Which professional for my child?
If you’re wondering who could help your child, here’s what each of the twelve professions does for children and young people, from Arts Therapists to Speech and Language Therapists. They’re listed A to Z, not in order of importance.
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Please read. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, give medical advice or diagnose, and we don’t recommend, endorse or guarantee any practitioner. Always check a practitioner’s registration yourself on the public register; any check we show was correct only on the day it was made.
If a child may be at risk. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. If you are worried about a child’s safety, contact your local council’s children’s services or the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children and young people can call Childline free on 0800 1111.
A good first step
If you are worried about your child’s health, development or wellbeing, a good first step is usually your GP, health visitor, or your child’s school or nursery (for example the special educational needs co-ordinator). They can help you think about what might help and can refer to NHS or council services. We can’t tell you which professional your child needs.
The professions
Arts Therapists
Use art, music or drama to help children express feelings that are hard to put into words.
Check: Health and Care Professions Council.
Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists
Work in depth with children and teenagers on emotional and relationship difficulties, often through play and talk.
Check: Association of Child Psychotherapists.
Counsellors
Offer talking support; some specialise in working with children or young people, including in schools.
Check: an accredited register, such as BACP, UKCP or NCPS.
Dance Movement Psychotherapists
Use movement and the body to support emotional wellbeing and communication.
Check: their professional body’s register.
Dietitians
Advise on eating, nutrition and feeding, including for children with medical or sensory needs.
Check: Health and Care Professions Council.
Family and Systemic Psychotherapists
Work with the whole family or parts of it to change patterns that affect a child.
Check: an accredited register, such as UKCP.
Occupational Therapists
Help with everyday skills such as dressing, handwriting, play and sensory needs.
Check: Health and Care Professions Council.
Physiotherapists
Help with movement, posture, strength and physical development.
Check: Health and Care Professions Council.
Play Therapists
Use play as the main way for younger children to work through feelings and experiences.
Check: an accredited register, such as BAPT or PTUK.
Psychologists
Practitioner Psychologists, such as Clinical, Counselling and Educational Psychologists, assess and support thinking, learning, emotions and behaviour.
Check: Health and Care Professions Council.
Psychotherapists
Offer longer-term talking therapy; some train to work with young people.
Check: an accredited register, such as UKCP or BACP.
Speech and Language Therapists
Help with talking, understanding, communication, stammering, and eating, drinking and swallowing.
Check: Health and Care Professions Council.
Before you book for a child
- Ask whether the practitioner has training and experience in working with children of your child’s age.
- Ask how they handle consent, confidentiality and safeguarding, and how they will involve you.
- Ask whether they hold an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (or the equivalent in Scotland or Northern Ireland).
- Check their registration yourself. See how to check a register and the glossary.
Introduction requests on Therapist Circle are for adults (18 and over). A parent or carer can make a request on behalf of a child.
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.
Last reviewed 12 October 2026. General information only, written for the UK. Not affiliated with the NHS, the Health and Care Professions Council or any professional body.