected Titles:

• Criminal Sanctions: Criminal penalties for fraudulent use of protected titles

• Professional Sanctions: Professional disciplinary actions and penalties

• Civil Liability: Civil liability for professional misconduct and damages

• Practice Prohibition: Legal prohibition from using protected professional titles

• Registration Revocation: Permanent revocation of professional registration privileges

Legal Enforcement:

• Community Authority: Community authorities have legal authority to enforce title protection

• Federal Authority: Federal authority for visa enforcement and oversight

• Commission Authority: Commission authority for psychologist title protection

• Criminal Prosecution: Criminal prosecution for illegal practice and title misuse
  

CURRENT PROFESSIONAL STATISTICS

Mental Health Professionals:

• Registered Psychologists: Over 15,000 psychologists registered with Commission

• Clinical Psychologists: Significant number of clinical psychologists across communities

• Professional Distribution: Mental health professionals distributed across all Belgian communities

• Specialisation Diversity: Wide range of professional specialisations and practice areas

Professional Characteristics:

• High Standards: Comprehensive regulations and high professional standards

• Quality Training: High-quality professional education and training requirements

• Healthcare Integration: Strong integration with Belgian healthcare system

• Multilingual Practice: Professional practice in Dutch, French, and German

System Implementation:

• LHCP Implementation: Law of 10 May 2015 implemented September 1, 2016

• Grandfathered Rights: Comprehensive grandfathered rights for existing practitioners

• Professional Transition: Ongoing transition to new regulatory framework

• Quality : Enhanced quality assurance through comprehensive regulation
  

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

For Professional Practice:

• Official Languages: Proficiency in community's official language (Dutch, French, German)

• Professional Communication: Language skills for patient and professional communication

• Documentation: Professional documentation in the appropriate language

• Cultural Competency: Understanding of Belgian cultural and healthcare context

For Foreign Professionals:

• Language Assessment: Formal language proficiency assessment required

• Cultural Preparation: Understanding of Belgian healthcare and cultural context

• Professional Integration: Integration with Belgian professional community

• Continuing Education: Language and cultural continuing education opportunities
  

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC

When Seeking Mental Health Services:

• Verify Community Registration: Check professional registration through community verification system

• Licensed Professionals: Seek services from professionals with valid community registration and federal visa

• Professional Specialisation: Consider professional specialisations and experience

• Insurance Coverage: Verify health insurance coverage for services

• Language Competency: Ensure language and cultural competency for effective services

When Seeking Psychology Services:

• Community Verification: Verify psychologist registration through community authority

• Commission Registration: Check Commission registration for title protection

• Professional Experience: Check professional experience and specialisations

• Scope of Practice: Understand authorised scope of practice and services

• Healthcare Integration: Consider integration with healthcare system if needed

For International Practitioners:

• Community Recognition: Complete community qualification recognition process

• Language Proficiency: Develop adequate language proficiency in community's official language

• Cultural Preparation: Understand Belgian healthcare and cultural context

• Professional Integration: Engage with Belgian professional community

• Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with Belgian professional registration requirements
  

Red Flags to Avoid:

• No Community Registration: Cannot provide valid community professional registration

• Unverified Registration: Registration not found in community verification system

• No Federal Visa: Cannot provide valid federal visa for practice authorisation

• False Claims: False claims about professional qualifications or specialisations

• Scope Violations: Practising outside authorised scope or making inappropriate claims
  

SOURCES AND VERIFICATION

FPS Public Health Mental Health Professions

Commission of Psychologists

Belgian Government Portal

European Health Psychology Society overview mentioning the Federal Council

Federal Legislation Portal

This guide reflects Belgium's comprehensive federal-community regulatory system for mental health professionals, with mandatory community registration and federal visa requirements for clinical professions under the Law of 10 May 2015. The system requires university qualifications and community registration for practice, with strong title protection and professional standards. Verify current requirements with appropriate community authority and FPS Public Health for the most up-to-date information.