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🇬🇧 The United Kingdom: Country-Specific Requirements to Join It’s Complicated as a Mental Health Practitioner

Lisa Malmheden
Updated

The United Kingdom is one of our key markets, with many therapists and clients using It's Complicated from within the country. That's why, in addition to our global requirements, we've defined specific criteria for therapists based in the UK, to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. This article outlines the country-specific requirements you'll need to meet in order to join the platform if you're practicing in the UK.

👉 Important: Please note that country-specific requirements refer to the country where the therapist is based and actively practicing, not their country of origin.

 

UK Laws and Regulations

In the UK, the regulation of mental health professions depends significantly on the professional title being used (e.g. Clinical Psychologist or Psychotherapist). Some titles are legally protected, meaning they can only be used by professionals who have completed specific training and are registered with the appropriate regulatory body.

The information below outlines the minimum qualifications required to join our platform if you want to use a protected title while practicing in the UK. These guidelines are based on national legislation such as the Health and Social Work Professions Order 2001, the Medical Act 1983, and standards set by official regulatory bodies.

⚠️ If you're not planning to use a protected title (for example, if you register as a Coach or Counsellor), our standard global requirements apply.

 

UK Titles With Special Requirements

The table below provides an overview of legally protected professional titles for therapists based in the UK. If the title you intend to use is not listed here, that means our standard global requirements apply instead.

 

Professional Title Country-specific Requirements Sources & Further Information
Clinical Psychologist
  • Bachelor's degree in psychology, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
  • 1–2 years of clinical experience (often required prior to doctorate)
  • Completion of a 3-year Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych)
  • Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Counselling Psychologist
  • Bachelor's degree in psychology, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
  • Registration with the HCPC
  • Route A:
    Completion of a BPS-accredited Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (DCounsPsych)
  • Route B:
    Completion of Stage 1 (M.Sc.) and Stage 2 (supervised practice) of the BPS Qualification in Counselling Psychology (QCoP)
  • Protected under the Health Professions Order 2001 and regulated by the HCPC
Health Psychologist
  • Stage 1: Master's degree in Health Psychology (M.Sc.), accredited by the BPS
  • Stage 2: BPS Qualification in Health Psychology (supervised practice + portfolio)
  • Registration with the HCPC
  • Protected under the Health Professions Order 2001 and regulated by the HCPC
  • Further info: here
Psychotherapist
  • Master's-level degree (EQF 7 or equivalent) in psychology, counselling, or psychotherapy
  • Specialisation (e.g. psychodynamic, CBT, etc.) only allowed if mentioned as area of main focus in the training
  • ⚠️ Note: In the UK, "Psychotherapist" is not a protected title. On It's Complicated, UK practitioners may use it with a master's degree in psychology, counselling, or psychotherapy.
Counsellor
  • At least 500 hours of documented training in counselling or a related field
  • Registration with a recognised professional association (BACP, UKCP, NCPS, BPS, BABCP, or similar)
  • ⚠️ Note: "Counsellor" is not a protected title in the UK. Registration with a professional association demonstrates adherence to professional standards and ethical guidelines.
Psychiatrist
  • Medical degree (MBBS or MBChB), 5 years
  • 2-year Foundation Training (FY1 + FY2)
  • 6-year speciality training in psychiatry (Core + Higher Speciality Training)
  • Registration with the GMC (General Medical Council)
  • Protected under the Medical Act 1983 and regulated by the GMC
Social Worker
  • Bachelor's degree (BA/BSc) in social work, 3 years full-time
  • Master's degree (MA/MSc) in social work, 2 years full-time
  • Registration with the appropriate national regulator (see further information)


Using a Foreign Degree in the United Kingdom

If you are based in the United Kingdom but obtained your degree or professional qualification abroad, you'll need to have it officially recognised by the relevant UK authority in order to use a protected professional title such as Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist.

 

💡 Help us improve: We're committed to keeping these requirements accurate and up to date. If you notice any discrepancies or have questions about the information provided, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team. Your feedback helps us ensure we're providing the most reliable guidance to our community.

 

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