In April, we wrote to Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State for Care, to raise concerns about comments he made at the Pulse LIVE conference in March. We asked for clarification on his remarks regarding diagnoses being given out by the private independent sector, his view that these were not rooted in clinical expertise and on the Government’s position on the regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists.

We highlighted that counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK are not permitted to diagnose mental health conditions, and emphasised the importance of involving professionals, service users, and stakeholders in any discussions around statutory regulation.

We have now received a response from Baroness Merron, Minister for Mental Health, who clarified that:
‣ The Government currently has no plans to extend statutory regulation to psychotherapists and counsellors.
‣ Statutory regulation will only be introduced where risks to public safety cannot be mitigated by other means.
‣ The Government supports the current model of accredited voluntary registration via the Professional Standards Authority.

PCU will continue to respond to any further developments or press coverage around the regulation of our profession. We remain committed to representing the voices of practising therapists and safeguarding both the public and the integrity of our profession. We stand up for therapists and therapy.