Lithuania

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As in other Baltic States, psychological counselling does not seem to be an independent profession in Lithuania, and therefore no significant historical steps can be recorded. On the other hand, psychology and psychotherapy as well as vocational and school counselling are also present in Lithuania.

The Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for vocational guidance policy related to the provision of quality vocational education, information and guidance services to pupils, students, adult learners, etc. (see EACEA National Policies Platform 2020). The Ministry of Education and Science establishes the procedure for the provision of vocational information and training in the education system. It is aimed that all pupils* and students* should have the opportunity to access career guidance services in their educational institution (cf. ibid.). These services are intended to assist in planning, developing, and assessing future careers (cf. ibid.).

Psychological counselling is usually provided by graduate psychologists.

There is no separate job title of “counsellor.” Even the professional title of “psychologist*in” is not clearly defined and protected by law (cf. PsychOpen 2020).

• Psychological counselling at universities (cf. Vilnius university 2020).
• Career counselling (cf. EACEA National Policies Platform 2020).
• Career counselling (cf. EACEA National Policies Platform 2020).
• Counselling for foreigners (cf. Ministry of Social Security and Labor 2020).
• School counselling (cf. EACEA National Policies Platform 2020
• Personal counselling
• Family and marriage counselling

As a result of the Corona pandemic, which is placing an increasing psychological burden on the population, the Lithuanian government has drawn up and implemented a plan to support people (see Lietuvos nacionalinis radijas ir televizija 2020). This plan provides for the expansion of psychological counselling services and the hiring of more than 200 psychologists (cf. ibid.). In addition, hotlines for emotional support for children, seniors and other groups were strengthened during the Corona crisis (see Lietuvos nacionalinis radijas ir televizija 2020). Support has also been provided to nongovernmental organizations, which, according to the prime minister, actively provided assistance during the coronavirus outbreak (cf. ibid.).

Despite the support for the mental health of the country’s residents*, the policy still needs to take additional steps to make psychological counselling more accessible to more people. In addition, more detailed regulations and a legally protected professional title are still lacking.

For a more in-depth look at the counselling profession in the country, interested readers are encouraged to read the following journal and website articles:

• EACEA National Policies Platform (2020). Career guidance and counselling. Von EACEA National Policies Platform.
• Lietuvos nacionalinis radijas ir televizija (2020). Lithuania to hire 200 psychologists to tackle Covid-19 effects on mental health. Von Lietuvos nacionalinis radijas ir televizija.
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