Opinions and Reactions of the Commission of Psychologists
AI-generated "fake psychologists" in the media: vigilance is needed
When disinformation meets artificial intelligence
On June 26, 2025, VRT revealed that Elle Belgium magazine had published online articles under fictitious identities generated by artificial intelligence. These fake journalist profiles signed articles that were supposed to inform the public.
Among them was a certain “Femke,” who claimed: “As an experienced psychologist and strong advocate of human behavior psychology.” Yet this person does not exist. The use of the title of psychologist is therefore both misleading and illegal in Belgium.
The title of psychologist is protected
Since 1994, the title of psychologist has been legally protected. To use it, one must:
- Hold a recognized degree
- Be registered with the Commission of Psychologists
- Comply with a strict code of ethics
- For clinical psychologists, additional requirements apply, since they are also recognized as healthcare practitioners. In addition to ethical oversight by the Commission of Psychologists, they are subject to supervision by a federal commission that ensures compliance with the Quality of Care Act and the Patient Rights Act. Recognized clinical psychologists are listed in the official clinical psychologists register.
You can easily check online whether someone is authorized to use the title through our official search database.
Why is this serious?
“Psychological advice” given by AI-generated fake profiles can mislead readers.
Access to the professions of psychologist and clinical psychologist is subject to strict conditions and rigorous oversight. This is not an unnecessary luxury: it ensures that citizens can turn to competent and trustworthy professionals. Past cases have shown how unscientific therapies and self-proclaimed “experts” can cause harm.
The example of Femke, who presents herself in a journalistic profile as a psychologist and offers advice under that title, is not only misleading but also legally and socially unacceptable. It can put patients/clients at risk.
The reaction of the Commission of Psychologists
The Commission will:
- Question the magazine’s publisher to determine whether this constitutes misuse of the title or whether the article was in fact written by a colleague who concealed their identity
- File a complaint with the Journalism Ethics Council, which monitors compliance with journalistic ethics
Finally, the Commission of Psychologists reminds the public that nothing can replace a real consultation with a recognized psychologist holding the legal title. An article — even if signed by a convincing profile or generated by AI — guarantees neither competence nor ethical supervision.