Is a Therapist Directory Trustworthy? How to Tell Before You Book

In short: A directory is a list, not a regulator, so how far you can rely on one depends on what it checks and how clearly it says so. Look for each practitioner’s register and number, a plain explanation of how listings are checked and how often, and a clear statement that no one is guaranteed. Whatever any directory says, check the register yourself before you book.

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Please read. This is general information from us, not medical, clinical or professional advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, we don’t recommend or guarantee any practitioner, and we’re not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, please use the crisis box at the bottom of this page. Services and rules change, so check the official websites linked here.

What a directory can and can’t do

A therapist directory helps you find and compare practitioners in one place. It is not a regulator, and it can’t promise that a practitioner will suit you or that things will go well. The official registers, and the professional bodies that run them, are where a person’s registration is held.

Directories differ in what they check. Some look practitioners up on a register, some ask practitioners to confirm their own details, and some say very little. That’s why it helps to know what to look for.

What to look for

A register and number for each person. You should be able to see which register they’re on and their registration number, so you can search for them yourself.
A plain explanation of the checks. Does the directory say what it checks, whether a person does it by hand, and how often it is repeated?
Honesty about limits. A trustworthy directory says it doesn’t guarantee or recommend any practitioner and that you should check the register too.
Clear details about who runs it. A company name and number, a contact page and a privacy notice.
No pressure. You should be able to read, compare and take your time.

What to take care over

No register or registration number shown, or only a general word such as “verified” with no explanation.
Claims such as “the best therapist” or promises about results. No one can promise how therapy will go for you.
Pressure to book quickly, or to pay before you have spoken to the practitioner.
No information about who runs the directory or how your details are used.

A two-minute check on any therapist

Ask which register they’re on and for their registration number.
Open that register’s own website. Our guide to how to check a register links to each one.
Search by name or number and check the name, number and profession match. For professions with a protected title, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, speech and language therapists, arts therapists and practitioner psychologists, the register is the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register.
Counsellor and psychotherapist are not protected titles, so look for a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

How Therapist Circle works

On Therapist Circle, every practitioner on Find shows their register and registration number so you can check them yourself. Before a profile appears on Find, we look up the person’s name and number on their public register by hand, and we re-check listed practitioners at least once a year. A check is only correct on the day it was made, so please also check the register yourself.

Therapist Circle is a directory, not a therapy provider. We don’t recommend, rank or guarantee anyone, and it’s free to use. It is run by Therapist Circle Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (number 17523560). You can read more on how it works and how directories compare in our directory comparison.

Common Questions

Does a directory check that a therapist is qualified?

It depends on the directory. Some look practitioners up on an official register and some rely on what practitioners tell them. Look for a clear explanation of the checks, and always check the register yourself.

Is being listed the same as being recommended?

No. A listing means a practitioner has chosen to appear. It isn’t a recommendation or a guarantee, so read the profile, check the register and ask questions before you book.

What if I can’t find my therapist on the register?

Check the spelling and try their registration number. If you still can’t find them, ask them which register they are on and their number. If you are still worried, contact the register, or see our guide on how to check a register for what to do next.

Is Therapist Circle free to use?

Yes. You can search, read profiles and ask for an introduction without paying. Practitioners list for free too.

Who runs Therapist Circle?

Therapist Circle Ltd, a private limited company registered in England and Wales (number 17523560). It is independent and is not part of, or endorsed by, the NHS, the HCPC or any professional body.

Last reviewed 26 October 2026. Information is drawn from the NHS, HCPC and professional body websites, checked in October 2026. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHS, the HCPC or any professional body.

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