Kuwait Bans Non-Scientific Psychotherapy Practices Nationwide

This regulatory change reflects a growing emphasis on standardized mental health practices across the Gulf region.

• Kuwait banned non-scientific psychotherapy methods, including Reiki and EFT, effective August 21, 2026.
• Ministerial Decision 225/2026 establishes a framework for evidence-based psychotherapy, impacting both public and private sectors.
• Compliance deadlines are set at six months for private practices and 18 months for government practitioners.

• Growing demand for psychotherapy services in the Gulf has prompted regulatory bodies to enforce evidence-based standards.
• Previous trends in the region have focused on licensing and restricting alternative therapies to safeguard public health.
• Kuwait's decision aligns with broader efforts to enhance mental health care quality and protect patients from unproven treatments.

On August 21, 2026, Kuwait's Ministry of Health issued Ministerial Decision 225 of 2026, which explicitly bans a range of non-evidence-based psychotherapy practices. This includes popular alternative therapies such as Reiki, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and various energy healing modalities. The decision aims to create a regulatory framework that prioritizes scientifically validated methods in mental health treatment, thereby enhancing patient safety and care quality.

The ban encompasses a wide array of practices deemed non-scientific, including energy therapies, suggestive techniques like false hypnosis, and even life coaching, which now falls under licensing requirements. This comprehensive approach is designed to ensure that all psychotherapy services adhere to established scientific standards, thereby reducing the risk of patients receiving ineffective or potentially harmful treatments.

The compliance timeline is structured to allow existing practitioners time to adjust. Private practices have six months to align with the new regulations, while government entities have an extended period of 18 months. This phased approach is intended to minimize disruption in the mental health services landscape while ensuring that all practitioners meet the new standards.

The decision reflects a significant shift in Kuwait's approach to mental health care, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices. It also mirrors similar regulatory trends in other Gulf states, where there is a concerted effort to standardize mental health practices and protect public health. As demand for psychotherapy services continues to rise, the need for regulation becomes increasingly critical to ensure that patients receive safe and effective care.

This move may lead to a reduction in the availability of alternative therapy providers in Kuwait, as many practitioners may struggle to meet the new licensing requirements. Some may choose to relocate or rebrand their services to comply with the regulations. The long-term implications of this decision could reshape the mental health landscape in Kuwait, fostering a more professional and scientifically grounded approach to psychological care.

• Private practitioners: Must adapt quickly to new licensing requirements or risk losing their practice.
• Government mental health facilities: Have an extended timeline but will need to overhaul existing practices.
• Patients seeking therapy: Will experience a shift in available treatment options, focusing more on evidence-based methods.
• Alternative therapy providers: May face reduced demand or need to pivot their services to comply with regulations.

• Compliance rates: Monitor how quickly private and government practitioners adapt to the new regulations, as this will indicate the effectiveness of the transition.
• Public response: Watch for any shifts in patient preferences or demand for alternative therapies, which could signal broader cultural changes in mental health perceptions.
• Regional trends: Keep an eye on similar regulatory actions in neighboring Gulf states, as Kuwait's decision may influence policy changes elsewhere.