Kuwait has officially banned the practice and promotion of psychotherapy and psychological counseling methods that lack scientific validation. The move, formalized through Ministerial Decision 225 of 2026 by Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al Awadhi, establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for the operation of specialized mental health centers and complexes.
The new mandate introduces strict requirements for licensing, training, and facility standards. Private offices currently in the process of obtaining licensure are granted a six-month window to achieve compliance, while government-sector facilities have been given an 18-month period to align with the new regulations.
Prohibited Therapeutic Practices
The government has imposed an absolute ban on a wide range of services deemed unscientific, categorizing them into specific groups
- Energy and spiritual therapiesIncludes energy healing, Reiki, pranic healing, crystal and stone treatments, spiritual and cosmic healing, “star seeds,” astral projection, and the activation of chakras, auras, or energy fields.
- Mental guidance and programmingCovers neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), cognitive programming, mental and psychological engineering, positive affirmations, psychological genetic activation, and neuro-spiritual preparation.
- Suggestive and performative techniquesEncompasses stage or fake hypnosis, law of attraction therapy, graphology (handwriting analysis), body language analysis, and time line therapy.
- Relaxation and frequency methodsBans psychological yoga, breath control for meditation, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), color therapy, sound vibration and frequency treatments, as well as tapping and thought field therapy.
Beyond these specific bans, the decision brings life coaching and self-development services under strict government oversight, requiring practitioners to hold an approved professional license to operate.
Clinical Restrictions and Safety Protocols
The regulations also enforce clear boundaries for non-physician practitioners. These individuals are strictly prohibited from prescribing or adjusting medications, supplements, or drugs. Furthermore, advanced clinical procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy, magnetic stimulation, and nerve stimulation are now restricted exclusively to specialist doctors.
To ensure patient safety, the directive mandates that any practitioner encountering severe symptoms or suicidal ideation must immediately refer the patient to a hospital or a qualified psychiatrist. The report also notes that stay up to date with the latest news.
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Source: Khaleej Times
