About UKCP

The UK Council for Psychotherapy is the leading organisation for psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors in the UK. Alongside offering professional support for our members, we are the leading research, innovation and educational body working to advance psychotherapies for the benefit of all. We regulate the profession and speak up for the importance of psychotherapy. 

Psychotherapy can help us in profound ways, solving immediate issues and transforming how we think, feel and behave. It can unlock our potential by improving our relationship with ourselves and others. This change not only benefits the individuals receiving therapy but also impacts their families, friends, colleagues and communities. 

Find a UKCP-accredited psychotherapist

If you are seeking therapy, you need to make an informed and safe choice. We hold the UK’s national register of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. It only includes practitioners who meet our exacting standards, robust training requirements and abide by our ethical and professional code.

Our trusted experts work privately, in public health and third sector organisations to offer a wide range of psychotherapeutic approaches to the highest standards. They work with children, adults, individuals, couples, families and groups. 

Read more about how to access therapy in the UK.

Train as a UKCP psychotherapist

If you wish to become a psychotherapist, we validate organisations that offer training or accreditation, enabling you to become a member of UKCP.

Membership of UKCP is a trusted hallmark. It demonstrates to potential clients and employers the standards of training and practice achieved. It opens the door to a range of professional services and networks.

Read more about how to train as a psychotherapist.

Increasing access to psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a cost-effective and lasting approach to mental wellness.

We want better access to psychotherapy, regardless of background or circumstance. That’s why we are campaigning to make the array of psychotherapies more widely available and to fund training to widen access to the profession.

We offer a growing bursary scheme and urge policymakers to fund psychotherapy training.

A vital part of our work is explaining what psychotherapy is to help the public and commissioners make informed choices. Our members regularly appear in the national media, talking about the benefits of therapy in everyday life. We also partner with other bodies, including prestigious universities and other sectors, to widen engagement in the art and science of psychotherapy.

UKCP is a values-based community of practitioners and staff committed to transforming lives.

Our register is accredited

Our register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care under its Accredited Registers programme. This programme was set up to provide standards in unregulated health and care occupations.

Accreditation means that we have met the Authority’s demanding standards in the following areas: governance, setting standards, education and training, managing the register, providing information and complaints handling.