A brief history

On 26 May 2014, the Code of Deontology for Psychologists came into force, the first legal text containing binding rules for all psychologists in Belgium. It was the result of collaborative work between ComPsy's supervisory minister and members representing psychologists' professional associations.

Who is the Code of Deontology intended for?

The Code of Deontology applies to all psychologists on the list of the Commission of Psychologists, regardless of their status, sector or working regulations.

It defines the rules of professional conduct to be followed. This Code of Deontology provides psychologists with a guiding framework to ensure a more ethical professional practice.

What is the Purpose of the Code of Deontology?

The primary objective of the Code is to protect the public - patients and clients - who come into contact with psychologists: thanks to the rules of conduct set out in the Code of Deontology, people who come into contact with a psychologist are better protected against practices that have no place in a relationship between a psychologist and a patient/client.

The code plays an important role in preventing undesirable actions that could undermine the profession's integrity and the trust of patients/clients.

The rules outlined in the code provide necessary safeguards for patients/clients against potential abuse and act as a safety net if any misconduct is observed. This protection is especially important in the healthcare field, where patients, often vulnerable and in need of help, enter into an asymmetrical relationship with their care provider.

Professionalization of the psychologist profession: The psychologist's ethics form a system of values and standards that govern their professional activities. By overseeing and monitoring the quality of services offered by psychologists registered with the Commission of Psychologists, the code contributes to the dignity and integrity of the profession as a whole.

It provides psychologists with common professional standards that serve as a basis for their consultations and peer supervision groups.

It also clarifies for other non-psychologist professionals the normative framework that psychologists registered with the ComPsy must adhere to in their activities, thereby contributing to the autonomy of their practice.

The ethical guidelines also offer individual psychologists reference points for exercising their profession responsibly. The Code provides a framework enabling psychologists to fulfill their mission - to listen to and support a patient/client - while respecting their integrity and individuality.

However, the Code of Ethics extends beyond the interests of individual psychologists and their patients/clients. In a society where the role of psychologists is becoming increasingly important, the code helps maintain a positive image of the profession and the standards psychologists must adhere to. The legal foundation of the code further strengthens the significant role psychologists play in society.

The Code in Brief: 5 Pillars

The rules of good conduct in the code are divided into five principles:

1. - Professional secrecy (Articles 5-20): Psychologists acting as necessary confidants are bound by professional secrecy under Article 458 of the Penal Code. If authorized or required by law, they may speak, but only within the limits of that authorization or obligation. Psychologists whose activities do not require professional secrecy must maintain discretion at all times. This section also addresses shared confidentiality.
2. - Respect for dignity and human rights (Articles 21-24): Psychologists must respect the rights of their client/patient, particularly their freedom, dignity, privacy, autonomy, and integrity. This section covers issues such as free and informed consent and working with underage clients.
3. - Responsibility (Articles 25-29): Regardless of the work regulations they are subject to, psychologists are responsible for their decisions and the advice they provide. This chapter addresses obligations such as providing sufficient means, contracting insurance, and ensuring continuity of services.
4. - Competence (Articles 30-34): Psychologists must maintain and develop their expertise. When they encounter the limits of their competence, they must critically reflect on it. This section includes the need for psychologists to assess their competencies and, if necessary, refer their client to another professional.
5. - Integrity and honesty (Articles 35-51): As professionals, psychologists must adopt an independent stance and must not prioritize personal interests. This principle establishes strict guidelines regarding profit-seeking, role conflicts, advertising, and more. This chapter also covers information transmission and the obligation to address colleagues' ethical misconduct.​

Read the Official Code of Deontology

The official version of the Code of Deontology was published in the Belgian Official Gazette on May 16, 2014, as the "Royal Decree establishing the rules of professional ethics for psychologists." The code came into effect on May 26, 2014, and was amended by the Royal Decree of June 4, 2018, modifying the Royal Decree of April 2, 2014.

>> Click below to consult the official code in PDF format in the language of your choice: 

Le Code de Deontologie - FR

De Deontologische code - NL