Understanding Therapy and Psychology Regulating Bodies in the UK: Key Acronyms and What They Mean
When searching for a therapist or psychologist in the UK, you’ll quickly come across a variety of acronyms and regulating bodies. These organisations ensure practitioners meet specific training and ethical standards, and they play a crucial role in safeguarding client wellbeing. But what do all these acronyms mean — and why should you care?
Let’s break down the main regulatory and professional bodies in UK therapy and psychology, what they do, and what to look out for.
1. HCPC – Health and Care Professions Council
Who they regulate: Practitioner Psychologists (e.g. Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Forensic Psychologists), as well as a range of other health professionals.
Why it matters: The HCPC is a statutory regulator. This means that only those registered with the HCPC can legally call themselves a “Clinical Psychologist” or “Counselling Psychologist” in the UK. It ensures strict standards in education, training, and ethical practice.
Look for HCPC registration if you're seeing someone using the protected title "Psychologist".
2. BPS – British Psychological Society
Who they represent: Psychologists across different disciplines.
Why it matters: The BPS is a professional membership body (not a regulator), but it plays a key role in accrediting psychology degrees and postgraduate training. They also provide Chartered status (CPsychol), a respected mark of professional recognition.
A Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) will have extensive education and training, but make sure they are also HCPC-registered if practising clinically.
3. BACP – British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Who they register: Counsellors and psychotherapists.
Why it matters: BACP is one of the largest professional bodies for counselling in the UK. While it's not a statutory regulator, they maintain a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Members must adhere to a code of ethics and complete ongoing professional development.
Look for “BACP Registered” or “BACP Accredited” when choosing a counsellor.
4. UKCP – UK Council for Psychotherapy
Who they register: Psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors- like me! This is who I’m registered with.
Why it matters: UKCP sets high standards for training and ethical practice in psychotherapy. They are also PSA-accredited. Their members often have more in-depth or long-term psychotherapy training than general counselling routes.
A UKCP-registered therapist may specialise in depth psychology, long-term therapy, or specific modalities (e.g. psychodynamic, existential, integrative).
5. NCS – National Counselling Society
(Also known now as NCPS – National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society)
Who they register: Counsellors and psychotherapists.
Why it matters: The NCPS is also PSA-accredited and supports ethical, evidence-based counselling practice. It's often a pathway for newly qualified therapists or those from newer training programs.
Look for “NCPS Registered” or Accredited Member status.
6. BABCP – British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
Who they register: CBT therapists and psychological practitioners.
Why it matters: BABCP oversees standards for therapists who deliver Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). To become a BABCP-accredited therapist, one must complete rigorous training and supervised practice in CBT.
If you’re looking specifically for CBT, especially for conditions like anxiety or depression, BABCP accreditation is a solid benchmark.
7. COSRT – College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists
Who they register: Specialists in psychosexual therapy and relationship counselling.
Why it matters: COSRT is the leading UK body for professionals working in sexual and relationship therapy. Their standards cover clinical competence in often sensitive and specialist areas.
Look for COSRT membership if you’re seeking support around intimacy, sex, or relationships.
8. PTUK – Play Therapy UK
Who they register: Play therapists.
Why it matters: PTUK sets professional and ethical standards for those working with children through play therapy. They are also PSA-accredited.
If your child is receiving therapy through play, PTUK registration ensures the therapist is appropriately trained.
Final Thoughts: What to Look For When Choosing a Therapist
Registration with a PSA-accredited body (e.g., BACP, UKCP, NCPS) or statutory body (e.g., HCPC).
Clear information about qualifications and therapeutic approach.
A professional profile with up-to-date insurance and supervision arrangements.
Understanding these bodies and acronyms can help you make informed decisions, ensuring your mental health support is safe, ethical, and effective.
Need help choosing the right therapist?
Feel free to reach out or explore directories like the BACP Find a Therapist, UKCP Directory, or Psychology Today UK.
