King Khalid University, represented by the Institute for Research and Advisory Studies, launched the National Development Plan for Psychiatrists and Psychotherapy Practice. The Saudi Health Council sponsors the plan, which is part of the implementation of the national plan for psychotherapy agreements. Dr. Mohammed Mari Al-Qahtani, Professor of Clinical Psychology, will lead the project team.

The Institute of Research and Advisory Studies at the University was keen on establishing a highly qualified and experienced team, attracting a number of national cadres specialized in psychological and health sciences from various Saudi universities, as well as an integrated team of consultants and specialists from King Khalid University. The Institute seeks to provide the high-quality outputs for this pioneering national project.

Dr. Abdul Latif Al Hadithi, Dean of the Institute of Research and Advisory Studies at King Khalid University, said that the Saudi Health Council established the National Development Plan for Psychiatrists and Psychotherapy Practice. Furthermore, the National Plan came in accordance with the strategy of health care in the Kingdom. It was approved by Council of Ministers, Resolution No. 320 dated 17 / 09 / 1430 AH, which came within the ninth strategic basis of "therapeutic and rehabilitation care" in anticipation of achieving Vision 2030.

Al-Hadithi stressed that the plan aims to review and develop the areas of practice and psychological treatment of psychologists and the related regulations and legislation.

He explained that the national project includes all tasks related to psychological health services in the sectors provided to them; in the Ministry of Health, the National Guard, the Armed Forces, Security Forces Hospitals, King Faisal's Specialist Hospital, as well as university hospitals and private hospitals.

It is noteworthy that the signing of the partnership and cooperation agreement between the Institute of Research and Advisory Studies at King Khalid University and the Saudi Health Council was held at the beginning of the current year, 1438 AH.