The Maltese Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice has expressed hope that discussions about the regularisation of the psychotherapy profession will start without delay.

As with the Psychology Profession Act, similar legislation would safeguard the interests of both practitioners and clients through the creation of a legal framework that supports the practice of psychotherapy, the association said in a statement. Hopefully, "this long awaited event" would set the agenda for the development of such a crucial law, it added.

The association congratulated the Malta Psychology Profession Board for issuing warrants to psychologists, and to the psychologists who received their warrant.

"The issuing of warrants is a further step in ensuring that the practice of psychologists is safeguarded by the terms of the Psychology Act," the association noted.