In Plain English
AI-generatedThis Bill would place counsellors and psychotherapists under the regulatory remit of the Health Professionals Council. It would set out rules for registering these professionals, establish the standards they must meet, and create fitness-to-practise processes, with related provisions to support public protection.
Key Points
- The Health Professionals Council would regulate counsellors and psychotherapists under a single statutory framework.
- It would introduce mandatory registration and defined professional standards for these professions.
- It would create fitness-to-practise procedures and disciplinary powers to protect the public.
- It would clarify rules around professional titles, scope of practice, and related matters (the "connected purposes").
- The Bill is currently at Second Reading in the House of Commons and would progress to Committee Stage and further readings if it continues.
Progress
The Bill is at the Second Reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to Committee Stage for detailed scrutiny, followed by Report Stage and Third Reading, before moving to the Lords.
Who is affected?
Counsellors and psychotherapists (including students/trainees)People who use counselling or psychotherapy services (patients/clients)Training providers and higher education institutions offering relevant coursesEmployers in health and social care (e.g., NHS organisations, private clinics, charities)Other regulators or professional bodies connected to mental health care
Generated 21 February 2026
