Four titles, four kinds of training
These four titles sound alike. Each one means a different kind of training, and the law treats them in different ways.
| Title | What it usually means | Protected by law? | Where to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counsellor | Talking therapy, often for a set number of sessions | No | An accredited register |
| Psychotherapist | Talking therapy, often longer or deeper | No | An accredited register |
| Psychologist | A psychology degree and further training | Some titles, such as clinical psychologist | The HCPC register |
| Psychiatrist | A medical doctor who specialises in mental health | Registered as a doctor | The GMC register |
Which titles the law protects
The HCPC is the body that protects nine psychologist titles. Clinical psychologist is one of them. Nobody can use these titles unless they are on the HCPC register.
The word "psychologist" on its own is not protected. Nor are counsellor, psychotherapist or therapist. Anyone can use those words, whatever their training.
That is not a warning sign on its own. Many counsellors choose to join a body that keeps a register.
Sources: HCPC: protected titles, HCPC: regulation of psychologists
Accredited registers
The PSA checks registers for jobs the law does not cover. A register it approves must set standards for its members and deal with complaints.
The BACP, the UKCP and the NCPS all keep approved registers for talking therapy. Many CBT therapists join CBT Register UK, which the BABCP helps to run.
The UKCP notes that its register is voluntary, so anyone can call themselves a psychotherapist. A register is how you tell who has trained.
Sources: PSA: Accredited Registers, PSA: CBT Register UK, UKCP: our register
Psychiatrists and medication
A psychiatrist is a doctor who has gone on to train in mental health. Because they are doctors, they can give you medicine.
Most people see a psychiatrist through their GP or an NHS team. If you think medicine might help, start with your GP.
The other three work through talking. They can work alongside your GP.
Source: NHS London: psychiatry
How to check a professional
- Ask which register they are on.
- Look up a protected title, such as clinical psychologist, on the HCPC register.
- Look up a psychiatrist on the GMC register.
- Look up anyone else with the PSA register search.
- Check the name and title are the same as the ones they gave you.
If something goes wrong
Each register has a way to raise a concern. The HCPC and the GMC look at concerns about the people on their lists. An approved register looks at complaints about its own members.
You do not need to be sure something was wrong. Tell them what happened. They can say if it is a matter for them.
Thanks for your interest. We're not taking on new clients at the moment.
Find the right kind of help
We ask what matters to you, then find professionals who fit.
- I do not know the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist
- I want someone properly qualified
- I think I might need medication
- How do I check someone is registered?
References
- Health and Care Professions Council (2025). The professions we regulate. hcpc-uk.org
- Health and Care Professions Council (2023). Understanding the regulation of psychologists. hcpc-uk.org
- NHS London (2025). Psychiatry. londonwaitingroom.nhs.uk
- Professional Standards Authority (2026). About Accredited Registers. professionalstandards.org.uk
- Professional Standards Authority (2023). Professional Standards Authority accredits CBT Register UK. professionalstandards.org.uk
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (2026). Our register. psychotherapy.org.uk
