Title: Expert Calls for Scientific Unity and Public Vigilance in Iran’s Psychology Field
In an exclusive interview with the “What Khabar” analytical news base, Siamak Tahmasebi, a faculty member at the University of Rehabilitation Sciences and Social Health, outlined a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening Iran’s psychology sector. Emphasizing the need for scientific consensus and robust public awareness, the expert addressed key challenges and solutions for the profession.
A Call for Scientific Cohesion
Responding to questions about behavioral differences among psychologists, Professor Tahmasebi identified a lack of coordination and consensus among specialists as a primary challenge. He asserted that for this issue to be resolved, scientific criteria must be universally accepted as the foundation for all counseling services.
“Consultants who hold activity licenses and provide services must operate based on research-driven protocols and proven effectiveness,” Tahmasebi stated. He elaborated that every consultant must be able to provide reliable, documented evidence demonstrating that their methods have a real and positive impact. Otherwise, the application of personal theories without scientific backing will lead to discord within the profession.
Strengthening Oversight and Rebuilding Trust
Tahmasebi acknowledged that challenges in the psychology system in recent years have impacted public trust. However, he expressed confidence that through cooperation and constructive dialogue among psychologists, this trust can be rebuilt.
“For internal cohesion among psychologists, it is necessary that scientific standards are accepted by all as the main pillar,” he said. He emphasized that these standards must be confirmed by competent, authoritative bodies and subjected to continuous supervision. In this regard, the Psychology System Organization is obligated to seriously fulfill its supervisory role, a process that can be enhanced through automation, process smartening, expert human resources, or collaboration with the Ministry of Science.
Empowering the Public and Combating Unlicensed Practitioners
A significant part of the discussion focused on empowering citizens to identify unlicensed practitioners. With the widespread prevalence of psychological disorders and social harms, the societal need for quality psychological services is greater than ever.
“In these conditions, providing quality services based on scientific knowledge is essential,” Tahmasebi noted. “On the other hand, those who operate outside the scientific framework and without a license must be legally pursued and penalized.”
He detailed practical steps for the public, explaining that individuals should know how to check a consultant’s license number and verify their educational credentials, information that is fortunately accessible on the Psychology System Organization’s website. Familiarity with the ethical charter that psychologists are obliged to follow also helps people understand their rights and file complaints in case of violations.
Navigating the Digital Landscape
The professor highlighted the virtual space as a new frontier where many individuals, including consultants, provide content and advice. He expressed concern over the occasional publication of unscientific opinions, personal judgments, and incorrect information, particularly on sensitive topics, which can mislead the audience.
To counter this, he proposed two fundamental solutions: first, increasing audience awareness to identify valid consultants, and second, effective supervision of consultant activity in the virtual space.
Tahmasebi provided a key insight for public discernment: “Individuals with high expertise, knowledge, and experience typically speak with more precision and caution, using scientific language with words such as ‘probably’ and ‘perhaps,’ rather than stating absolute certainty. In contrast, those who provide definitive prescriptions without scientific backing may have goals other than helping the audience.”
A Mandate for Specialist Engagement
Concluding his remarks, the academic stressed that university psychologists and scientific specialists must play a more active role in media and virtual spaces. Participation in interviews and launching educational channels can help raise public awareness and counter misinformation.
“Abstaining from active presence in these spaces signifies a shortcoming in social responsibility and a lost opportunity,” Tahmasebi asserted. He pointed out that as people are not easily influenced by advertisements today and make choices based on the experiences of friends and more detailed evaluations, it is essential for scientific psychologists to establish their position in the virtual space by providing specialized and documented content.
Increasing societal awareness, precise supervision, and the active presence of specialist psychologists in the public sphere were underscored as the most important solutions for enhancing the quality of psychological services and building trust in this vital field.