[April Dream] 'Mental Infrastructure' Spreads Nationwide. The Japanese Association of Certified Psychologists Envisions a Future Where Everyone Receives Appropriate Psychological Support When Needed

The Japanese Association of Certified Psychologists (Office: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President: Sayoko Shinoda) endorses April 1st as 'April Dream,' a day to announce dreams. This press release represents the dream of the 'Japanese Association of Certified Psychologists.'

■ Our Dream: Transforming Mental Support from a 'Specialty' to a 'Fundamental Right'

Our dream is to realize a society where 'everyone can receive appropriate psychological support, when needed, in the desired location.'

Just as one goes to a hospital when feeling unwell, our vision is a society where anyone can confidently and without hesitation access a trusted professional (certified psychologist) when their mind is tired, or when they wish to live authentically. This 'mental safety net' will be spread like a web across all fields, including healthcare, education, welfare, justice, and industrial labor. This is the future we aim for.

■ Background of the Dream: 10 Years of Progress Forging Responsibility for 'Mental Safety'

It has been 10 years since the Certified Psychologist Act was enacted in September 2015. In 2018, 'Certified Psychologist' was born as Japan's first national qualification for psychological professionals, and the Japanese Association of Certified Psychologists has continued its activities alongside this progress.

In 2023, we received approval as a public interest incorporated association, and in 2024 and 2025, 'Certified Specialist Psychologists' with even higher levels of expertise are successively emerging. Over these 10 years, societal changes have accelerated, and people's concerns have diversified and deepened. That is why we are not merely a gathering of qualified individuals, but a 'responsible group of experts' working at full capacity to meet the trust placed in us by the public.

■ Three Actions Towards Realizing the Dream

This dream is by no means a distant fantasy. We are steadily moving forward, focusing on the following pillars:

'Deepening Expertise': We will strengthen cross-disciplinary training to promptly respond to changes in the medical fee system and complex social issues, consistently providing the highest standard of updated support.

'Strong Collaboration with Local Communities and Administration': We will work closely with professional organizations and administrative bodies in all 47 prefectures to establish a system where high-quality support can be received anywhere in Japan.

'Enhancing Social Recognition and Policy Proposals': To make psychological support more accessible, we will advocate for the expansion of systems and focus on creating mechanisms that allow everyone to benefit from support.

■ Message from the President: Unwavering Support in a Changing World

"Looking back over the past 10 years, the world has changed at an unprecedented pace. We want to further demonstrate that we, as certified psychologists with a national qualification, can be useful and contribute to society by protecting the mental safety of people striving daily and preventing those who suffer from isolation. This is also our 'pledge.' We sincerely hope to create a future where everyone can live a rich life, together with all of you."

【About the Japanese Association of Certified Psychologists】

Began activities simultaneously with the birth of Certified Psychologists in 2018. Transitioned to a public interest incorporated association in April 2023. Its purpose is to improve the quality and establish the professional functions of certified psychologists, and to contribute to the maintenance and promotion of the mental health of the public.