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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Rachel Hall

MPs urge government to regulate UK psychotherapists and counsellors

Close-up of woman's hands during counselling meeting
MPs said regulation was more important than ever given the rising demand for mental health support. Photograph: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/Getty Images

MPs with experience in mental health have urged the government to introduce statutory regulation for all psychotherapists and counsellors, warning that the current system is leaving people vulnerable to harm.

Unlike most other healthcare roles, “psychotherapist” and “counsellor” are not protected titles nor statutorily regulated professions in the UK. Only art therapists and art psychotherapists, drama therapists and music therapists are protected titles. This means that anyone can set themselves up as a therapist without qualifications, and can continue to practise after misconduct.

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