UK counsellors and psychotherapists call for statutory regulation
Professional bodies say government should introduce legal regulation to protect the public and boost confidence in the sector.
At a glance
- Professional bodies say statutory regulation is needed to protect the public from abuse
- Unlike most other healthcare roles, counsellor and psychotherapist titles are not legally protected in the UK
- The report is described as a landmark moment for the profession
Professional bodies representing counsellors and psychotherapists have called for the UK government to introduce statutory regulation of their professions, according to a report described as a watershed moment for the sector. Unlike doctors, midwives and osteopaths, the titles "psychotherapist" and "counsellor" are not currently protected in law nor subject to statutory regulation in the UK.
The report argues that regulation would protect the public from abuse and increase confidence in the professions.
Why it matters
Statutory regulation would bring counselling and psychotherapy into line with other regulated healthcare professions and establish consistent standards across the sector.
Original reporting
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