Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of counseling psychologists and the general public regarding the proposed psychology and counseling-related bills in 2022. Specifically, the study examined their preferences for the name, scope, and tasks of psychology and counseling services. Data collected from 882 counseling psychologists affiliated with the Korean Counseling Psychological Association and 799 ordinary adults indicated that both groups preferred the terms “psychological counseling” and “psychological counselor” as the names for the service and the national certificate, respectively. Counseling psychologists recognized that marriage and family counseling, as well as art, play, and music therapies, could be included, while the general public believed that most fields other than religious counseling could be considered professional services. Both groups considered psychological counseling and treatment the most important task, followed by psychological testing and evaluation. Based on these findings, directions for reaching a consensus on the legislation was discussed.