Why battle over qualifications means 100 clinical psychologists in Hong Kong could be out of a job

As many as 100 practising clinical psychologists risk losing their jobs under a Hong Kong government scheme to regulate various professions in the health care sector as arguments rage over the validity of their qualifications.

The long-delayed voluntary accreditation scheme aims to address the current hands-off approach towards the health care sector and give the public more information about the qualifications of non-medical and non-pharmaceutical therapists.

Audiologists, clinical psychologists, dietitians, educational psychologists and speech therapists can all join the scheme under the Department of Health, according to a department paper submitted to the Legislative Council this month. But infighting remains in at least one sector, clinical psychology, with two rival professional bodies disagreeing over qualifications.

“Since the government does not want to interfere in the professional independence of the sector, we hope they can resolve their differences among themselves,” a government source said.

“We can facilitate discussions with each other, but they are the professionals in the area, so they are in the best position to judge [who is qualified].”