Russia's Rights Chief Warns of Fake Psychologists Destroying Families

Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova has raised concerns about unqualified psychological services. She warned that many couples struggle to tell the difference between care and control in relationships. The issue has led to family breakups after advice from self-styled counsellors. Lantratova highlighted a rise in online bloggers posing as psychologists. Many of these individuals lack proper training and qualifications. She described them as fraudsters exploiting vulnerable people.

The commissioner pointed out that the psychological counselling market currently has no clear regulations. This gap allows unqualified individuals to offer services, putting clients at risk. Families have reported breakups after following harmful advice from these so-called experts. Lantratova proposed new legislation to regulate psychological services. Under her plan, only professionals with specialised training would be permitted to practise. The aim is to protect people from emotional manipulation and poor guidance.

The lack of oversight in psychological counselling has already caused real harm to relationships. If approved, the proposed regulations would restrict services to trained professionals. This could reduce the number of families affected by misleading advice.