Mental Health Licensing & Regulation in Turkey: 2025 Guide

In Turkey, the regulation of mental health professionals is divided. Psychiatrists are licensed as medical doctors under strict government oversight, while psychologists and psychotherapists operate in a largely unregulated field where qualifications are primarily based on university degrees and professional association standards.

This guide explains the educational requirements for each role, how to verify credentials through universities and professional bodies like the Turkish Psychological Association, and the critical red flags to watch for in an environment with limited legal oversight.

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

OFFICIAL 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

OFFICIAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Current Status: Turkey has a developing regulatory framework for mental health professionals with limited statutory regulation. Psychology and psychotherapy practice is primarily governed by educational requirements and professional association standards rather than comprehensive licensing systems. The Ministry of National Education (MEB) provides some oversight for school-based psychological services, while the Turkish Psychological Association (TPA) maintains professional standards and accreditation.

Primary Legislation:

• Higher Education Law: General framework for university education and professional qualifications
• Ministry of National Education Regulations: Guidelines for psychological services in educational settings
• Healthcare Professions Regulations: General healthcare professional oversight
• Professional Association Laws: Framework for professional associations and standards

Legal Authority: Ministry of National Education for educational psychology services; Ministry of Health for healthcare-related mental health services; Turkish Council of Higher Education for psychology education accreditation

Official Government URLs:

• Ministry of National Education: https://www.meb.gov.tr/
• Ministry of Health: https://www.saglik.gov.tr/
• Turkish Council of Higher Education: https://www.yok.gov.tr/
• Turkish Government Portal: https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/
• Official Gazette: https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/

REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

1. MINISTRY OF NATIONAL EDUCATION (MİLLİ EĞİTİM BAKANLIĞI - MEB)

Authority: Government ministry with oversight of educational psychological services

Functions:

• Educational Psychology Services: Oversight of psychological services in schools and educational institutions
• School Counsellor Regulation: Regulation of guidance counsellors and school psychologists
• Professional Standards: Setting standards for educational psychology practice
• Training Requirements: Requirements for educational psychology training and qualifications
• Service Delivery: Guidelines for psychological service delivery in educational settings
• Professional Development: Professional development requirements for educational psychology professionals

• Educational Oversight: Authority over psychological services in educational institutions
• Standards Setting: Setting professional standards for educational psychology practice
• Training Requirements: Authority over training requirements for educational psychology professionals
• Service Guidelines: Authority to establish guidelines for psychological service delivery
• Professional Development: Oversight of professional development requirements

• Website: https://www.meb.gov.tr/
• Address: Atatürk Bulvarı No: 98, 06648 Bakanlıklar, Ankara
• Phone: +90 312 413 10 00
• Email: info@meb.gov.tr

• School Counselling: Guidance counselling services in primary and secondary schools
• Psychological Assessment: Educational psychological assessment and evaluation
• Student Support: Student support services and intervention programs
• Professional Training: Training requirements for educational psychology professionals
• Service Standards: Standards for psychological service delivery in educational settings

2. TURKISH PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (TÜRK PSİKOLOJİ DERNEĞİ - TPD/TPA)

Authority: Professional association with accreditation and standards authority

Functions:

• Professional Standards: Setting and maintaining professional psychology standards
• Program Accreditation: Accreditation of psychology education programs
• Professional Development: Professional development and continuing education
• Ethics Oversight: Professional ethics standards and oversight
• Public Advocacy: Advocacy for psychology profession and public mental health
• International Relations: International professional cooperation and EuroPsy participation

Membership: Professional psychologists and psychology students

Contact Information:

• Website: https://psikolog.org.tr/
• Address: Meşrutiyet Caddesi No: 22/12, 06420 Kızılay, Ankara
• Phone: +90 312 417 77 51
• Email: tpd@psikolog.org.tr

• Program Accreditation: Accreditation of undergraduate and graduate psychology programs
• Professional Certification: Professional certification and membership services
• Ethics Code: Comprehensive professional ethics code and standards
• Continuing Education: Professional development and continuing education programs
• EuroPsy Participation: National Awarding Committee for EuroPsy certification

• Higher Education Authorisation: Authorised by the Turkish Council of Higher Education to accredit psychology programs
• Program Standards: Setting standards for psychology education programs
• Quality Assurance: Quality assurance for psychology education and training
• International Standards: Alignment with international psychology education standards

3. MINISTRY OF HEALTH (SAĞLIK BAKANLIĞI)

Authority: Government ministry with healthcare oversight and medical regulation

Functions:

• Healthcare Regulation: General healthcare professional regulation and oversight
• Medical Standards: Medical practice standards and requirements for psychiatrists
• Healthcare Integration: Integration of mental health services with healthcare system
• Professional Licensing: Medical professional licensing and registration
• Healthcare Quality: Quality assurance for healthcare services, including mental health
• Public Health: Public health oversight, including mental health policy

• Website: https://www.saglik.gov.tr/
• Address: Üniversiteler Mahallesi, Bilkent Caddesi No: 6, 06800 Çankaya, Ankara
• Phone: +90 312 565 33 00

• Psychiatric Services: Regulation of psychiatric medical services
• Healthcare Integration: Integration of psychology services with healthcare system
• Medical Standards: Medical practice standards for mental health professionals
• Healthcare Quality: Quality assurance for mental health services

4. TURKISH COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDUCATION (YÜKSEKÖĞRETİM KURULU - YÖK)

Authority: Government council with higher education oversight

Functions:

• Higher Education Oversight: General oversight of university education and programs
• Program Accreditation: Accreditation of university psychology programs
• Academic Standards: Setting academic standards for psychology education
• University Regulation: Regulation of universities and academic programs
• International Recognition: International recognition of Turkish higher education
• Quality Assurance: Quality assurance for higher education programs

• Website: https://www.yok.gov.tr/
• Address: Bilkent Yerleşkesi, 06800 Çankaya, Ankara
• Phone: +90 312 298 70 00

• Program Standards: Standards for psychology education programs
• University Accreditation: Accreditation of universities offering psychology programs
• Academic Quality: Quality assurance for psychology education
• International Standards: Alignment with international education standards

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE

1. PSYCHOLOGIST (PSİKOLOG)

Registration Required: TPA membership recommended but not mandatory

Scope: General psychology practice with professional association standards

Education Requirements:

• University Degree: Bachelor's degree in psychology from accredited university (minimum 4 years)
• TPA Accreditation: Degree from TPA-accredited psychology program preferred
• Academic Standards: Completion of comprehensive psychology curriculum
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Turkish language
• Professional Training: Practical training and supervised experience
• Continuing Education: Ongoing continuing education is recommended

• Psychological Assessment: General psychological assessment and evaluation
• Psychological Consultation: Professional consultation and advisory services
• Research: Psychology research and evidence-based practice
• Educational Services: Educational psychology services and consultation
• Organisational Psychology: Organisational and industrial psychology services
• Community Psychology: Community psychology and public mental health services

• TPA Membership: Turkish Psychological Association membership recommended
• Professional Ethics: Adherence to TPA ethics code and professional standards
• Professional Insurance: Professional liability insurance recommended
• Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development and education
• Professional Standards: Adherence to professional practice standards

2. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (KLİNİK PSİKOLOG)

Registration Required: TPA membership recommended; master's degree required

Scope: Clinical psychology assessment and intervention

Education Requirements:

• Psychology Degree: Bachelor's degree in psychology from accredited university
• Master's Degree: Master's degree in clinical psychology or related field (minimum 2 years)
• Clinical Training: Specialised clinical psychology training and supervised practice
• Practical Experience: Extensive supervised clinical practice experience
• Professional Competency: Demonstration of clinical psychology competency
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Turkish language
• Continuing Education: Ongoing clinical continuing education

• Clinical Assessment: Comprehensive clinical psychological assessment and testing
• Psychological Diagnosis: Clinical psychological evaluation and diagnosis (non-medical)
• Treatment Planning: Clinical treatment planning and case management
• Psychological Intervention: Evidence-based clinical psychological interventions
• Therapy Services: Individual, group, and family therapy services
• Consultation: Professional consultation to healthcare providers and teams
• Research: Clinical research and evidence-based practice

• Master's Education: Master's degree in clinical psychology required
• TPA Membership: Turkish Psychological Association membership recommended
• Professional Ethics: Adherence to TPA ethics code and clinical standards
• Professional Insurance: Professional liability insurance recommended
• Supervision: Clinical supervision during training and early practice
• Continuing Education: Ongoing clinical continuing education and professional development

3. SCHOOL COUNSELOR/PSYCHOLOGIST (OKUL REHBERLİK ÖĞRETMENİ)

Registration Required: MEB certification and appointment

Scope: Educational psychology and guidance services in schools

Education Requirements:

• University Degree: Bachelor's degree in psychology, guidance and counselling, or related field
• Educational Training: Specialised training in educational psychology and guidance
• Teaching Certification: Educational certification from the Ministry of National Education
• Practical Training: Supervised practice in educational settings
• Professional Competency: Demonstration of educational psychology competency
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Turkish language

• Student Guidance: Individual and group guidance services for students
• Educational Assessment: Educational psychological assessment and evaluation
• Crisis Intervention: Crisis intervention and emergency support in schools
• Parent Consultation: Consultation with parents and families
• Teacher Support: Support and consultation for teachers and educational staff
• Program Development: Development of guidance and counselling programs
• Special Needs: Support for students with special educational needs

• MEB Certification: Ministry of National Education certification required
• School Appointment: Official appointment to a school position
• Professional Standards: Adherence to MEB professional standards and guidelines
• Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development through MEB
• Educational Integration: Integration with school educational programs and policies

4. PSYCHIATRIST (PSİKİYATRİST)

Registration Required: Medical registration plus psychiatric specialisation

Scope: Full psychiatric medical practice

Education Requirements:

• Medical Education: 6-year medical degree from a recognised university
• Medical Training: General medical training and internship
• Psychiatric Specialisation: Psychiatric specialisation training and residency (4-5 years)
• Medical Registration: Medical registration with appropriate medical chamber
• Psychiatric Certification: Psychiatric specialisation certification
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Turkish language
• Continuing Education: Ongoing medical education requirements

• 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 Turkish healthcare system

5. PSYCHOTHERAPIST (PSİKOTERAPİST)

Registration Required: No mandatory registration; professional certification recommended

Scope: Psychotherapy practice with limited regulation

Education Requirements (Recommended):

• Base Qualification: University degree in psychology, medicine, or related field
• Psychotherapy Training: Specialised psychotherapy training and education
• Theoretical Training: Comprehensive theoretical psychotherapy education
• Practical Training: Extensive practical psychotherapy training and supervision
• Professional Competency: Demonstration of psychotherapy competency
• Continuing Education: Ongoing continuing education and professional development

• Individual Therapy: Individual psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children
• Group Therapy: Group psychotherapy and therapeutic groups
• Family Therapy: Family and couples therapy (with appropriate training)
• Crisis Intervention: Crisis intervention and emergency mental health services
• Treatment Planning: Psychotherapy treatment planning and case management
• Professional Consultation: Consultation with other healthcare providers

• Professional Training: Appropriate psychotherapy training and education
• Professional Insurance: Professional liability insurance recommended
• Professional Ethics: Adherence to professional ethics and practice standards
• Supervision: Professional supervision recommended (especially for new practitioners)
• Continuing Education: Ongoing continuing education and professional development

VERIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR THE PUBLIC

Current Verification Challenges:

Limited Regulation: No comprehensive statutory licensing system creates verification challenges

Professional Association Standards: Verification primarily through professional association membership

Verifying TPA Membership:

Verification Process:

• TPA Website: Access TPA website at https://psikolog.org.tr/
• Member Search: Search TPA member directory
• Membership Status: Verify TPA membership and standing
• Professional Information: Check professional background and specialisations

Verifying Educational Qualifications:

Verification Process:

• University Contact: Contact university that issued degree
• Degree Verification: Verify psychology degree and graduation
• Program Accreditation: Check if program is TPA-accredited
• Academic Records: Verify academic records and qualifications

Verifying School Counsellors:

MEB Verification: Ministry of National Education maintains records of certified school counsellors

Verification Process:

• School Contact: Contact school administration
• MEB Certification: Verify MEB certification and appointment
• Professional Standing: Check professional standing and qualifications
• Educational Background: Verify educational background and training

Verifying Medical Professionals:

Verification Process:

• Medical Chamber: Contact appropriate regional medical chamber
• Registration Search: Search medical registration database
• Specialisation Verification: Verify medical specialisations and certifications
• Professional Standing: Check professional standing and any restrictions

Professional Information Available:

• Educational Background: University education and degree verification
• Professional Training: Professional training and specialisation information
• Association Membership: Professional association membership status
• Professional Experience: Professional experience and practice history

COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

Current Complaint Challenges:

Limited Regulation: No comprehensive statutory regulation creates limited formal complaint procedures

Professional Association Standards: Complaint procedures are primarily through professional associations

For TPA Members:

Process:

• TPA Complaint: Submit a complaint to Turkish Psychological Association
• Professional Investigation: TPA investigation of professional conduct and membership compliance
• Ethics Review: Review against TPA ethics code and professional standards
• Professional Sanctions: TPA professional sanctions if violations are found (membership suspension/termination)
• Appeal Process: Appeal procedures within TPA system

TPA Complaint Contacts:

• Website: https://psikolog.org.tr/
• Address: Meşrutiyet Caddesi No: 22/12, 06420 Kızılay, Ankara
• Phone: +90 312 417 77 51
• Email: tpd@psikolog.org.tr

For School Counsellors:

Process:

• School Administration: Submit complaint to school administration
• MEB Investigation: Ministry of National Education investigation of professional conduct
• Educational Standards Review: Review against MEB professional standards and guidelines
• Administrative Sanctions: Administrative disciplinary measures if violations found
• Appeal Process: Appeal procedures within MEB system

For Medical Professionals:

Process:

• Medical Chamber Complaint: Submit complaint to appropriate regional medical chamber
• Medical Investigation: Medical chamber investigation of professional conduct
• Medical Standards Review: Review against medical professional standards and ethics
• Medical Sanctions: Medical disciplinary measures if violations found
• Appeal Process: Appeal procedures within the medical chamber system

For Unregulated Practice:

Civil Remedies: Civil legal remedies for professional misconduct and damages

Criminal Prosecution: Criminal prosecution for fraud or illegal medical practice

Complaint Categories:

• Unlicensed Practice: Fraudulent claims about professional qualifications or certifications
• Professional Misconduct: Violations of professional ethics and standards
• Educational Fraud: Fraudulent claims about university education or degrees
• Scope Violations: Practising outside the appropriate scope or making inappropriate claims
• Medical Practice: Illegal medical practice without appropriate medical qualifications

Available Remedies:

• Professional Sanctions: Professional sanctions through professional associations (membership suspension/termination)
• Administrative Sanctions: Administrative sanctions through government agencies (for school counsellors)
• Civil Liability: Civil liability for professional misconduct and damages
• Consumer Protection: Consumer protection remedies for fraudulent claims
• Criminal Prosecution: Criminal prosecution for fraud or illegal practice

PROTECTED TITLES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Current Title Protection:

Professional Standards: Title protection primarily through professional association standards

Professional Titles:

• "Psikolog" (Psychologist): Generally protected through educational requirements
• "Klinik Psikolog" (Clinical Psychologist): Professional title requiring a master's degree
• "Doktor" (Doctor): Strongly protected under medical legislation
• "Psikiyatrist" (Psychiatrist): Protected under medical legislation and psychiatric specialisation
• "Rehber Öğretmen" (Guidance Teacher/School Counsellor): Protected under educational legislation

Educational Requirements for Professional Titles:

• University Education: Appropriate university education is required for psychology titles
• Professional Training: Professional training and competency demonstration
• Professional Standards: Adherence to professional standards and ethics
• Continuing Education: Ongoing continuing education and professional development

Legal Enforcement:

• Limited Enforcement: Limited enforcement due to lack of comprehensive licensing system
• Consumer Protection: General consumer protection for fraudulent claims
• Medical Enforcement: Strong enforcement for medical titles and practice
• Educational Enforcement: Enforcement for educational professional titles through MEB

CURRENT PROFESSIONAL STATISTICS

• Psychology Graduates: Significant number of psychology graduates from Turkish universities
• TPA Members: Thousands of Turkish Psychological Association members
• School Counsellors: Hundreds of certified school counsellors in educational system
• Psychiatrists: Established psychiatric medical speciality with hundreds of practitioners

• Educational Focus: Strong emphasis on university education and academic qualifications
• Professional Associations: Active professional associations providing standards and support
• Limited Regulation: Limited statutory regulation creates quality variation
• Growing Field: Growing recognition of mental health importance and professional development

• Regulatory Gaps: Limited statutory regulation for psychology and psychotherapy professions
• Quality Assurance: Inconsistent quality assurance due to limited regulation
• Public Protection: Limited public protection mechanisms
• Professional Standards: Variation in professional standards across practitioners

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

For Professional Practice:

• Turkish Language: Proficiency in Turkish language is required for professional practice
• Professional Communication: Language skills for patient and professional communication
• Documentation: Professional documentation in Turkish language
• Cultural Competency: Understanding of Turkish cultural and social context

For Foreign Professionals:

• Language Assessment: Language proficiency assessment required for professional practice
• Cultural Preparation: Understanding of Turkish cultural and social context
• Professional Integration: Integration with Turkish professional community
• Continuing Education: Language and cultural continuing education opportunities

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC

When Seeking Mental Health Services:

• Verify Education: Check university education and psychology degree
• Professional Associations: Seek services from TPA members or professionals with recognised training
• Professional Experience: Consider professional experience and specialisations
• Insurance Coverage: Verify health insurance coverage for services
• Professional Standards: Ensure adherence to professional standards and ethics

When Seeking Psychology Services:

• Educational Background: Verify appropriate psychology education from accredited university
• TPA Membership: Consider TPA members for quality assurance
• Professional Experience: Check professional experience and specialisations
• Scope of Practice: Understand scope of practice and services offered
• Professional Insurance: Ensure professional liability insurance coverage

When Seeking Clinical Psychology Services:

• Master's Degree: Verify master's degree in clinical psychology or related field
• Clinical Training: Check clinical training and supervised experience
• Professional Experience: Consider clinical experience and specialisations
• Professional Standards: Ensure adherence to professional ethics and standards
• Supervision: Ensure appropriate professional supervision (especially for new practitioners)

For International Practitioners:

• Educational Recognition: Understand Turkish educational and professional requirements
• Language Proficiency: Develop adequate Turkish language proficiency
• Cultural Preparation: Understand Turkish cultural and social context
• Professional Integration: Engage with Turkish professional community
• Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with Turkish professional requirements

Red Flags to Avoid:

• No University Education: Cannot provide evidence of appropriate university psychology education
• Unverified Claims: Claims about qualifications not verifiable through universities or professional associations
• Inappropriate Scope: Practising outside appropriate scope or making inappropriate medical claims
• No Professional Training: Cannot provide evidence of appropriate professional training
• Unlicensed Medical Practice: Making medical claims without appropriate medical qualifications

SOURCES AND VERIFICATION

Ministry of National Education (Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı - MEB)

Ministry of Health (Sağlık Bakanlığı)

Council of Higher Education (Yükseköğretim Kurulu - YÖK)

Official Gazette (Resmî Gazete)