UKCP CEO calls for stronger public protection in counselling and psychotherapy

UKCP CEO Dr Jon Levett presented evidence to the Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy and urged the sector to consider stronger measures to protect the public. 

The independent Commission – established by the Partnership for Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB), which includes UKCP – is examining the future of the counselling and psychotherapy profession. Today’s evidence session focused on whether there is a case for statutory regulation. 

Dr Levett was asked as an expert witness following the extensive programme of work UKCP has undertaken this year looking at statutory regulation. 

In his statement, he highlighted that while the current voluntary register system overseen by the Professional Standards Authority plays an important role, it leaves significant gaps. ‘Individuals struck off a PSA-accredited register for misconduct can legally continue to practise privately, often continuing to use unprotected titles like “psychotherapist” or “counsellor”,’ he explained.  

He also drew attention to the widespread misconception among the public that statutory regulation already exists, noting cases where clients were harmed by practitioners facing no legal barrier to continuing practice. He highlighted that recent UKCP research found that 21 out of 30 practitioners removed from registers between 2023–25 were still working in mental healthcare in some capacity. 

Dr Levett went on to outline UKCP’s work in developing a draft set of principles for what statutory regulation must achieve if introduced. These draft principles emphasis both public protection and the needs to safeguard the diversity, autonomy and professional identity of psychotherapy. He also referred to UKCP’s proposed voluntary enhancements, which could strengthen the current system immediately.  

‘We want to see a system where anyone seeking therapy can have confidence that their therapist is qualified, accountable and practising safely.’ Dr Levett concluded. ‘Public safety must be at the centre of this.’  

About the Commission 

The Commission for the Future of Counselling and Psychotherapy is an independent body established by PSA-accredited organisations in the PCPB to examine how the professions should develop in the years ahead. Through evidence sessions with experts, practitioners, organisations and people with lived experience, the Commission is exploring issues such the current landscape and future of the profession, the evidence base for counselling and psychotherapy and whether there is a case for statutory regulation. Its recommendations will help shape future policy discussions across the sector. A call for public evidence to help inform the findings will take place in January. The final report and recommendations will be published in summer 2026.  

UKCP’s position  

Historically taking a neutral position in relation to statutory regulation for psychotherapy, UKCP launched a Statutory Regulation Working Group in early 2025 to review its stance. After engagement with members and stakeholders, UKCP is now minded to support statutory regulation – depending on how it is implemented. Over 70% of UKCP members who responded to recent engagement activities expressed support for statutory regulation in some form.