Psychotherapists
What psychotherapists 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 Psychotherapists Do
Psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic Counsellors
Psychotherapy gives you time with a trained therapist to explore feelings, relationships and long-standing patterns, often in more depth or over a longer period than short-term counselling. Many Psychotherapists think about what has happened to you rather than what is “wrong” with you. Approaches vary widely — psychodynamic, humanistic, integrative, cognitive behavioural and others — and some therapists also use art, music, drama or movement. People may come with anxiety, low mood, trauma, relationship difficulties or a wish to understand themselves more fully. Sessions are commonly weekly and around fifty minutes; work may be open-ended or time-limited. They see individuals, couples, families or groups, in person or online.
Registration and Titles
“Psychotherapist” is not a protected title, so check for registration with an accredited register such as the UK Council for Psychotherapy, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society.
How to Check a Registration
Because the title is not protected, check the person is on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority and note their registration number.
- UK Council for Psychotherapy register
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy register
- Professional Standards Authority accredited registers search
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
In England, NHS Talking Therapies accepts self-referrals and offers some forms of psychotherapy. Longer-term psychotherapy is available in some NHS specialist services, usually through a GP or mental health team referral. Charities and low-cost clinics run by training institutes are other routes.
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 Psychotherapists
Other Professions
Informed by: UK Council for Psychotherapy · British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. 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.