Getting help in a crisis
If you or someone you're with are in a mental health crisis call us on +44 (0) 1534 445290.
We're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How counselling is regulated
Counselling is not regulated in Jersey and in the UK.
This means that anyone can call themselves a:
However, there are many accrediting bodies in the UK for counsellors and therapists. These bodies make sure therapists meet high standards of training and ethical practice.
Accrediting bodies are not the same as regulators because:
- they don’t have legal powers
- membership with them is voluntary
Accrediting bodies keep lists of their members online. These lists are called accredited registers.
Before you choose a private therapist, you should check that they appear on an accredited register. This gives reassurance that your therapist meets the standards you would expect.
If you have any questions or need guidance, email
careregulation@gov.je.
List of accredited registers
The registers listed below are accredited. This means they are endorsed by the
Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA).
Counsellors or therapists on these registers meet certain standards of training and ethical practice. Accrediting bodies also deal with complaints made against its members.
The 3 largest accrediting bodies in the UK are:
Other accredited registers include:
Accessing free therapy in Jersey
You may be able to see a therapist for free in Jersey at:
Depending on your needs, you can also access other services for mental health.
Free therapy often offers limited sessions and has waiting lists.
The services above make sure their counsellors are highly trained and registered with an accrediting body. They may also have student counsellors who are working towards accreditation.
Accessing private therapy
You can pay for private therapy. This might help you see someone quicker and for longer than an agency.
Before you use a private therapist, you should check that they appear on one of the registers listed above. This ensures the therapist meets the high standards of training and ethical practice that you would expect.
List of accredited registers
You should also ask your therapist:
- what accredited register they’re on
- what training they’ve done
- to tell you about your rights as a client
- how you can raise a concern about the therapy
Therapy titles and what they mean
Find definitions of some professional therapy titles below.
Therapist is a broad term which is not regulated. This means anyone can call themselves a therapist.
Unregulated titles
| Counsellor | A counsellor helps you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours so you can better understand yourself and others. They don't give diagnoses or prescribe medication. Counsellors should be part of an accrediting body. Membership with an accrediting body is voluntary. |
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| Psychotherapist | A psychotherapist offers support through talking therapies and techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). They may deal with more severe mental health issues than a counsellor. They don't give formal diagnoses or prescribe medication. Psychotherapists should be part of an accrediting body. Membership with an accrediting body is voluntary. Psychotherapists are listed on the
Register of Jersey Care Professionals on Jersey Care Commission. |
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| Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) | A PWP helps people with common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. They carry out assessments and offer low-intensity interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). They don't give formal diagnoses or prescribe medication. PWPs should be part of an accrediting body. Membership with an accrediting body is voluntary.
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Regulated titles
Psychologists and psychiatrists are regulated. This means they must be registered with a UK regulator to practise legally
They are highly trained and often have a speciality in mental health.
Psychologist | A psychologist often works in clinical settings. They typically don't prescribe medication. They use various forms of therapy to support their clients, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Psychologists are regulated by the
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). |
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Psychiatrist | A psychiatrist is a highly trained medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. They prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are regulated by the
General Medical Council (GMC).
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gov.je