The chaos of online 'psychological therapy' - Part 2: Who controls online 'therapists'?

People with mental health problems should go to the hospital for examination and consultation. In the photo: psychologist Hoang Quoc Lan provides psychological consultation to people at a hospital - Photo: BSCC

Online psychological therapy services are increasingly popular on social networks. Under the guise of "healing", many individuals calling themselves "psychologists", "energy masters", "inner coaches" offer treatments that lack scientific basis but charge exorbitant fees, even directly intervening in the mental state of the patient.

High risk of health effects

Master Tran Quang Trong, Department of Clinical Psychology, Le Van Thinh Hospital (HCMC), warned that patients seeking out individuals who claim to be therapists without a clear degree or practice certificate poses many serious risks.

In terms of mental health, patients are susceptible to misdiagnosis and incorrect intervention methods, which not only prolong and worsen the illness, but can also lead to self-harm or even suicide if they suffer from disorders such as severe depression or anxiety disorders.

In terms of physical health, methods such as fasting, incorrect meditation, and taking herbs of unknown origin can easily cause serious consequences, especially if the patient has an underlying disease.

Not only that, many people are also abused financially and mentally when they are lured into healing courses and groups disguised as superstitious or spiritual pyramid schemes.

"Hypnosis, energy therapy, etc. are being heavily promoted, but it is important to distinguish between their psychological support value and their medical treatment. Meditation can help reduce stress if properly guided.

But regression hypnosis or energy do not have enough scientific evidence and cannot replace treatment regimens in psychiatry and psychotherapy," Mr. Trong shared.

The danger is that the patient misses the "golden time" for orthodox treatment, falls into extreme spiritual ritual dependence, and even develops cognitive disorders and paranoia.

Therefore, when there are signs of psychological abnormalities, patients should see a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist at a specialized hospital or licensed clinic. Absolutely avoid self-diagnosis and self-treatment via social networks or by asking non-professionals.

Psychotherapy is not just "talking it out"

Dr. Tran Minh Khuyen, a neuropsychiatrist and psychotherapist at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, said that in Vietnam, there is no doctor who has been granted a practice code with the title "psychologist". All those who study psychology, whether bachelor's, master's or doctorate, cannot call themselves doctors.

To become a specialist, one must first complete a general practitioner program, including internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, otolaryngology, and other specialties. Only then can one choose to specialize in one area, such as psychiatry.

However, a worrying reality is that many people only have a bachelor's degree in social psychology or school psychology, without medical training, but wear white coats and claim to be psychotherapists, causing serious confusion in the community.

"They can only provide consultation and support for social conflicts or everyday emotions. But when faced with illnesses such as severe depression, psychosis, or hallucinations, psychotherapy is ineffective. A psychiatrist must prescribe medication," Dr. Khuyen shared.

Especially nowadays, many people without medical expertise just preach morality, share personal stories online, and then claim to be therapists, while they completely lack the knowledge to assess the level of pathology.

Many people today do not recognize the boundary between psychological conflict and mental illness. For example: patients with severe depression, prolonged insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, auditory hallucinations such as hearing voices urging suicide...

If not diagnosed and prescribed medication by a specialist, but only given "inner therapy", the patient can commit suicide at any time.

According to Dr. Khuyen, to practice psychotherapy, in addition to studying psychology, one must continue studying clinical psychology, practice directly at a psychiatric hospital, be supervised by a specialist, and have a clear practice certificate.

Lack of legal corridor, the title "therapist" is abused

According to Master Nguyen Tran Phuoc, a psychology expert, in fact, when a person graduates with a bachelor's degree in psychology and then continues to study for a master's degree in clinical psychology, he or she is still not qualified to provide counseling or psychotherapy.

To do that, the person must have professional supervision - at least a doctorate in therapeutic psychology.

However, it is important to understand that an independent psychological consultant, that is, not part of an organization or affiliated with a hospital, will have difficulty ensuring quality and professional responsibility.

If you work independently, without a professional support network, it is easy to fall into a state of spontaneity and difficulty in control. In fact, many people who have just graduated from school, or studied in other fields, can still call themselves "psychotherapists", which is very dangerous when there is no clear legal corridor to control the title and scope of practice.

Currently, Vietnam does not have a separate law on the practice of psychotherapy, leading to a large gap in supervision, inspection and protection of patients.

While waiting for the full legal corridor, experts and doctors advise people to stay alert, because psychology is a medical specialty, not a self-proclaimed playground. Social networks are not a place for healing and healing should never be exchanged for blind faith.

Must have a license to practice

According to Article 26 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023, the title of "clinical psychologist" must have a license to practice medical examination and treatment. The practice period to qualify for this license is 9 months.

In addition, Decree 96 of the Government also details the conditions for granting a practice license, including practicing at a medical examination and treatment facility with a suitable scope of professional activities and having a licensed practice instructor.

The 2023 Law on Medical Examination and Treatment also stipulates the authority to grant a license to practice medical examination and treatment for the title of "clinical psychologist".

Specifically, the Ministry of Health will issue it to practitioners at medical examination and treatment facilities under the Ministry's management. The specialized health agency under the Provincial People's Committee will issue it to practitioners at medical examination and treatment facilities within the province's management area.

Clinical psychologists practicing at medical examination and treatment facilities must have a practice license issued by a competent authority.

What is a psychotherapist and who gets treatment?

In Vietnam, at the end of 2020, the Vietnamese occupational directory identified the title of psychologist with descriptions of some main functions and tasks and clearly distinguished from the profession of psychiatrist. To practice, psychotherapists must attend universities that meet strict educational and training standards.

On social networks, there are many groups about psychological disorders, with a need for psychological therapy, and in each article there are nearly a dozen "coaching" posts claiming to have their own treatment methods - Screenshot

Professor Vo Van Ban, President of the Vietnam Psychotherapy Association, said that clinical psychology is a field closely related to health sciences, especially psychiatry. Clinical psychologists always work closely with psychiatrists and other health professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients.

According to the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment, there are 50 diseases and medical conditions that can be examined and treated remotely (online). Among them are two mental illness codes: mental disorders and anxiety and depression disorders.

Remote medical examination and treatment and support for remote medical examination and treatment must be performed within the scope of practice of the practitioner. Remote medical treatment must follow the list of diseases and medical conditions issued by the Minister of Health.

Practitioners are responsible for their diagnosis, treatment and prescription.

Thus, only those with expertise and within the scope of practice can remotely examine and treat patients, and this can only be applied to the above two disease codes.

CAM NUONG - DUONG LIEU

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bat-nhao-tri-lieu-tam-ly-online-ky-2-ai-kiem-soat-nha-tri-lieu-online-20250514224153525.htm