Art Psychotherapists Already Regulated in UK, Unlike Other Therapists
UKPulse Health Desk
Art psychotherapists are a statutorily regulated profession in the UK, overseen by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This distinguishes them from counsellors and psychotherapists, whose professional registration is currently voluntary.
- Art psychotherapists are statutorily regulated in the UK by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- The HCPC regulates 15 health and care professions, including arts therapists such as art, drama, and music therapists.
- The titles 'art therapist' and 'art psychotherapist' are legally protected, requiring practitioners to meet HCPC standards.
Art psychotherapists are already a statutorily regulated profession in the UK, according to Elizabeth Donnelly, chief executive officer of the British Association of Art Therapists. They are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The HCPC oversees 15 health and care professions, which include arts therapists such as art psychotherapists, art therapists, drama therapists, and music therapists. The titles 'art therapist' and 'art psychotherapist' are legally protected.
Practitioners in these fields must meet HCPC registration requirements, standards of proficiency, conduct, ethics, and continuing professional development. This regulatory position differs from that of counsellors and psychotherapists, whose professional registration is currently voluntary.
Why this matters: This distinction highlights that some therapeutic professions already have statutory regulation, which ensures public protection and professional accountability.
What this means for you: If you are seeking therapy, this information clarifies that art psychotherapists, drama therapists, and music therapists are subject to statutory regulation, unlike counsellors and psychotherapists whose registration is currently voluntary.