Mental Health Policy, Regulation and Professional Standards

The development of effective mental health systems requires more than clinical services. It requires strong policies, clear legal frameworks, ethical standards, professional regulation, institutional accountability and adequate investment.

Across South Asia, mental health professionals often work within different regulatory environments. In some settings, professional licensing, scope of practice, accreditation, supervision and continuing professional development remain inconsistent or underdeveloped. These gaps may affect service quality, professional identity, public trust and protection of service users.

Special attention will be given to the recognition and appropriate regulation of psychologists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, psychosocial workers, peer supporters and other professionals working within multidisciplinary mental health systems.

The conference will encourage comparative learning from different South Asian countries and explore how policy and regulation can contribute to a stronger, more credible and more accessible mental health workforce.