MPs say regulation of all psychotherapists and counsellors more important than ever

MPs with expertise in mental health have urged the government to introduce statutory regulation for all psychotherapists and counsellors, warning that the current system is leaving people vulnerable to harm.

- Rachel Hall

Unlike most other healthcare roles, "psychotherapist" and "counsellor" are neither protected titles nor statutorily regulated professions. Only art, music and drama therapists and art psychotherapists are protected titles. This means anyone can set themselves up as a therapist without qualifications, and can continue to practise after misconduct cases.

MPs with experience of the effects of mental ill-health told the Guardian that regulation was more important than ever given the growing demand for mental health support.

The Labour MP Chris Webb said he backed statutory regulation as a result of his experiences as a former mental health charity trustee and supporting a family member through a mental health breakdown.

"I've seen from individuals that have come to our charity and since come into my casework bag, where they've gone to organisations across our town [Blackpool], and people who said they're able to give that kind of mental health support but weren't regulated, have made things worse," he said.