This Act amends the Psychotherapy Profession Act (Cap. 587) to modernize and clarify the regulation of psychotherapists and legal entities practicing psychotherapy in Malta, effective 1 January 2026. Key amendments include: (1) Redefinition of 'association of psychotherapists' to require a minimum of ten (10) registered psychotherapists who do not practice professionally as members of the association; (2) Introduction of a new definition of 'legal person' covering companies, partnerships, cooperatives, and non-profit entities established under EU law; (3) Expansion of the definition of 'practice' to encompass remunerated professional activity through any entity and the use of professional title 'Registered Psychotherapist' based on holding a warrant; (4) Amendment of Article 3(1) to clarify that no person may present themselves as a registered psychotherapist or practice psychotherapy without a warrant; (5) Modification of educational requirements in Article 3(3)(d) to accept a bachelor's degree in natural, human, medical, or social sciences plus a 250-hour (or 10 ECTS) Propedeutics in Psychotherapy Programme from accredited institutions; (6) Introduction of compensatory measures (up to 3-year adaptation periods or aptitude tests) for candidates whose training differs substantially from prescribed requirements; (7) Addition of Article 5(1)(e) requiring the Board to maintain a register of legal persons offering psychotherapy services and publish annual lists of registered psychotherapists; (8) Replacement of Article 14 to establish that only legal entities (not associations) are subject to specific rules on warrant-holder authority, allowing registered psychotherapists within such entities to act on behalf of the legal entity, with continuing personal liability; (9) Introduction of new Article 14A permitting legal persons established in Malta or other EU Member States to practice psychotherapy in Malta, with practice conducted by registered psychotherapists in the legal entity's name, and establishing joint and several liability of both the legal person and the registered psychotherapist; (10) Amendment of Article 16 to create criminal liability for unauthorized use of the term 'Psychotherapist' in relation to unregistered legal entities, with detailed provisions on burden of proof; (11) Deletion of Articles 13 and 15. The amendments aim to facilitate legal entity structures in psychotherapy practice while maintaining professional standards and accountability.

Psychotherapy Profession Act Amendment (Act No. V of 2026)