UK: calls for regulation of counselling and psychotherapy
An independent commission established by professional organizations representing counsellors and psychotherapists in the United Kingdom has called for statutory regulation of the professions to strengthen public protection, establish consistent professional standards and improve confidence in mental health services. Currently, the titles "counsellor" and "psychotherapist" are not legally protected, meaning individuals can practice without recognized qualifications and may continue practicing following misconduct. Professional organizations maintain voluntary registration schemes accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, but these do not provide centralized regulatory oversight. The commission's recommendations include establishing statutory regulation to set standards for education, training and professional development, improve accountability, and prevent individuals who pose risks to the public from continuing to practice. The report also identifies potential benefits for workforce development and access to mental health services, noting that better coordination and clearer professional standards could help address concerns among public healthcare commissioners about practitioner qualifications. Representatives of professional bodies have expressed support for developing a regulatory framework collaboratively, emphasizing the need to balance public protection and confidence with accessibility, diversity and established professional practice.