PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION ACT

CHAPTER 587

PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION ACT

AN ACT to make provision for the regulation of the psychotherapy

profession and to provide for matters connected therewith or ancillary

thereto

15th September, 2018

ACT XXV of 2018 , as amended by Acts XXI of 2020 and V of

2026.

The short title of this Act is the Psychotherapy Profession

Act.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires

"ability test" means a test, the purpose of which is to assess the

person’s ability for him to be able to practice the psychotherapy

profession in Malta as required by the Board under the provisions of

this Act;

"adaptation period" means a period during which a person may

exercise the profession of psychotherapy in Malta, under the

supervision of a registered psychotherapy supervisor, which period

may include the provision of such further training to such person, as

may be required by the Board, at the end of which an ability test shall

be held;

"aptitude test" means a test of the professional knowledge, skills

and competences of the applicant, with the aim of assessing the ability

of the applicant to pursue the psychotherapy profession;

"association of psychotherapists" means an association of ten (10)

or more registered psychotherapists who shall not practise the

profession of psychotherapy in their capacity as members of the

association;

"the Board" means the Board of the Psychotherapy Profession in

Malta established by article 4;

"ECTS" means European Credit Transfer System;

"higher education institution" shall have the same meaning as

assigned to it by article 2 of the Mutual Recognition of Higher

Education Qualifications in the European Region Regulations;

"higher education qualification" shall have the same meaning as

assigned to it by article 2 of the Mutual Recognition of Higher

Education Qualifications in the European Region Regulations;

"legal person" means a company, firm or partnership constituted

under civil or commercial law, including a cooperative society, and

any other legal persons governed by public or private law, except for

not for profit organisations, formed in accordance with the law of a

Member State and having their registered office, central administration

or principal place of business within the European Union;

"migrant" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it by article 2

of the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Regulations;

"Minister" means the Minister responsible for the psychotherapy

profession;

"National Umbrella Organisation" means an organisation of

psychotherapists having the largest membership and reflecting the

broadest range of psychotherapeutic approaches;

"practical training" means training of not less than six hundred

(600) hours consisting of personal psychotherapeutic experience and

practical training under continuous supervision in a mental health or

psycho-social facility or in both;

"practice" in relation to the psychotherapy profession, means

(a)

exercising or practising the profession of

psychotherapy against remuneration, whether

through a legal person or otherwise; and

(b)

the right to use, in the course of such pursuit, the

professional title ''Registered Psychotherapist'',

followed by the modality studied, by a person

having in his possession a warrant to practise the

psychotherapy profession;

"prescribed" means prescribed by means of regulations made by

the Minister under this Act;

"profession" unless otherwise indicated, means the psychotherapy

profession;

"professional qualifications" shall have the same meaning as

assigned to it by article 2 of the Recognition of Professional

Qualifications Regulations;

''psychotherapy'' means the comprehensive, deliberate, and planned

treatment, or therapeutic intervention, given on the basis of general

and special psychosocial, psychosomatic and behavioural

disturbances, or states of suffering, training, by means of scientific

psychotherapeutic methods, through an interaction between one or

more persons being treated, and one or more psychotherapists, with

the aim of relieving disturbing attitudes that lead to change, and to

promote the maturation, development and health of the treated person;

"registered psychotherapist" means a person who is in possession

of warrant to practice the profession of psychotherapy and is registered

in the official register of warranted psychotherapists kept by the

Board;

"theoretical training'" means training of not less than eight hundred

(800) hours for a continuous period of not less than four (4) years

consisting of training in basic principles of psychotherapy and

personality theories; basic methodological principles of research and

science; ethical practice and the relevant social and legal framework;

theories of personality development and pathology; and

psychotherapeutic methods and techniques;

"training in a specific psychotherapeutic modality" means training,

which consists of theoretical and practical training, in a

psychoterapeutic modality, which may be in one of the following

(a)

psychoanalytic/ psychodynamic;

(b)

cognitive/behavioural psychotherapy;

(c)

systemic/ family psychotherapy;

(d)

humanistic psychotherapy;

(e)

hypno-psychotherapy;

(f)

integrative psychotherapy;

"warrant" means a warrant issued under article 3.

(1)

No person can hold himself out to be a registered

psychotherapist, or practice the profession of psychotherapy against

remuneration, or hold himself out as being professionally qualified to

do so, or assume the title, or designation of a registered

psychotherapist, unless such person is the holder of a warrant issued

under this Act

Provided that no provision in this Act shall be applicable to,

or in any manner affect, the practice of professions regulated under any

other law and which are subject to regulation by any other regulatory

Council or entity.

(2)

Unless otherwise specified in the warrant, the warrant shall

not entitle the holder thereof to practise the psychotherapy profession

with specialisation.

(3)

Without prejudice to the provisions of the Mutual

Recognition of Qualifications Act and the regulations made

thereunder, a person shall qualify to obtain a warrant if such person:-

(a)

is a citizen of Malta or a citizen of the EU, or is

otherwise entitled or authorised to work in Malta;

(b)

is of good conduct and good moral character;

(c)

has full legal capacity;

(d)

has obtained, to the satisfaction of the Board, a

bachelor’s degree in a natural, human, medical or social science

issued by a higher education institution which the Minister may,

on the advice of the Board, specify in regulations, or has

obtained a bachelor’s degree together with a Propaedeutics

Psychotherapy Programme of not less than two hundred and

fifty (250) hours, or its equivalent of ten (10) ECTS, equivalent

to a level 7 award issued by an accredited higher education

institution; and

(e)

has obtained, to the satisfaction of the Board,

training in a specific psychotherapeutic modality for a period of

not less than three thousand (3,000) hours, or its equivalent of

one hundred and twenty (120) ECTS, which is equivalent to a

Master’s degree issued by a higher education institution.

(4)

The Minister may prescribe, in place of the minimum

requirements established under the preceding provisions of this sub-

article, other minimum requirements in terms of international or

multinational treaties entered into by Malta, or with the provisions of

any legislation brought into force by virtue of any such treaty or

agreement.

(5)

Without prejudice to the provisions of the Mutual

Recognition of Qualifications Act and the regulations made

thereunder, where the duration of the training leading to a professional

qualification is less than that, which is mentioned in paragraph (e) of

sub-article (3), the Board may require the applicant to undertake an

adaptation period not exceeding twice the shortfall. The Board may

also submit the applicant to an ability test.

(6)

Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-article (3), in the case

of a candidate who satisfies the requirements of paragraphs (a), (b) and

(c) of sub-article (3), but whose training does not fulfil the requirements

of paragraphs (d) and (e) of sub-article (3), for any of the following

reasons

(a)

the training covers substantially different matters,

such that the knowledge, skills and competences

acquired which are essential for pursuing the

profession, differ from the requirements under

paragraph (d) of sub-article (3);

(b)

such training was of a shorter duration than that

indicated in paragraph (e) of sub-article (3),

the Board may admit the candidate to the respective list, as

appropriate, provided that the candidate undertakes to fulfil any

compensatory measures, that may be prescribed from time to time

Provided that any decision shall be clearly justified and shall

be communicated to the candidate in writing.

(7)

Compensatory measures shall include an adaptation period

of up to three (3) years, or alternatively depending on the candidate’s

choice, an aptitude test in the subject or subjects in which a deficiency,

compared to the prescribed requirements, has been identified.

(1)

There shall be a Board, to be known as the Bord for

the Psychotherapy Profession in Malta, which shall be composed as

follows

(a)

four members appointed by the Minister of

which

(i)

one person shall be a Chairperson having

obtained a warrant from the Board and has at least six

(6) years experience in the practice of psychotherapy;

(ii)

two

persons

who

exercise

the

psychotherapy profession, and who have obtained a

warrant from the Board;

(iii) one person shall be an advocate with at

least five (5) years experience who shall be appointed as

vice-chairperson;

(b)

two

members

elected

from

amongst

psychotherapists, having a warrant, in an election conducted by

the Board

Provided that, in the event of the setting up of the first

Board, the psychotherapists referred to in this paragraph shall

be nominated by the National Umbrella Organization;

(c)

one psychotherapist nominated from amongst the

permanent academic staff for psychotherapy education and

training at the University of Malta;

(d)

one psychotherapist nominated from amongst the

staff providing training in psychotherapy at the Gestalt

Psychotherapy Training Institute Malta;

(e)

one psychotherapist from the staff providing

training in psychotherapy at the Institute of Family Therapy

Malta; and

(f)

one psychotherapist from the staff of any other

higher education institution in Malta providing training in

psychotherapy.

(2)

In the event of the setting up of the first Board after the

coming into force of this Act, any reference in this article to

psychotherapists forming part of such Board shall be understood as

referring to persons eligible to the warrant in accordance with this Act.

(3) The nominations and elections made in terms of paragraph (b),

(c), (d), (e) and (f) of sub-article (1) shall, for the first time, be made

within two weeks from the date on which a request in writing is made

for that purpose by the Minister and, for any subsequent nomination or

election, within one month from the date on which the vacancy arises

or, when the vacancy arises due to the expiry of the term of office,

within one month prior to the said expiration. In the absence of any

such nomination or election, the Minister shall himself make the

appointment from amongst psychotherapists having a warrant.

(4)

The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of

three (3) years and shall, on the expiration of that term, be eligible to

be reappointed

Provided that no person shall serve as member of the Board

for more than three consecutive terms.

(5)

In the event that a member of the Board vacates his office

before prior to the expiration of his term of office, the person

appointed in his stead shall be appointed for the remaining period of

the original appointment.

(6)

The number of members present required to form a quorum

shall be four

Provided that, subject to the presence of a quorum, the

Board may act notwithstanding any vacancy amongst its members.

(7)

The Minister shall designate a person to act as secretary to

the Board, but such secretary shall not have a vote.

(8)

The Chairperson shall have an original vote and, in the case

of equality of votes, a casting vote.

(9)

The legal representation of the Board shall jointly vest in the

Chairman and the Secretary to the Board

Provided that the Board may designate any one or more of

the other members of the Board, to appear in the name and on behalf of

the Board in any judicial proceedings and to sign for and on its behalf

any other act, contract, instrument or other document whatsoever.

(10) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions, and to that

which may be prescribed under this Act, or other law or regulation, the

Board may regulate its own procedures.

(11) The Board shall meet as often as necessary, but in no case

less frequently than once every three months. The meetings of the

Board shall be summoned by the Chairperson either on his own

initiative, or on the request in writing of not less than two of the other

members of the Board. In the second case, the Chairperson shall

summon a meeting not later than two weeks from the date on which

the request has been made.

(12) In the exercise of its functions under this Act, the Board

may consult with any person as it deems appropriate. For this purpose,

the Board may invite such persons to attend the meetings of the Board.

(13) The Board shall keep true and correct copies of the records

of its proceedings and the Board shall give to the Minister any

information as he may require within a reasonable period of time.

(1)

Without prejudice to the other powers and functions

given, or may be given, by this Act, or any other law or regulations,

the powers and functions of the Board are to regulate the practice and

eligibility to practice the psychotherapy profession in Malta, and in

particular to

(a)

establish psychotherapy standards, assess existing

psychotherapy standards and develop new standards of

continuous professional development in psychotherapy and

such other standards as may be necessary;

(b)

consider, process and decide on applications

for warrants to practice the psychotherapy profession in Malta,

and also for equivalence and recognition of qualifications in

psychotherapy;

(c)

keep a register of psychotherapists with a

warrant;

(d)

Repealed by Act V.2026.4.

(e)

maintain a register of legal persons offering

psychotherapy services;

(f)

investigate

allegations

of

professional

misconduct, gross negligence or

incompetence of

psychotherapists;

(g)

make recommendations to the Minister to

prescribe regulations in relation to the employment of persons

who, although having higher education qualifications and

professional qualifications, do not qualify for a warrant under

this Act;

(h)

make recommendations to the Minister on the

Code of Ethics following consultations with the associations of

psychotherapists;

(i)

make recommendations to the Minister as may be

necessary;

(j)

perform such other functions that arise under this

Act, or any other law or regulation, or as may be delegated to it

by the Minister.

(2)

The Board shall, not later than three (3) months after the end

of each calendar year, publish in the Gazette a list of persons who,

until 31st December of the previous calendar year, were registered in

the official register of psychotherapists.

(3)

The Board shall draw up and publish an annual report

concerning its general operations.

(1)

Any person seeking to obtain a warrant to practise

the psychotherapy profession in Malta shall make an application to the

Board.

(2)

If the Board is satisfied that the applicant satisfies the

minimum requirements established under this Act, it shall issue a

warrant.

(3)

Where, following an adaptation period where necessary, the

Board is satisfied that the applicant has successfully completed his

training, it shall issue a warrant.

(4)

For the purposes of the foregoing sub-article, the Board may

submit the applicant to an aptitude test.

(5)

The Board may attach such limitations and conditions as

it deems fit to any warrant it issues under this Act. Such warrant

shall include such special conditions and such authorisation to practice

in areas of specialised psychotherapy for such specific periods as the

Board may recommend in accordance with the provisions of this Act

and any regulations made thereunder.

(6)

A warrant issued under this Act shall continue to have

effect, provided that the warrant holder shall, every three years, prove

to the satisfaction of the Board that he has carried out such

programme, or programmes, of continuing professional development

as may be prescribed.

(7)

The associations of psychotherapists shall collect and keep

all the information relating to the programme, or programmes, of

continuing professional development on an annual basis.

The Board shall decide on an application for a warrant to

practise the profession of psychotherapy as soon as is reasonably

practicable, but in no case later than four months from the receipt

of the application together with all the relevant information and

documentation in support of the application. The Board shall

immediately notify the applicant of its decision.

together with the reasons upon which these were based.

(1)

A person shall not be qualified to obtain or retain a

warrant, in terms of this Act, if he has been convicted by any

competent court for any crime liable to imprisonment for a term

exceeding one year.

(2)

Where a person loses his warrant in terms of the preceding

sub-article, notice of such loss shall be given by the Board in the

Gazette and such information shall be notified by it to the person

losing the warrant, unless such person has been interdicted by the

judgement itself.

(3)

The Board may, at any time, reinstate a person who has

lost his warrant in terms of sub-article (1).

(1)

The Board may set up a committee to inquire into

any alleged professional misconduct, gross negligence or

incompetence in relation to a psychotherapist.

(2)

For the purposes of this article, the terms "professional

misconduct", "gross negligence", or "incompetence", shall include the

following

(a)

the obtaining of a warrant in a deceitful or

fraudulent manner, or otherwise purporting to be a

psychotherapist without the required warrant;

(b)

the contravention of the Code of Ethics

established under this Act;

(c)

the failure to observe any regulations regarding

professional standards or practice;

(d)

the failure to observe any conditions attached to

the warrant issued under this Act;

(e)

the use of therapeutic interventions, or the

assumption of a professional competence for which the person

is not qualified or is not authorised to practise in terms of his

warrant;

(f)

acting in any manner that may be detrimental to

the psychotherapy profession;

(g)

giving incorrect information or displaying lack of

skill or judgment in the practice of the psychotherapy

profession or in the performance of any duties or obligations in

the psychotherapy practice.

(3)

Every holder of a warrant, who is the subject of an

investigation, shall have the opportunity to make his defence and bring

evidence in his favour, and for this purpose, that person may be

represented by an advocate or by any other person of his choice.

(4)

On the conclusion of the investigation, the committee shall

decide whether there are or not sufficient grounds to find the holder of

a warrant guilty of professional misconduct, gross negligence or

incompetence. In the first case, the committee shall make a report of

its decision and shall commit the holder of the warrant for inquiry by

the Board, together with its recommendations to impose a penalty, and,

in the second case, recommend that no further proceedings should be

undertaken.

(5)

The penalties mentioned in the preceeding sub-article may

include the following

(a)

the suspension or the revocation of such warrant,

subject to such conditions as may be recommended;

(b)

the suspension or revocation of the registration of

the legal person of psychotherapists;

(c)

the imposition of conditions attached to the

warrant;

(d)

a reprimand;

(e)

a payment to cover the costs of the investigation;

(f)

an order for the waiver, reduction or refund of any

fees charged for services rendered by the person found guilty;

(g)

any other penalties that may be prescribed by the

Board, or by this Act, or any other laws or regulations.

(6)

Upon revocation of the warrant, the Board shall strike off

the name of the holder of that warrant fro m the reg ister of

psychotherapists. The revocation of any warrant shall be published in

the Gazette.

(7)

For the purposes of this article, the powers vested, or the

powers which may be vested, in the members of the committee, shall

be those provided under the Inquiries Act and the committee shall

conduct the investigations as provided for in the said Act.

(1)

The holder of a warrant who feels aggrieved by a

decision of the Board may appeal before the Court of Appeal in its

jurisdiction within twenty-one days from the date when notice of

the decision has been given to him by registered post.

(2)

In this case the warrant shall be suspended or revoked only

when the Court of Appeal confirms the decision of the Board.

(3) The Minister responsible for justice may make regulations

prescribing the fees to be paid to the Registry of the Court on appeals

made under this article

Provided that until such fees have been prescribed, the fees referred

to in the Code of Organization and Civil Procedure shall, mutatis

mutandis, apply.

(4)

The Board referred to in article 29 of the Code of

Organization and Civil Procedure shall make rules establishing the

form of such appeals and matters relating thereto.

The Board may, following a request to that effect by the

person who has lost the warrant, return the warrant to that person if

such person satisfies the requirements that may have been prescribed.

Where the warrant has been returned, the name of the person who

received the warrant shall be registered again in the official register of

psychotherapists.

(1)

Any association of psychotherapists may make an

application to the Board to be registered as an association of

psychotherapists for the purposes of this Act.

(2)

An association of psychotherapists shall be qualified to be

registered as an association of psychotherapists under this article if it

proves to the Board that at least ten of its members are registered as

psychotherapists with a warrant and that it conforms to such other

conditions as may be prescribed from time to time. An association of

psychotherapists shall submit together with its application a list of its

members and any such other information as the Board may require to

process the application.

(3)

The Board shall have the power to require any association of

psychotherapists registered under this article to produce such records

and information about the association and its members as may be

required from time to time.

Repealed by Act V.2026.6.

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, or any other

agreement to the contrary, the following provisions shall apply solely to

a legal person pursuing the profession of psychotherapy, and not to

members of an association of psychotherapists in terms of article 12

(a)

any act that may be done by a holder of a warrant

may be done by one or more of the persons forming

part of the legal person pursuing the profession of

psychotherapy, on behalf of such legal person, and

any act done on behalf of the legal person shall be

done by one or more persons forming part of such

legal person; and

(b)

where anything is done or omitted by a person whilst

forming part of a legal person pursuing the

profession of psychotherapy, the resulting

responsibilities and liabilities of such person shall

not cease on the ground that the said person has

retired, died, or for any other reason no longer forms

part of such legal person.

(1)

For the purposes of this Act, a legal person

established in Malta, or in another Member State, by a

psychotherapist, may practice psychotherapy in Malta, provided that

the pursuit of the profession of psychotherapy is undertaken on

behalf of the said legal person by a registered psychotherapist.

(2)

Without prejudice to any other provision of this Act or of

any other law regulating a legal person, where the pursuit of the

profession of psychotherapy is carried out on behalf of a legal person

in terms of sub-article (1), the registered psychotherapist shall not be

exonerated from any liability or obligation arising in respect of such

pursuit. In all circumstances, both the legal person and the registered

psychotherapist shall be jointly and severally liable.

(3)

The name of the registered psychotherapist shall be

clearly identified in any formal communication or contracts to the

recipient of the service, and on any marketing material relating to the

practice of the psychotherapy profession

Provided that nothing in this Act shall be construed as

preventing a psychotherapist from forming a legal person with any

other person, other than a psychotherapist, to practise the profession,

even if not exclusively limited to this profession only

Provided further that the practice of the profession of

psychotherapist shall be carried out only by a registered

psychotherapist.

Repealed by Act V.2026.9.

(1)

Without prejudice to the other provisions of this Act

any person who, for the purpose of obtaining a warrant, or a

registration under the provisions of this Act, knowingly gives any false

information, or otherwise acts in a deceitful, or fraudulent manner,

shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine

(multa) not exceeding two thousand and five hundred euro (€2,500) or

to imprisonment not exceeding twelve months, or to both such fine and

imprisonment.

(2)

Any person who is found guilty of any other offence against

this Act shall be liable on conviction to a fine (multa) of not less than

one thousand and five hundred euro (€1,500), and not more than five

thousand euro (€5,000), or to imprisonment of not more than three

months, or to both such fine and imprisonment, and in the case of a

continuous offence, to a fine (multa) of fifteen euro (€15) for each day

during which the offence continues.

(3)

Any person who, not being the holder of a warrant issued

under this Act

(a)

practices the profession of psychotherapy; or

(b)

makes use of any professional title

of

psychotherapist, or the designatory letters thereof; or

(c)

purports to be a psychotherapist; or

(d)

performs the work of a psychotherapist,

shall be guilty of an offence against this article.

(4)

Any person who uses the word "Psychotherapists" in relation

to a legal person pursuing the profession of psychotherapy, where such

legal person is not registered in accordance with the provisions of

paragraph (e) of article 5, or who in any manner makes use of a name

deceitfully implying the existence of a legal person pursuing the

profession of psychotherapy registered as aforesaid, shall be guilty of an

offence under this Act.

(5)

For the purposes of sub-articles (3) and (4), the use of any

card, letterhead, sign, board, plate, advertisement or other written,

printed or engraved device, instrument or document or through

electronic means, with the words "Psychotherapist" or "Registered

Psychotherapist", in relation to a name, or of the name

"Psychotherapists" in relation to a legal person practicing the profession

of psychotherapy which is not registered, shall be deemed as sufficient

evidence of the knowledge of such use by that person, unless such

person proves that the use of such words was made without his consent

and that, upon becoming aware of such use, the person concerned took

reasonable steps to prevent the continuation of such act.

(6)

For the purpose of this article, a person shall not be deemed

to be in contravention of the provisions of this Act if such person is

practicing psychotherapy during an adaptation period, or when in

tr a i ni n g , u n d e r th e a pp r o p r ia t e su pe r v is i on of a r e g i s t e r e d

psychotherapist, and subject to such regulations as may be prescribed.

(7)

Subject to the provisions of sub-article (6), no person, or

organisation, shall employ a person, other than a registered

psychotherapist, for the purpose of practising the profession of

psychotherapy.

(8)

The provisions of this Act establishing offences, shall be

without prejudice to the provisions of any other law establishing

offences, and punishments in respect of the same acts, or omissions,

shall not, in particular, affect the application of any higher punishment

under any other law.

Whosoever, by violence or threats, compels a

psychotherapist, who is a public officer, to do, or not to do, any act

appertaining to his office, shall, on conviction, be liable to the

punishment of imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and

not more than five years and to a fine (multa) of not less than four

thousand euro (€4,000) and not more than ten thousand euro

(€10,000).

The Minister may, following consultation with the Board,

make regulations to give better effect to any of the provisions of this

Act, and generally to regulate the psychotherapy profession, and,

without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, such regulations

may in particular include provisions with respect to

(a)

the establishment of standards, procedures and

duties in the exercise of the psychotherapy profession and

practices to be followed by psychotherapists, either generally or

in particular fields of activity;

(b)

the professional conduct and the Code of Ethics

of psychotherapists and standards of competency and integrity

to be kept in the psychotherapy profession;

(c)

the requirements in relation to continuing

professional development for the maintenance of a warrant;

(d)

the work which may be performed and the

services which may be provided in terms of a warrant, and the

terms and conditions which can be attached to such warrant;

(e)

the fees that may be charged by the Board in

relation to applications for the issue of warrants, the making of

any registration under this Act, and any other operations that

may be carried out by the Board in accordance with the

provisions of this Act;

(f)

the fees that may be charged by psychotherapists

for their professional services;

(g)

the procedures to be followed in cases of

professional misconduct;

(h)

the employment of persons who, although in

possession of higher education qualifications and professional

qualifications, do not qualify for a warrant under this Act, and

who are working under the supervision of a registered

psychotherapist in such establishments, or agencies, as may be

prescribed;

(i)

any other procedure that may be adopted by the

Board;

(j)

any matter that may be required, or is authorized,

by this Act to be prescribed;

(k)

the punishments, the penalties and the

consequences and the effects to which a person may become

liable in the event of any contravention against, or non-

compliance with, any provision of, or any regulations made

under this Act;

(l)

the administrative fines that may be imposed by

the Board.

(1)

A migrant who, on the coming into force of this Act,

has higher education qualifications and professional qualifications,

which make him eligible for a warrant to practice the profession of

psychotherapy in the country where the qualifications have been

obtained, shall be deemed to satisfy the provisions of article 3(3)(e).

(2)

For the purposes of the foregoing sub-article, any training

undertaken by a migrant between the date of receipt of the mentioned

qualifications and the date of the entry into force of this Act, shall be

deemed to be training undertaken under the supervision of registered

psychotherapist

Provided that the Board may submit that person to an

adaptation period and an aptitude test.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, any

person who, before the coming into force of this Act, satisfies the

Board that he

(a)

is in possession of a Diploma in Applied Social

Studies with an option in Social Work or a Diploma in Social

Work issued by the University of Malta prior to December

2002; and

(b)

is registered in the official register of social

workers,

shall be deemed to satisfy the provisions of article 3(3)(d).

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, any

person who, before the coming into force of this Act, satisfies the

Board that he

(a)

is a European Certificate of Psychotherapy; or

(b)

was registered with the Council for the

Professions Complementary to Medicine as a psychotherapist;

or

(c)

was employed with a Government department,

agency or entity, for a period of not less than twelve years as a

psychotherapist,

shall be deemed to satisfy the provisions of article 3(3)(e)

Provided that the Board may submit that person to an

adaptation period and an aptitude test.