Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist or Psychiatrist? The Differences Explained
In short: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor on the General Medical Council register and can prescribe medication. A practitioner psychologist is registered with the HCPC but isn’t a medical doctor. Counsellors and psychotherapists offer talking therapy, but anyone can use those titles in the UK, so check they’re on a PSA-accredited register.
Four titles that sound alike but mean different things in the UK. Here is what each one does, which titles are protected by law, and where to check someone’s registration.
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Please read. This is general information, not medical, legal or professional advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, and we don’t recommend, endorse or guarantee any practitioner or register. Always check a practitioner’s registration yourself on the official register before you book. We checked the facts on this page on each organisation’s own website on 21 October 2026, but registers and rules change, so the official website is always the final word.
At a Glance
| Title | Protected by law? | Where to check | What they mainly do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counsellor | No. Anyone can use the title | A voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, such as BACP, NCPS, ACC, UKCP or, in Scotland, COSCA | Talking therapy, often for a specific difficulty or life event |
| Psychotherapist | No. Anyone can use the title | An accredited register such as UKCP, BPC, BACP or NCPS | Talking therapy, sometimes longer or more in-depth. There is a lot of overlap with counselling |
| Practitioner psychologist (for example clinical or counselling psychologist) | Yes. Titles such as clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist and registered psychologist are protected | Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) | Psychological assessment and therapy. Not a medical doctor |
| Psychiatrist | A medical doctor on the GMC register. The Specialist Register shows if psychiatry is one of their specialties | General Medical Council (GMC) | A doctor who specialises in mental health. Trained to diagnose mental illness and to use medication as well as psychological treatments |
Counsellors
Counsellors offer talking therapy. Counsellor is not a protected title in the UK, and the Professional Standards Authority points out that anyone can call themselves a counsellor, even with no training or qualifications. That is why it is worth choosing someone on a register the PSA has accredited. These registers set standards for training and conduct, and each has a complaints process.
Read more in our guide to what counsellors do.
Psychotherapists
Psychotherapists also offer talking therapy. Mind notes that counselling and psychotherapy are often used to mean similar things. Psychotherapist is not a protected title either, so check for an accredited register such as the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) or the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC). Some psychotherapists are also registered with the GMC or the HCPC.
Read more in our guide to what psychotherapists do.
Psychologists
Practitioner psychologists are regulated by law. Anyone using one of the protected titles, such as clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, educational psychologist, forensic psychologist, health psychologist or registered psychologist, must be on the Health and Care Professions Council register. Psychologists are not medical doctors.
The HCPC says the word psychologist on its own is not protected. If someone calls themselves just a psychologist, ask which register they are on. Read more in our guide to what psychologists do.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. As doctors, they are on the General Medical Council’s medical register. The Royal College of Psychiatrists says all psychiatrists learn to assess a person’s state of mind, diagnose a mental illness, and use a range of psychological treatments and medications. Many work in NHS community mental health teams, alongside nurses, social workers, psychologists and occupational therapists.
You can check a psychiatrist on the GMC medical register. If they are on the Specialist Register, the entry lists their specialties.
Other Titles You May See
- Art, drama and music therapists: protected titles on the HCPC register.
- Child and adolescent psychotherapists: check the Association of Child Psychotherapists register.
- Play therapists: not a protected title. Check BAPT or Play Therapy UK.
- CBT therapists: check the CBT Register UK.
For every register in one place, see how to check a therapist is registered.
NHS and Private Routes
In England, you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression, or ask your GP. To see an NHS psychiatrist, you will usually need a referral, often from your GP. Privately, you can usually contact a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist directly. Our guide to finding NHS support has more.
Common Questions
What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychotherapist?
There is a lot of overlap, and Mind notes that the words are often used to mean similar things. Neither title is protected by law in the UK. Some practitioners use psychotherapist for longer or more in-depth work, but the best way to know what someone offers is to ask about their training, their approach and the register they are on.
Is a psychologist the same as a psychiatrist?
No. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in mental health and is on the General Medical Council register. A practitioner psychologist, such as a clinical or counselling psychologist, is not a medical doctor and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Which of them is trained to use medication?
Of these four, only psychiatrists are medical doctors. The Royal College of Psychiatrists says all psychiatrists learn to use a range of medications as well as psychological treatments. If you are wondering about medication, talk to your GP.
Do I need a referral?
For private counselling or psychotherapy, usually not: you can contact a practitioner directly. In England, you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression. The Royal College of Psychiatrists says that to see an NHS psychiatrist, your GP will usually need to refer you.
Which one should I see?
It depends on what you need and what is available to you. If you are unsure, your GP is a good place to start. Whoever you choose, check their registration yourself before you book.
Sources
- PSA: Look Before You Book (counselling)
- PSA: Check a Practitioner, psychiatrist
- HCPC: professions and protected titles
- HCPC: understanding the regulation of psychologists
- GOV.UK: regulated professions, practitioner psychologist
- GMC: the Specialist Register
- Royal College of Psychiatrists: what to expect of your psychiatrist
- Mind: understanding therapy and counselling
- NHS: NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression
Call 999 or go to A&E if life is at risk. For urgent help that is not an emergency, call NHS 111. To talk, ring Samaritans free on 116 123 (24 hours). To text, message SHOUT to 85258.
Not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the NHS, Mind, the Health and Care Professions Council, the Professional Standards Authority, the General Medical Council, the Royal College of Psychiatrists or any professional body or register named here. Last reviewed 21 October 2026.
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