Welcome

It can be hard to know what type of professional you need. Unfortunately, some people are misinformed about their ability to practice or are dishonest with the public regarding their qualifications and expertise. Although this is not an exhaustive list, it provides some basic information on the minimum standards for each profession. We hope it is helpful information. 

Psychiatrist: A qualified Psychiatrist will have a minimum of ten years of training, which includes medical training before specialism in psychiatry, and will be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Psychiatrists can assess and diagnose psychiatric conditions and prescribe medication. Some Psychiatrists have also further specialised in delivering therapy. 

Psychologist: A qualified Practitioner Psychologist (e.g. qualified to work with clients and not solely a research/academic psychologist) will have a minimum of six years of training (although more likely to be 8-10 years) and will be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council as a Practitioner Psychologist. The majority will have a doctorate but not all. 

Anyone interested in Psychology can register with the British Psychological Society (BPS), but only highly competent Psychologists can be registered as a Chartered Psychologist. Those that are Chartered have demonstrated a high level of competence. However, this includes both practitioner and research/academic psychologists and only those with HCPC practitioner status are registered to work directly with clients/patients. Some professionals will use the term psychologist inappropriately (e.g. after a psychology degree), which can lead to the general public being misled. If they are not on the HCPC practitioner register, they are not qualified to work as a Practitioner Psychologist. 

Practitioner Psychologists can assess, diagnose (within areas of their expertise) and deliver appropriate therapy and treatment. At this current time, they do not prescribe medication. They work with a wide range of client groups and have greater experience with complex issues, but they tend to specialise in specific areas. 

Psychotherapist/Therapist/Counsellor: These terms are often used interchangeably, and there is a much wider field of professionals that use these titles and, therefore, a wider range of minimum competence. Unfortunately, these terms can be used by people who are not appropriately qualified. Those with a minimum level of qualifications, including those in training and working under supervision, will be registered with a relevant professional body and have appropriate professional insurance. If they do not have both, they may be inappropriately practising as they do not meet the minimum standards to maintain public safety. 

From my understanding, those practising have qualifications from appropriate education bodies at a minimum of a level 4 (approx. one-year training) to level 7 (approx. four years of training). There are also different levels within some professional bodies. For example, within the BACP, those accredited have demonstrated greater competence in specific approaches than those at the standard member level. Psychotherapists, Therapists and Counsellors can deliver therapy with a range of client groups and issues and is dependent on their specific areas of expertise and experience. 

Additional titles: There are also specialist therapists who, when qualified in specialist areas, will be registered with the relevant professional body and be able to use the specific protected title (e.g. Arts therapist, Play Therapist, etc.).

The above highlights the minimum standards for each professional title. However, individuals with each title will have varying experience (based on years in practice) and expertise (based on work history and other post-qualification experience/training). For example, Psychologists are more likely to have worked with clients directly in specialist units and more complex presentations. However, some very experienced psychotherapists may have worked with similar client groups within their careers. 

Who you select to work with should include a person who has at least the minimum professional requirements (e.g. professional registration, qualifications, professional insurance),  works with your age group (e.g. child, adolescent, adults, older adults) and has expertise in the area you are seeking help for. However, the therapeutic relationship is really important and therefore look for someone who feels a good fit for you. 

In addition, there is a wide range of therapy approaches, some are better for particular issues, and some are more suited to you as an individual. Each therapist has either one specific approach or uses a range of approaches. This may also influence your choice of therapist.  

The choice of person may also depend on price. Generally speaking, Psychiatrists and Psychologists have the highest rates, but all professional fees tend to increase with years of experience and expertise. Some may also offer discounted rates. Sessions also tend to be 50 minutes on a weekly basis, but some may offer different session lengths and different regularity (e.g. fortnightly, monthly, etc.). 

Below is a link Professional Standards Register and your therapist should be registered with the relevant professional body. You can check if they are on the required register here. All you need is the name of the person, the title they practice under (e.g. counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist etc.) and their professional body (e.g. HCPC, BACP, UKCP etc.) to check they are currently registered.