Working as a psychologist in KL

Unfortunately its highly unlikely you will find employment because of the rules that apply here. You would need to register with the professional body here first to see if your qualifications are even accepted in Malaysia.  If you are qualified you could consider setting up a business alone or with a group (or buying into one). That requires considerable capital. But there are specialist hospitals and clinics opening all the time so personnel are required. I think, however, you would need to be an MD or similar to be able to work in a practice.

Another major issue is that psychology is closely linked to culture and without being a Malaysian it is uncertain you would understand the cultural significances of psychology in Malaysia. It is not a widespread specialty here as religions or the volunteer and charity organisations take care of this type of problem mainly and doctors work pro bono as their social duty.

The main problem is that only Government Hospitals employee people. All the private hospitals are set up so that practitioners rent space and services from the hospital and run their own business. To put it into perspective, not all major private hospitals even have a psychologist.

Doctors cant even find work in Malaysia unless they are spouses of Malaysians and on long-term social visit passes. The reason is there is a glut of Malaysian doctors, so because of protectionism outsiders are not generally employed or able to set up clinics.

So what the people are saying to you about the "stay permit" is you need an employment pass or another form of immigration that allows you to live in Malaysia before they will consider employing you part time. So Catch-22 all round.

Hi Gravitas,

Thanks a lot for your accurate reply.

I know that psychology is related to culture, and I also know that locals use volunteers or religion as well.
I am trying to direct my search to the expat community: in fact I speak Dutch, English, Spanish and Italian. Nonetheless, even mentioning this, I do not get any reply unfortunately.
I am trying to see if there are special hospitals for expatriates or health centres..
Do you have any advice on that?..

(what is Catch22?)

Cheers, Cristina.

The expatriate community is actually minute in Malaysia. You should look at the Middle East. There are no specific resources for expats here. The majority of european expats are under 35 years of age.

When people apply for MM2H, they have to declare if they have had any mental illness (or AIDS / TB) - so I guess that puts it in perspective. Its a decade or so behind the times. People on that immigration status are often retirees.

Very few families are now stationed in Malaysia compared to the past. Basically, Malaysia has an increasing number qualified candidates for jobs and if anything, expats come in for a year or so to do skills transfer.

You still need the right qualifications and probably a medical degree here. In private hospitals you set up a business and dont get employed, as mentioned earlier.

Waste of time. Met a Brit who tried it as he had a local gf. He wasted his savings so will you. You cannot legally work as a psychologist in Malaysia.