Psychologists
What psychologists do, how they are registered in the UK, how to check a registration, and NHS and private routes. General information only, not personal advice.
What Psychologists Do
Practitioner Psychologists — clinical, counselling, educational, health, forensic and others
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. Practitioner Psychologists apply that science to help with emotional, psychological, behavioural and neurological difficulties. Clinical Psychologists assess and support a wide range of mental and physical health difficulties; Counselling Psychologists work with people’s experience of life events such as loss, trauma and relationships; Educational Psychologists work with children and young people in the context of school and home. Sessions often begin with assessment, then talking therapy, practical strategies or neuropsychology work, depending on the specialism. They work in the NHS, schools, workplaces and independent practice.
Registration and Titles
Protected titles include Practitioner Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Psychologist — these require Health and Care Professions Council registration. “Psychologist” on its own is not protected. The British Psychological Society is the professional body.
How to Check a Registration
Search the register for the person’s name and check the entry says Practitioner Psychologist and shows their area, such as clinical or counselling. “Psychologist” on its own is not protected, so look for registration.
Our guide on how to check a register explains what to look for. Every practitioner on Therapist Circle shows their register and number on their profile so you can check it yourself.
NHS and Other Routes
NHS psychologists work in NHS Talking Therapies, community mental health teams, hospitals and specialist services. In England you can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies; other services usually need a GP referral. Educational psychologists are normally reached through a school or the local authority.
See finding NHS support and free and low-cost therapy for more routes.
Private Sessions and Fees
Private fees vary by area, experience, session length and setting, so ask each practitioner for their fee, cancellation terms and any reduced-fee places before booking. Our guide to fees, private practice and NHS routes explains what to ask.
Questions to Ask Before You Start
- Which register are you on, and what is your registration number?
- What experience do you have with the kind of difficulty I have?
- How long are sessions, how often, and what do they cost?
- Do you offer online, phone or in-person sessions?
Find Psychologists
Other Professions
Informed by: British Psychological Society · Health and Care Professions Council. Not affiliated with any professional body. If you need urgent help, call NHS 111, Samaritans free on 116 123, or 999 if life is at risk.