Calls for the regulation of psychotherapists in England are growing as lawyers report a sharp rise in patients seeking legal action over harm they say occurred during therapy. Campaigners and legal experts warn that the lack of formal oversight puts vulnerable people at risk, especially as demand for mental health support continues to climb.
Unlike most healthcare professions, the titles “psychotherapist” and “counsellor” are not legally protected in the UK.
Anyone can use them without formal training. Many people also do not realise that a therapist who faces misconduct allegations can still continue to work. Only a small group of roles, such as art therapists and music therapists, hold protected titles under law.
Demand for mental health support has increased sharply. NHS services in England received a record five million referrals in 2023. That is a 33% rise since 2019. Most people benefit from therapy, but lawyers say their phones are ringing more often with complaints about poor practice and boundary violations.
Solicitor Catriona Rubens says her caseload grew after she represented Ella Janneh, who sued her therapist, Michael Lousada, for sexual assault. Janneh won £217,000 in damages and chose to waive her anonymity. She said she wanted others to stay safe. Rubens says many victims fear coming forward because they feel ashamed or controlled by the therapist involved.
Janneh and Rubens are now campaigning for statutory regulation. They will meet MPs and experts later this year to present draft proposals. They say the current system leaves the public exposed because therapists who breach trust can simply rebrand and continue practising.
Voluntary bodies, including the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, offer accreditation. Their complaint processes, however, do not carry legal force. The BACP says complaints have increased by 24% since 2020. The organisation says it is open to statutory regulation if the government works with the sector.
Several MPs support new rules. Labour MP Rachael Maskell says regulation is long overdue. Former health minister Dan Poulter says therapists work with people who often have deep trauma and deserve the same protections found in other healthcare professions.
A government spokesperson encouraged patients to seek therapists accredited by the Professional Standards Authority but did not commit to new legislation.
