FAQ
What is the title of psychologist?
The title of psychologist in Belgium has been legally protected since 1993. Only individuals who have obtained a university degree in psychology (master’s, licentiate, or doctorate) and are registered with the Commission of Psychologists are legally allowed to use this title. This protection aims to ensure the quality of psychological services and to safeguard both qualified professionals and patients/clients. In addition to holding a degree, registered psychologists commit to adhering to a strict code of deontology and may be subject to disciplinary oversight in their professional practice.
Misuse of the title—meaning without the required qualifications or without registration with the Commission of Psychologists—is considered an offense. This regulation applies to all specializations (clinical, educational, neuropsychology, etc.) and professional contexts (self-employed or employed). Registration is therefore essential to practice legally and reflects a commitment to providing ethical and professional services. More details can be found on the website of the Commission of psychologists.
What guarantees does a psychologist registered with the Commission of Psychologists provide?
A psychologist registered with the Commission of Psychologists offers several essential guarantees, both for patients and for the profession. This registration confirms that the psychologist has the required academic qualifications and complies with legal requirements. It also ensures that the professional practices in accordance with the code of ethics, which sets strict standards for ethical behavior and professional conduct. This code is primarily designed to protect the public from inappropriate practices and to ensure a respectful and safe professional relationship between the psychologist and their patients/clients.
Registered psychologists are also subject to disciplinary oversight, adding an extra layer of protection in the event of inappropriate behavior or breaches of ethical rules. Finally, this registration demonstrates the psychologist’s commitment to transparency and quality, thereby reinforcing trust in the profession and protecting users of psychological services..
For more information, please visit the dedicated page on the Commission of Psychologists' website.
How can you verify if a psychologist is registered with the Commission of Psychologists?
To check whether a psychologist is officially registered with the Commission of Psychologists, you can use the official search tool available on the Commission's website. Simply enter the name or other relevant information about the professional in the search engine provided. This ensures that the psychologist you are consulting is registered in accordance with legal requirements, giving you confidence in their qualifications and adherence to ethical standards.
Registration with the Commission is a legal requirement in Belgium for anyone using the title of psychologist. By choosing a registered professional, you ensure that they comply with strict ethical standards and are authorized to use this protected title.
You can access the search tool through the dedicated section on the Commission of Psychologists’ website.
What is misuse of title?
Misuse of title occurs when someone presents themselves as a psychologist without meeting the legal requirements—specifically, without holding the necessary degree or without being registered with the Commission of Psychologists. This practice is strictly prohibited under Belgian law, which has protected the title of psychologist since 1993. In cases of misuse, legal sanctions may apply, including fines and a criminal record. The Commission serves as a contact point for reporting such misuse and may take legal action against offenders when necessary.
This protection ensures that only qualified professionals—who adhere to the code of ethics and are subject to disciplinary oversight—can practice as psychologists. It strengthens public trust and upholds the credibility of the profession. For more information, please consult the dedicated page on the Commission of Psychologists’ website.
What to do if you notice someone misusing the title of psychologist?
If you suspect that someone is misusing the title of psychologist by presenting themselves as such without the legal right to do so, you can report the case to the Commission of Psychologists. Here are the steps to follow:
- Contact the Commission: Inform the Commission of Psychologists via their contact form or by email. Provide all relevant information, such as the person’s name, place of practice, and any supporting evidence (e.g., advertisements, website, etc.).
- Investigation and warning: The Commission will contact the individual in question to verify the facts. If misuse is confirmed, a formal warning is issued, requesting the person to stop using the title.
- Legal action in case of repeat offenses: If the individual ignores the warning, the Commission may file a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office. Sanctions can include a fine and a criminal record.
For more details on the procedure, please consult the relevant page on the Commission of Psychologists’ website.
What are the requirements to register as a psychologist in Belgium?
To register as a psychologist in Belgium, you must meet strict criteria established by the law protecting the title of psychologist. The main requirements are as follows:
- Academic qualifications: You must hold a recognized master's degree in psychology or an equivalent degree obtained abroad, validated by an official equivalency certificate issued in Belgium. This includes degrees recognized by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles or NARIC Vlaanderen.
- Nationality and European regulation: If you are a national of a European Union country or a country covered by EU Directive 2005/36/EC, and the profession is regulated in that country, you may also qualify for the title. In such cases, proof of your qualifications or compensatory measures may be required.
- Specific conditions in certain cases: For foreign degrees from non-regulated professions or from countries where the EU directive does not apply, additional documentation—such as one year of professional experience—may be necessary.
These requirements ensure that only trained and qualified professionals can practice under the protected title, offering reliable psychological services that meet Belgian ethical standards.
More details are available here:
How much does registration with the Commission of Psychologists cost?
Registration with the Commission of Psychologists in Belgium costs €95 per calendar year. This fee applies to both new registrations and annual renewals. The payment must be made before your file is processed, and the fee is not prorated—regardless of when during the year you register. If you renew after the designated period (from December 1 to February 28), an additional administrative fee of €15 will be charged.
For more details about the fees and registration process, please visit this page:
How to register with the Commission of Psychologists?
To register with the Commission of Psychologists in Belgium, you must complete an online procedure using the dedicated tool available on the Commission’s website. Here are the key steps:
- Prepare the required documents:
:
- If you have a Belgian degree: a readable copy of your ID card and your diploma or certificate of completion
- If your degree is not Belgian: specific supporting documents are required, potentially accompanied by a certified translation.
- Submit the application: Once your documents are ready and the fees are paid, you can submit your application via the online form. Processing can take up to 8 weeks for Belgian degrees and 15 weeks for foreign degrees.
- Pay the registration fee: The administrative fee of €95 must be paid after your file is processed. Payment can be made online or via bank transfer.
To get started, go to the online registration form:
How to renew your registration?
To renew your registration with the Commission of Psychologists, you must follow a simple procedure during the designated renewal period, which runs from December 1 to February 28. Here are the main steps:
- Log in to your personal account on the Commission of Psychologists’ website using your registration number, username, or email address.
- Pay the renewal fee of €95 for the calendar year. This payment must be made before the end of the renewal period. After this date, a late renewal will incur an additional administrative fee of €15.
f you need assistance, a detailed guide is available, and you can also contact the Commission at their official email address (info@compsy.be) for help with any specific issue.
What is the Code of deontology of Psychologists?
The Code of deontology for Psychologists is a legal document that establishes the professional conduct rules that all psychologists in Belgium must follow. Effective since May 26, 2014, it primarily aims to protect the public (patients and clients) by defining a strict ethical framework to prevent any inappropriate behavior. This code applies to all psychologists registered with the Commission of Psychologists, regardless of their field of practice or professional status.
The Code is based on five fundamental principles, including respect for professional confidentiality, human dignity, responsibility, integrity, and competence. These rules ensure that psychologists carry out their work with respect and professionalism, while providing a safeguard against potential abuses. This legal framework also helps to strengthen the positive image of the profession and protect patients, who are often vulnerable, in an asymmetrical relationship with their psychologist.
For more details on the principles of the Code, you can consult the dedicated page:
What are the remedies if you have a problem with a psychologist?
If you encounter a problem with a psychologist, several options are available to try to resolve the dispute:
- Initiate direct dialogue: The Commission of Psychologists first recommends discussing the issue directly with the psychologist. Often, an open exchange can quickly resolve misunderstandings.
- Use mediation: If direct dialogue fails, you can request mediation through the Commission of Psychologists. This process, overseen by an accredited mediator, encourages an amicable resolution without judgment or sanction. The Commission covers part of the mediation costs (up to €250), with the remainder shared between the parties. This process is voluntary and can be stopped at any time by either party. You may also choose independent mediation if you prefer.
- File a disciplinary complaint: In case of an alleged breach of the code of ethics, you can file a complaint with the Disciplinary Council of the Commission. The council assesses the admissibility of the complaint, conducts an investigation, and can impose sanctions if a violation is confirmed (e.g., warning, suspension, or removal from the register). However, this process does not allow for financial compensation or changes to legal relationships involving the psychologist.
For more details on mediation and the disciplinary procedure, you can consult the resources of the Commission of Psychologists:
Mediation Disciplinary procedure
How to report a psychologist who does not comply with ethical rules?
If you notice that a psychologist is not respecting the ethical rules, you have the option to report this violation by following a disciplinary procedure. Here are the steps to proceed:
- Initial contact: If you are a victim of an ethical breach or have concerns about a psychologist, you can first try to discuss the issue directly with them. In some cases, this can resolve the problem.
- Filing a complaint: If direct dialogue is not possible or has not been successful, you can file an official complaint with the Commission of Psychologists. To do so, you need to complete a complaint form and submit it either by mail or email. This form must include all relevant information about the psychologist concerned, the nature of the complaint, and any available evidence.
- Investigation and sanction: After receiving the complaint, the Commission of Psychologists will launch an investigation to examine the facts. In the case of a confirmed breach of ethical rules, sanctions may be applied, such as a warning, suspension, or even removal from the professional register, depending on the severity of the offense.
More detailed information on this procedure is available on this page: