GPs and clinical psychologists join calls for regulation of all mental health practitioners as referrals up 33% in 2023 compared to 2019

As a clinical psychologist, I’ve seen both the life-changing impact of therapy and the harm caused by unqualified practitioners. Shockingly, in the UK, anyone can call themselves a “psychotherapist” or even a “psychologist” without proper training or oversight. It’s time to change that. While doctors, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists are strictly regulated, many mental health professionals aren’t. This leaves people vulnerable to untrained therapists who lack the skills to provide safe and effective care. When someone seeks mental health support, they’re often at their most fragile so deserve to know that the person they’re trusting is qualified, supervised, and accountable. Within NHS services, mental health therapists must have professional training, be registered, and adhere to strict ethical standards. Without national regulation, we are endangering the emotional and psychological wellbeing of our communities. Mental health is too important to be left unregulated.

Doctors and dentists are tightly regulated often to ridiculous degrees, such that even a minor grievance by a patient can be escalated to the General Medical Council. Psychotherapists are dealing with people in extremely vulnerable positions and the patient places incredible trust in them. Whilst most will be fine, there will always be rogue practitioners out there. Patients need to be reassured that there is a regulatory body to whom they can complain or raise concerns should any untoward event occur. This needs to be rectified as soon as possible.

As a qualified clinical psychologist, I’ve been advocating for the protection and regulation of titles that imply someone is qualified to provide mental health treatment. Many people don’t realise that terms like 'psychologist', 'counsellor' and 'psychotherapist' are not protected. This means anyone — regardless of qualifications — can use these titles and charge for their services with no legal accountability. When titles aren’t protected, there’s no governing body to oversee practice. If something goes wrong, clients have no way to formally complain or get the individual ‘struck off'. The rise of social media has also enabled people to gain large followings by calling themselves 'psychologists' without proper qualifications, leaving viewers at risk. This issue is worsened by major UK TV channels booking guests who may have a psychology degree but lack formal qualifications.

Psychotherapists should be regulated because they work with vulnerable individuals whose emotional and mental well-being are at stake. The power dynamics in a therapeutic relationship mean that what a therapist says, how they behave, and how they respond can significantly impact the trajectory of a client’s life. Poorly conducted therapy or unethical behaviour can exacerbate mental health issues, cause emotional harm or lead to lasting psychological damage. Regulation ensures that therapists are held to professional standards, promoting accountability and competence, and safeguarding clients from potential malpractice. Given the trust and responsibility placed in therapists, it is crucial that they are properly trained, supervised and governed to protect those seeking help.

A critical concern is that there is a lack of clarity around who is truly qualified to provide mental health care. Currently, anyone can call themselves a psychotherapist, counsellor or mental health professional without legal consequence, leaving vulnerable people at risk. Without proper regulation, those seeking help are at risk of significant emotional harm and trauma. Implementing clear standards and regulations for mental health professions like psychotherapy would ensure individuals and businesses have reliable guidelines to make informed decisions. In cases of malpractice, regulation would also offer a structured path for recourse, protecting the public and raising the standard of care. As awareness of mental health issues grows, so does the demand for professional solutions in both personal and workplace settings. However, with patients increasingly turning to social media and online platforms for guidance, sophisticated sales tactics often push quick, impulsive purchases.