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SAACP: Mentorship Programme 2026

SAACP: Mentorship Programme 2026

by | Jul 3, 2026 | The South African Association for Counselling Psychology (SAACP)

SAACP: Mentorship Programme

Calling all counselling psychologists!

Following the successful launch and implementation of the SAACP Mentorship Programme in 2025, we are pleased to announce that the programme will be running for a second time in 2026.

This initiative was established to foster growth, connection, and support within the field of counselling psychology in South Africa. Building on the positive foundation established in 2025, the 2026 programme will again aim to link early-career counselling psychologists (within 10 years of HPCSA registration) with more experienced counselling psychologists (10 or more years post-registration).

Through these flexible and informal professional pairings, we hope to continue nurturing a stronger sense of professional identity, resilience, and peer support within our counselling psychology community.

About the Programme:
Format: Small group mentorship (3-4 mentees per group, online)
Duration: 3 mentorship sessions completed between 20th July and 31st August 2025
Time Commitment: Flexible – it’s up to you and your mentor/mentees when you would like to meet. However, each session should last a total of 1 hour.
Cost: No Cost
CPD Recognition: 6 General CEUs for mentors and 3 General CEUs for mentees awarded upon completion of 3 sessions and submission of a session engagement log, and a short end-of-cycle reflection.

Who Can Join?
Mentors: HPCSA-registered counselling psychologists with 10+ years of experience.
Mentees: Interns and registered counselling psychologists with less than 10 years’ experience.

How to Register
Click the link below to sign up as a mentor or mentee. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 15th July 2025

https://forms.gle/uyMTmo6LqPdJw3VB8

Once registered, we’ll be in touch with further details and link you with a mentor/mentees.

We warmly invite you to participate in this enriching initiative – whether by sharing your wisdom as a mentor or receiving guidance and encouragement as a mentee. Together, we can strengthen the future of counselling psychology in South Africa.

Click here to apply!
Call for Volunteers: PsySSA’s 30th Annual Psychology Congress

Call for Volunteers: PsySSA’s 30th Annual Psychology Congress

by | Jul 3, 2026 | Annual Psychology Congress 2026, Events and Announcements, Psychology Events, Student Division (SD)

Call for Volunteers: Join the Team Behind PsySSA’s 30th Annual Psychology Congress

 

The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) is inviting enthusiastic, reliable, and motivated volunteers to be part of our 30th Annual Psychology Congress.

Each year, the PsySSA Congress brings together psychologists, researchers, students, practitioners, educators, and mental health professionals from across South Africa and beyond to share knowledge, engage in meaningful dialogue, and shape the future of psychology. As we celebrate 30 years of PsySSA Congress, we are looking for volunteers who are passionate about contributing to the success of this milestone event.

Volunteering at Congress offers a unique opportunity to experience a national professional conference from behind the scenes while developing practical skills and expanding your professional network. Whether you are a psychology student, an early-career professional, or simply interested in supporting the profession, your contribution will help ensure that delegates enjoy a welcoming, well-organised, and engaging congress experience.

Why Volunteer?

As a Congress volunteer, you will have the opportunity to:

As a Congress volunteer, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Gain practical experience in the planning and delivery of a national professional event.
  • Connect with psychologists, academics, researchers, practitioners, and fellow students from across the country.
  • Develop transferable skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and event coordination.
  • Contribute to the advancement of psychology and support one of South Africa’s leading psychology conferences.
  • Be part of a dedicated team helping celebrate 30 years of PsySSA Congress.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Depending on your role, volunteers may assist with:

  • Delegate registration and welcome services.
  • Providing directions and general assistance to delegates.
  • Supporting presenters and session chairs.
  • Assisting with venue logistics and room management.
  • Managing information desks.
  • Supporting networking and social events.
  • Helping ensure the smooth running of the overall congress programme.

No previous volunteering experience is required. We are looking for individuals who are professional, dependable, enthusiastic, and willing to work as part of a team.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcomed from individuals who:

  • Have an interest in psychology and professional development.
  • Enjoy working with people in a collaborative environment.
  • Are organised, adaptable, and willing to assist where needed.
  • Can commit to fulfilling their volunteer responsibilities during the Congress.

Apply Now

If you would like to be part of this exciting milestone event, we encourage you to submit your application.

Applications close: 31 July 2026

How to Register;

Press the link below; scan the QR code on the poster to apply or contact the Student Division Chair: Ammarah at psyssastudentchair@gmail.com for further information.

We look forward to welcoming you to the volunteer team and celebrating 30 years of PsySSA Congress together.

Click Here to Register

Congratulations to Prof Sumaya Laher on Receiving the ITC Thomas Oakland Award

Congratulations to Prof Sumaya Laher on Receiving the ITC Thomas Oakland Award

by | Jul 2, 2026 | Events and Announcements, PsySSA Announcements

Congratulations to Prof Sumaya Laher on Receiving the ITC Thomas Oakland Award

 

The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) proudly congratulates Past President Prof Sumaya Laher on receiving the prestigious International Test Commission (ITC) Thomas Oakland Award for Distinguished Contributions to Testing and Assessment.

The Thomas Oakland Award recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to research and practice in educational or psychological assessment, with a lasting impact at either the international level or within their home country, serving as a model for others in the field.

Professor Laher is recognised for her exceptional and sustained contributions to assessment science, policy, and practice in South Africa and across the African continent. The award selection committee commends her strong and coherent record of scholarship and leadership, noting her innovative approaches to psychological assessment in complex contexts and the significant impact of her work both nationally and internationally.

As part of this honour, Prof Laher has been invited to deliver the Thomas Oakland Award Lecture at the 2028 International Test Commission Conference.

Prof Laher’s achievement is a testament to her unwavering commitment to advancing psychological assessment, promoting contextually relevant practice, and strengthening the profession across Africa. Her leadership, including her service as President of PsySSA, has inspired colleagues, students, and practitioners alike.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof Laher on this well-deserved international recognition and celebrate this remarkable achievement with her.

RCP Workshop – Understanding Medical Aids and ICD-10 Codes in South Africa

RCP Workshop – Understanding Medical Aids and ICD-10 Codes in South Africa

by | Jul 2, 2026 | Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP), Events and Announcements, Psychology Events, PsySSA Announcements

RCP Workshop – Understanding Medical Aids and ICD-10 Codes in South Africa

Hosted by the PsySSA Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP) Division

Join the PsySSA Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP) for a free CPD-accredited online workshop on Understanding Medical Aids and ICD-10 Codes in South Africa.

Webinar Details:

  • Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
  • Time: 18:00 -20:00
  • Platform: Online Via Zoom
  • 2 General CPD Point
  • For more information, contact: rcp@psyssa.co.za

About the Workshop:

Medical Aid, ICD-10 Coding and Ethical Claims: A Practical Guide for Psychology Professionals

Navigating South Africa’s medical aid environment can be complex, particularly when it comes to ICD-10 coding, claims submissions, and documentation requirements. As medical schemes increasingly rely on accurate diagnostic coding to process claims, psychology professionals need a clear understanding of how coding supports ethical practice, clinical record-keeping, and reimbursement.

This practical workshop provides an introduction to the medical aid landscape in South Africa and explains how ICD-10 coding applies to psychological services. Participants will gain an understanding of the regulatory framework governing medical schemes, the role of the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), and the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF), as well as the responsibilities of healthcare practitioners when submitting claims.

The workshop will guide participants through the structure and purpose of ICD-10, with particular attention to mental and behavioural disorders, psychosocial Z-codes, and their appropriate use within professional scope of practice. Through practical examples, attendees will learn how to select appropriate codes for common client presentations, complete compliant documentation, avoid common reasons for claim rejection, and strengthen the quality and consistency of clinical records.

Designed to bridge the gap between clinical practice and administrative requirements, this workshop will equip participants with practical knowledge that can be immediately applied in private practice, community settings, educational environments, and multidisciplinary healthcare contexts.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Understanding South Africa’s medical aid system
  • ICD-10 coding essentials for psychology professionals
  • Using psychosocial (Z) codes appropriately
  • Ethical documentation and claims submission
  • Avoiding common coding and billing errors
  • Best practices for compliant, accurate record-keeping and reimbursement

Why attend?

  • Gain practical knowledge you can apply immediately in practice.
  • Improve confidence in ICD-10 coding and medical aid claims.
  • Reduce claim rejections through accurate documentation.
  • Strengthen ethical, compliant record-keeping and billing practices.
  • Stay informed about current South African medical aid and coding requirements.

Perfect for Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists who want to stay compliant, confident, and up to date.

Takeaway:

Leave with the knowledge and practical tools to code accurately, submit compliant medical aid claims, and strengthen your documentation practices.

Click Here to Register

Rekha Kangokar Rama Rao

Presenter

I am a psychologist and lecturer committed to supporting individuals and families across all stages of life, while contributing to the growth of psychological knowledge through teaching and research. My work focuses on trauma, life transitions, relationships, and overall psychological wellbeing, with an emphasis on creating a space where people feel heard, understood and empowered. Alongside my clinical practice, I lecture at tertiary institutions, where I aim to make complex concepts engaging, relevant and accessible. I encourage critical thinking and the practical application of psychological theories. 

International Council of Psychologists Webinar

International Council of Psychologists Webinar

by | Jul 1, 2026 | Events and Announcements, Psychology Events, Sexuality and Gender Division (SGD)

ICP Webinar: PsySSA African LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Project

Context, Current Concerns, and Catalytic Capabilities

The International Council of Psychologists (ICP) invites you to join an important and timely webinar featuring PsySSA’s African LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Project. This engaging panel discussion forms part of ICP’s ongoing conversations with award recipients and highlights critical work advancing human rights, inclusive practice, and psychological science across the African continent.

Taking place on 7 July 2026 from 16h00 to 17h00 (South African time), this webinar will provide both a historical perspective and an overview of current priorities shaping the project. The discussion will explore the evolution of work in this space, alongside emerging challenges and opportunities for impact.

Key themes include:

  • The historical development and current focus areas of PsySSA’s African LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Project
  • Revised practice guidelines for working with sexually and gender diverse individuals in South Africa
  • The current state of scientific knowledge relating to sexual orientation and gender diversity
  • The influence and implications of the global anti-gender movement
  • An intersectional lens highlighting the lived realities of township-based, rural, Black, and non-national African lesbian women

This webinar offers a valuable opportunity for psychologists, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to engage with critical issues at the intersection of mental health, human rights, and social justice. It also provides practical insights for developing affirming, contextually relevant approaches to working with diverse communities.

We look forward to your participation in this meaningful and thought-provoking conversation.

Register Here
For More Information Click Here