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What to Do If Your Therapist Isn't Registered

15-09-2025Updated 28-10-20264 min read
Quick answer: If you can't find your therapist on a register, first check whether they're on a different register or listed under another name, then ask them directly. If they use a title protected by law (such as clinical psychologist) and aren't on the HCPC register, that is a criminal offence you can report.
Dr. Jack Stroud
✓ Reviewed by
Dr. Jack Stroud
Clinical Psychologist, HCPC Registered

Discovering your therapist isn't registered with a professional body can be concerning, but it doesn't necessarily mean they're unqualified.

Understanding the Situation

In the UK, practitioner psychologists (such as clinical, counselling and health psychologists) and arts therapists must be registered with the HCPC by law. For other therapy types, registration with bodies like BACP, BABCP, or UKCP is voluntary but highly recommended.

First, Check You Are Searching in the Right Place

Before assuming your therapist isn't registered, check whether:

  • They are on a different register. Counsellors and psychotherapists can be on the BACP, UKCP, NCPS, BPC, ACC or COSCA registers, among others. Check Your Therapist currently searches the HCPC, BACP, UKCP and BABCP.
  • Their name is listed differently. Try a maiden name, a full first name (e.g. "Elizabeth" rather than "Liz"), or a double-barrelled surname in different forms.
  • They are a trainee. UKCP lists trainees in a separate directory, and BACP student members don't appear on the register.
  • They have only just qualified or joined. New registrations can take time to appear.

Some therapists may be:

  • Newly qualified and in the process of applying
  • Currently in training
  • Qualified but choosing not to register
  • Practicing without proper qualifications

Questions to Ask Your Therapist

Be direct - you have a right to know these things:

  • What are your qualifications and where did you train?
  • Why aren't you registered with a professional body?
  • Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
  • Do you receive regular supervision?
  • Are you following an ethical framework?

Your Options

Continue with safeguards: If satisfied with their explanation, ensure they have insurance, supervision, and follow ethical guidelines.

Seek a registered therapist: If you're uncomfortable, it's perfectly reasonable to find someone who is professionally registered.

Report concerns: If you suspect fraudulent claims about qualifications, contact the relevant professional body or local authorities. If someone uses an HCPC protected title without being registered, you can raise a concern with the HCPC.

Professional registration provides important protections to the public, including complaints procedures and insurance requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I find my therapist on the register?

Common reasons are that they are on a different register (for example NCPS or BPC rather than BACP), registered under a different or maiden name, still in training, recently qualified, or no longer a member. Ask them which register they are on and check it directly.

Is it illegal for a counsellor not to be registered?

No. Counsellor and psychotherapist are not protected titles in the UK, so registration is voluntary. It is illegal to use a protected title such as clinical psychologist or counselling psychologist without HCPC registration.

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