How to Check a Practitioner's Professional Register

Every practitioner on Therapist Circle gives their professional register and number, and we check them against the public register before they appear on Find. You can, and should, check for yourself too. These are the official places to look.

Health and Care Professions Council

For Arts Therapists, Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Practitioner Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists. Search by name or registration number at hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register. The entry shows the profession, registration number, status and any restrictions.

General Medical Council

For Psychiatrists and other doctors. Search the medical register at gmc-uk.org. Look for a licence to practise and, for a Psychiatrist, the specialist register entry for psychiatry.

Professional Standards Authority accredited registers

For Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Play Therapists, Cognitive Behavioural Therapists and others whose titles are not protected by law. The Professional Standards Authority accredits registers held by professional bodies. Use its search at professionalstandards.org.uk, or the register on the professional body's own website.

What to look for

• The name and registration number match what the practitioner gave you.
• The registration is current, not lapsed or removed.
• There are no conditions, suspensions or sanctions you are unsure about.
• The profession matches the title they use.

If something does not match

Ask the practitioner, as names sometimes change. If you remain concerned, contact the register directly, and please tell us so we can review the listing.

General information, not clinical or legal advice. Not a crisis service: in an emergency call 999, or ring NHS 111 or Samaritans free on 116 123.

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