Steven Harris urges caution when seeking mental health support.
Credit: Zoonar GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo
As more companies and individuals seek mental health support in the UK, the risk of encountering unqualified or even fraudulent practitioners grows. ‘Fake’ psychologists and psychotherapists who lack the proper qualifications or accreditations now pose a significant risk to unsuspecting clients, and particularly to those in vulnerable positions. Fortunately, there are several checks that help you find credible, qualified professionals.
I would like to start by highlighting the importance of verifying that a potential practitioner is registered and accredited. Licensed psychologists are typically registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), while organisations like the British Psychological Society and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy oversee psychotherapists and counsellors. Those bodies all maintain free searchable online registries so you can independently check a person’s professional credentials.
Suitably qualified psychologists and psychotherapists typically hold advanced degrees in psychology or related fields, along with specialised training in therapeutic practices as part of their continuous professional development (CPD). Be cautious if a practitioner cannot provide clear, verifiable qualifications or give you details of their CPD. They should also be able to tell you about their ‘supervised practice’, which is when they work under an experienced supervisor, which is critical for their safe, ethical, and effective practises.
Another characteristic of qualified psychologists or psychotherapists is their ability to clearly explain their approach and its theoretical foundations. A competent practitioner will be able to describe their therapeutic method, whether cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, or another evidence-based approach. Legitimate practitioners are transparent about their methods and establish realistic expectations, which is all part of their ethical standards, which include their fees. Be cautious if a practitioner asks for prepayment as ethical guidelines from professional bodies discourage such practices. If you are uneasy about a fee structure, trust your instincts and get a second opinion.
Also, pay attention to the language that is used as some job titles that you would expect to be legally protected are not. Titles such as: therapist, counsellor, wellbeing, wellness, behavioural therapist, psychological therapist, and lots more do not require any formal qualifications or registrations with an official body. While some practitioners may have relevant training, the titles certainly do not guarantee it, so do some checking.
Finally, recommendations from reliable sources are gold, but online reviews can be deliberately misleading. If in doubt, ask a GP or a respected and established health professional. By verifying qualifications and accreditations, and being aware of ethical practice, you can confidently select a practitioner who can effectively help you address an incredibly important part of your health.
Do yourself a favour and invest the effort that is needed to ensure you engage the right practitioner, that certainly won’t be wasted time.
Steven Harris from Integrity HSE will be part of a panel discussing the next generation of OSH professionals at Anticipate London, on Tuesday 3 December at 3pm. Click here to register for the event.
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