Mental Health Licensing & Regulation in South Africa: 2025 Guide

In South Africa, the mental health field is strictly regulated by law, with different professions governed by distinct statutory councils. Legally protected titles like 'Psychologist' and 'Social Worker' require mandatory registration with a professional council, while other 'counsellor' roles may fall outside this statutory oversight.

This guide breaks down the legal requirements for each profession, provides direct links to verify a provider's credentials with the correct council, and outlines the red flags to watch for to ensure you receive safe and qualified care.

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OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT SOURCES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

REGULATORY AUTHORITIES WITH CONTACT DETAILS

HPCSA-REGULATED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

SACSSP-REGULATED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

SANC-REGULATED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

NON-STATUTORY MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

VERIFICATION PROCEDURES

RED FLAGS AND WARNING SIGNS

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR COMPLAINTS

LEGAL HIERARCHY AND SCOPE DISTINCTIONS

SOURCES AND VERIFICATION

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT SOURCES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Primary Legal Authority

Title: Health Professions Act, 1974 (Act No. 56 of 1974) - Regulations Defining the Scope of the Profession of Psychology

Date: 12 September 2018

Authority: Minister of Health, on recommendation of Health Professions Council of South Africa and Professional Board for Psychology

Legal Status: Official Government Regulation

Additional Legal Frameworks

• Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 (for Social Workers)

• Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005) (for Psychiatric Nurses)

• Health Professions Act, 1974 (for all HPCSA-regulated professions)

REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

Website: https://www.hpcsa.co.za/

Verification Portal: https://www.hpcsa.co.za/register

Phone: +27 12 338 9300

Email: hpcsa@hpcsa.co.za

Address: 553 Madiba Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083

Legal Authority: Health Professions Act, 1974 (Act No. 56 of 1974)

Professional Board: Professional Board for Psychology (psychology@hpcsa.co.za)

South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)

Website: https://www.sacssp.co.za/

Verification Portal: https://www.sacssp.co.za/registration/

Phone: +27 12 356 8300

Email: info@sacssp.co.za

Legal Authority: Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978

South African Nursing Council (SANC)

Website: https://www.sanc.co.za/

Verification Portal: https://www.sanc.co.za/ (eRegister)

Phone: +27 12 420 1000

Email: customerservice@sanc.co.za

Legal Authority: Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005)

Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA)

Website: https://www.otasa.org.za/

Note: Professional Association - Regulation through HPCSA

HPCSA Board: Professional Board for Occupational Therapy, Medical Orthotics, Prosthetics and Arts Therapy

Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP)

Website: https://www.aschp.net/

Phone: +27 11 792 2227

Email: info@aschp.net

Status: Professional Association (NOT statutory regulator)

HPCSA-REGULATED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

1. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (PS1)

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Psychology

Registration Category: PS1 - Clinical Psychology

Protected Title: "Clinical Psychologist"

Government Gazette Reference: No. 41900, Section 2(a)

OFFICIAL ACTS AUTHORISED (Government Gazette No. 41900, Section 2(a)):

• Providing comprehensive bio-psycho-social healthcare across the lifespan

• Assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of mild to severe and complex psychological problems and health disorders

• Delivering a range of therapeutic interventions with demonstrated effectiveness in treating mental, behavioural, cognitive and health disorders

• Undergraduate: Honours degree in Psychology (minimum NQF Level 8)

• Postgraduate: Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from HPCSA-accredited program

• Internship: 12-month internship at HPCSA-approved facility

• Community Service: 1 year mandatory community service

• Continuing Professional Development: 60 CPD points over a 24-month (2-year) period

• Registration: Must register with HPCSA before practice

• Full diagnostic authority for mental disorders

• Complex psychological interventions and therapy

• Psychological testing and assessment

• Expert testimony in legal proceedings

• Research in clinical psychology

• Supervision of psychology students and interns

• Independent practice after community service

2. COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST (PS2)

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Psychology

Registration Category: PS2 - Counselling Psychology

Protected Title: "Counselling Psychologist"

Government Gazette Reference: No. 41900, Section 2(b)

OFFICIAL ACTS AUTHORIZED (Government Gazette No. 41900, Section 2(b)):

• Promoting the personal, social, educational and vocational development and adjustment of individuals

• Psychological assessment, diagnosis, and case formulation

• Intervening through therapeutic interventions to prevent and alleviate life challenges, including maladjustment, bereavement, trauma, psychological crises, and mental health issues

• Undergraduate: Honours degree in Psychology (minimum NQF Level 8)

• Postgraduate: Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from HPCSA-accredited program

• Internship: 12-month internship at HPCSA-approved facility

• Community Service: 1 year mandatory community service

• Continuing Professional Development: 60 CPD points over a 24-month (2-year) period

• Registration: Must register with HPCSA before practice

• Diagnostic authority for psychological problems

• Individual, group, and family counselling

• Crisis intervention and supportive therapy

• Psychological testing within the scope of practice

• Trauma counselling and PTSD treatment

• Bereavement and grief counselling

• Independent practice after community service

3. EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST (PS3)

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Psychology

Registration Category: PS3 - Educational Psychology

Protected Title: "Educational Psychologist"

Government Gazette Reference: No. 41900, Section 2(c)

OFFICIAL ACTS AUTHORIZED (Government Gazette No. 41900, Section 2(c)):

• Promoting the learning, academic performance, and the behavioural, social, emotional and career development of learners of all ages, especially children and young people in school, educational, family and related contexts

• Psychological and educational assessment, diagnosis, formulation and intervention

• Working directly with learners, parents, families, educators and other persons who teach and care for learners, to address learning difficulties, social and emotional problems, disability and mental health disorders affecting learners

• Undergraduate: Honours degree in Psychology (minimum NQF Level 8)

• Postgraduate: Master's degree in Educational Psychology from HPCSA-accredited program

• Internship: 12-month internship at HPCSA-approved facility

• Community Service: 1 year mandatory community service

• Continuing Professional Development: 60 CPD points over a 24-month (2-year) period

• Registration: Must register with HPCSA before practice

• Educational and psychological assessment

• Interventions for learning difficulties and disabilities

• Consultation with educational institutions

• Career guidance and counselling

• Assessment for special educational needs

• ADHD and learning disability diagnosis

• Independent practice after community service

4. INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGIST (PS4)

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Psychology

Registration Category: PS4 - Industrial Psychology

Protected Title: "Industrial Psychologist"

Government Gazette Reference: No. 41900, Section 2(d)

OFFICIAL ACTS AUTHORIZED (Government Gazette No. 41900, Section 2(d)):

• Enhancing the behaviour and functioning of people, groups, and organisations to assist people pursuing meaningful and enriching work, by applying psychological principles

• Intervening in issues of critical relevance to organisations, including career development, talent management, coaching, recruitment and selection, training, organisational development, organisational ergonomics and design, change management, organisational ethics, performance, potential, behavioural economics, wellness, occupational stress management and work-life balance

• Undergraduate: Honours degree in Psychology (minimum NQF Level 8)

• Postgraduate: Master's degree in Industrial Psychology from HPCSA-accredited program

• Internship: 12-month internship at HPCSA-approved facility

• Community Service: 1 year mandatory community service

• Continuing Professional Development: 60 CPD points over a 24-month (2-year) period

• Registration: Must register with HPCSA before practice

• Workplace psychological assessment and testing

• Organisational development and consultation

• Human resources psychology

• Workplace wellness programs

• Performance management and coaching

• Occupational stress management

• Independent practice after community service

5. RESEARCH PSYCHOLOGIST (PS5)

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Psychology

Registration Category: PS5 - Research Psychology

Protected Title: "Research Psychologist"

Government Gazette Reference: No. 41900, Section 2(e)

OFFICIAL ACTS AUTHORIZED (Government Gazette No. 41900, Section 2(e)):

• Conducting scientific psychological research

• Development of evaluation procedures, including psychometric instruments, particularly for the South African context

• Development, evaluation and monitoring of psychological research methods, theory, policy, and practice

• Undergraduate: Honours degree in Psychology (minimum NQF Level 8)

• Postgraduate: Master's degree in Research Psychology from HPCSA-accredited program

• Internship: 12-month internship at HPCSA-approved facility

• Community Service: 1 year mandatory community service

• Continuing Professional Development: 60 CPD points over a 24-month (2-year) period

• Registration: Must register with HPCSA before practice

• Conducting scientific psychological research

• Developing evaluation procedures and psychometric instruments

• Statistical analysis and research methodology

• Academic and research consultation

• Policy development and evaluation

• Limited direct clinical service provision

6. NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST (PS6)

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Psychology

Registration Category: PS6 - Neuropsychology

Protected Title: "Neuropsychologist"

Government Gazette Reference: No. 41900, Section 2(f)

OFFICIAL ACTS AUTHORIZED (Government Gazette No. 41900, Section 2(f)):

• Assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation of persons of all ages with neuropsychological disorders

• Rehabilitation of such persons

• Undergraduate: Honours degree in Psychology (minimum NQF Level 8)

• Postgraduate: Master's degree in Neuropsychology from HPCSA-accredited program

• Internship: 12-month internship at HPCSA-approved facility

• Community Service: 1 year mandatory community service

• Continuing Professional Development: 60 CPD points over a 24-month (2-year) period

• Registration: Must register with HPCSA before practice

• Neuropsychological assessment and diagnosis

• Brain injury rehabilitation

• Cognitive assessment and intervention

• Dementia and neurodegenerative disease assessment

• Stroke and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation

• Expert testimony in neuropsychological cases

7. PSYCHOMETRIST (PS7)

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Psychology

Registration Category: PS7 - Psychometry

Protected Title: "Psychometrist"

Government Gazette Reference: No. 41900, Section 2(g)

OFFICIAL ACTS AUTHORIZED (Government Gazette No. 41900, Section 2(g)):

• Performing psychometric assessments in a variety of contexts

• Contributing to the development of psychological tests and procedures, particularly for the South African context

• Undergraduate: Honours degree in Psychology (minimum NQF Level 8)

• Postgraduate: Master's degree in Psychometry from HPCSA-accredited program

• Internship: 12-month internship at HPCSA-approved facility

• Community Service: 1 year mandatory community service

• Continuing Professional Development: 60 CPD points over a 24-month (2-year) period

• Registration: Must register with HPCSA before practice

• Psychological testing and assessment

• Test development and validation

• Psychometric analysis and interpretation

• Assessment report writing

• Limited to assessment functions (no therapy)

• Consultation on testing procedures

8. REGISTERED COUNSELLOR (PS8)

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Psychology

Registration Category: PS8 - Registered Counsellor

Protected Title: "Registered Counsellor"

Government Gazette Reference: No. 41900, Section 2(h)

OFFICIAL ACTS AUTHORIZED (Government Gazette No. 41900, Section 2(h)):

• Psychological screening and assessment for low-intensity, short-term psychological interventions with individuals, couples, families and groups, aiming at enhancing personal functioning in a variety of settings

• Promoting psychological well-being, including prevention, particularly in underserved communities

• Undergraduate: Honours degree in Psychology (minimum NQF Level 8)

• No Master's degree required (unlike other psychology categories)

• No internship required (unlike other psychology categories)

• No community service required (unlike other psychology categories)

• Continuing Professional Development: 60 CPD points over a 24-month (2-year) period

• Registration: Must register with HPCSA before practice

• Cannot diagnose mental disorders

• Must refer complex cases to PS1-PS7 psychologists

• Limited to low-intensity, short-term interventions

• Primary healthcare level interventions only

• Cannot provide complex psychological therapy

9. PSYCHIATRIST

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Medicine

Registration Category: Medical Practitioner with Psychiatry Specialisation

Protected Title: "Psychiatrist"

DETAILED EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Medical Degree: MBChB or equivalent (6 years)

• Medical Internship: 2 years

• Community Service: 1 year

• Specialist Training: Psychiatry specialisation (4 years)

• Fellowship: Fellowship of the College of Psychiatrists of South Africa (FCPsych)

• Registration: Medical and specialist registration with HPCSA

• Medical diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders

• Prescribing psychiatric medications

• Involuntary mental health treatment orders under the Mental Health Care Act

• Medical evaluation of mental health conditions

• Electroconvulsive therapy and other medical interventions

• Complex psychiatric conditions requiring medical management

10. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (Mental Health)

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Occupational Therapy, Medical Orthotics, Prosthetics and Arts Therapy

Registration Category: Occupational Therapist

Protected Title: "Occupational Therapist"

DETAILED EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (4 years)

• Community Service: 1 year mandatory

• Continuing Professional Development: CPD requirements

• Registration: Must register with HPCSA before practice

• Functional assessment and rehabilitation

• Daily living skills training

• Work readiness and vocational rehabilitation

• Therapeutic activities for mental health

• Community integration programs

• Sensory integration therapy

• Cognitive rehabilitation

11. ART THERAPIST

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Occupational Therapy, Medical Orthotics, Prosthetics and Arts Therapy

Registration Category: Art Therapist

Protected Title: "Art Therapist"

DETAILED EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate: Relevant degree in art, psychology, or related field

• Postgraduate: Specialised training in art therapy

• Registration: Must register with HPCSA before practice

• Art-based therapeutic interventions

• Assessment through artistic expression

• Individual and group art therapy

• Specialised populations (children, trauma, etc.)

• Creative expression therapy

• Non-verbal therapy approaches

12. MUSIC THERAPIST

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Occupational Therapy, Medical Orthotics, Prosthetics and Arts Therapy

Registration Category: Music Therapist

Protected Title: "Music Therapist"

DETAILED EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate: Relevant degree in music, psychology, or related field

• Postgraduate: Specialised training in music therapy

• Registration: Must register with HPCSA before practice

• Music-based therapeutic interventions

• Assessment through musical expression

• Individual and group music therapy

• Neurological and psychiatric rehabilitation

• Developmental music therapy

• Palliative care music therapy

13. DRAMA THERAPIST

Regulatory Authority: HPCSA Professional Board for Occupational Therapy, Medical Orthotics, Prosthetics and Arts Therapy

Registration Category: Drama Therapist

Protected Title: "Drama Therapist"

DETAILED EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate: Relevant degree in drama, psychology, or related field

• Postgraduate: Specialised training in drama therapy

• Registration: Must register with HPCSA before practice

• Drama and theatre-based therapeutic interventions

• Role-playing and psychodrama techniques

• Group therapy through dramatic expression

• Trauma and emotional processing

• Social skills development

• Creative expression therapy

SACSSP-REGULATED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

14. SOCIAL WORKER

Regulatory Authority: South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)

Registration Category: Social Worker

Protected Title: "Social Worker"

Legal Framework: Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978

DETAILED EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate: Bachelor of Social Work (4 years)

• Practical Training: Integrated practical training component

• Registration: Must register with SACSSP before practice

• Continuing Professional Development: CPD requirements

• Psychosocial assessment and intervention

• Individual, family, and group counselling

• Crisis intervention and support

• Case management and coordination

• Community-based mental health services

• Advocacy and resource mobilisation

• Substance abuse counselling

• Trauma counselling and support

15. SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKER

Regulatory Authority: South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)

Registration Category: Social Auxiliary Worker

Protected Title: "Social Auxiliary Worker"

Legal Framework: Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978

DETAILED EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Training: Diploma or certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (1 year)

• Supervised Practice: Supervised practice requirements

• Registration: Must register with SACSSP before practice

• Supportive counselling under supervision

• Basic psychosocial interventions

• Community outreach and education

• Assistance with case management

• Referral to appropriate professionals

• Basic crisis intervention

SANC-REGULATED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

16. PSYCHIATRIC NURSE

Regulatory Authority: South African Nursing Council (SANC)

Registration Category: Psychiatric Nurse

Protected Title: "Psychiatric Nurse"

Legal Framework: SANC Regulation R.880

DETAILED EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Basic Qualification: Diploma or Degree in Nursing

• Specialised Training: Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing (1 year post-basic)

• Registration: Must register with SANC before practice

• Continuing Professional Development: CPD requirements

• Nursing care for individuals with mental health conditions

• Administration of psychiatric medications under medical supervision

• Mental health assessment within nursing scope

• Therapeutic nursing interventions

• Crisis intervention and de-escalation

• Patient and family education

• Milieu therapy and environmental management

17. MENTAL HEALTH NURSE

Regulatory Authority: South African Nursing Council (SANC)

Registration Category: Professional Nurse with Mental Health Competencies

Protected Title: "Mental Health Nurse"

DETAILED EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Basic Qualification: Diploma or Degree in Nursing

• Additional Training: Mental health nursing competencies training

• Registration: Must register with SANC before practice

• Advanced mental health nursing interventions

• Mental health promotion and prevention

• Specialised nursing care for psychiatric conditions

• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

• Community mental health nursing

• Primary healthcare mental health services

NON-STATUTORY MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

18. ASCHP COUNSELLORS AND PRACTITIONERS

Organisation: Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP)

Status: Professional Association (NOT statutory regulator)

Website: https://www.aschp.net/

IMPORTANT LEGAL DISTINCTIONS:

• CANNOT use HPCSA-protected titles (psychologist, clinical psychologist, etc.)

• CANNOT claim to provide services within HPCSA scope of practice

• CANNOT diagnose mental disorders

• Provide supportive counselling and holistic wellness services

• Subject to ASCHP professional standards (voluntary)

• No legal protection of practice

• Supportive counselling

• Life coaching

• Holistic wellness interventions

• Stress management

• Personal development

• Alternative therapy approaches

VERIFICATION PROCEDURES

HPCSA Verification Steps:

• Visit: https://www.hpcsa.co.za/register

• Search Options: Enter practitioner's surname and first name OR registration number

• Verify Status: Registration status must show "Current"

• Check Category: Professional category must match claimed qualifications (PS1, PS2, etc.)

• Review Restrictions: Ensure no restrictions or conditions are listed

• Annual Verification: Registration must be current (renewed annually)

SACSSP Verification Steps:

• Visit: https://www.sacssp.co.za/registration/

• Contact Method: Contact SACSSP directly for verification

• Information Required: Provide practitioner's full name and claimed qualifications

• Verify Status: Confirm current registration status

• Check Category: Verify Social Worker vs Social Auxiliary Worker status

SANC Verification Steps:

• Visit: https://www.sanc.co.za/

• Access System: Use eRegister system

• Search Method: Search by practitioner name or registration number

• Verify Details: Confirm current registration and qualifications

• Check Specialisation: Verify psychiatric nursing qualifications if claimed

RED FLAGS AND WARNING SIGNS

IMMEDIATE RED FLAGS:

• Use of "psychologist" title without HPCSA registration

• Claims of HPCSA registration that cannot be verified online

• Expired or suspended HPCSA registration

• Confusion between ASCHP membership and HPCSA registration

• Services offered outside registered scope of practice

• Inability to provide registration numbers

• Claims to diagnose mental disorders without appropriate qualifications

• Use of protected titles by non-registered practitioners

LEGAL VIOLATIONS:

• Using protected titles without registration is a criminal offence

• Practising outside scope of practice violates professional regulations

• Fraudulent claims about qualifications constitute professional misconduct

• Providing services requiring registration without registration is illegal

SCOPE VIOLATIONS:

• Registered Counsellors claiming to diagnose mental disorders

• ASCHP practitioners using psychology titles

• Non-medical practitioners prescribing medication

• Practitioners working outside their registered category

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR COMPLAINTS

HPCSA Complaints:

• Email: complaints@hpcsa.co.za

• Phone: +27 12 338 9300

• Address: 553 Madiba Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083

• Professional Board: psychology@hpcsa.co.za (for psychology-related complaints)

SACSSP Complaints:

• Email: info@sacssp.co.za

• Phone: +27 12 356 8300

• Website: https://www.sacssp.co.za/

SANC Complaints:

• Email: customerservice@sanc.co.za

• Phone: +27 12 420 1000

• Website: https://www.sanc.co.za/

ASCHP Complaints:

• Email: info@aschp.net

• Phone: +27 11 792 2227

• Note: Professional association complaints process only

LEGAL HIERARCHY AND SCOPE DISTINCTIONS

DIAGNOSTIC AUTHORITY (Based on Government Gazette):

• Full Diagnostic Authority: Clinical Psychologists (PS1), Neuropsychologists (PS6), Psychiatrists

• Domain-Specific Diagnosis: Counselling Psychologists (PS2), Educational Psychologists (PS3)

• Assessment Only: Psychometrists (PS7), Registered Counsellors (PS8) - screening only

• No Diagnostic Authority: ASCHP practitioners, Social Workers, Nurses

TREATMENT COMPLEXITY AUTHORIZATION:

• Complex Cases: Clinical Psychologists (PS1), Neuropsychologists (PS6), Psychiatrists

• Moderate Complexity: Counselling Psychologists (PS2), Educational Psychologists (PS3), Industrial Psychologists (PS4)

• Low Intensity: Registered Counsellors (PS8), Social Workers

• Assessment/Research Focus: Psychometrists (PS7), Research Psychologists (PS5)

• Supportive Services: ASCHP practitioners, Social Auxiliary Workers

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE AUTHORIZATION:

• Full Independence: PS1-PS7 psychologists (after community service), Psychiatrists

• Limited Independence: Registered Counsellors (PS8), Social Workers

• Supervised Practice: Social Auxiliary Workers, Student categories

• Professional Association: ASCHP practitioners (no statutory oversight)

SOURCES AND VERIFICATION

SAMA (South African Medical Association)

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)

South African Nursing Council (SANC)

Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP)

Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA)

This guide provides comprehensive information about mental health professional regulation in South Africa. For the most current information, always consult official government sources and regulatory bodies.