A Sky News investigation has exposed a dangerous loophole in UK mental health care, where anyone can legally call themselves a therapist, counsellor, or psychotherapist without formal training, qualifications, or statutory oversight.
"I Stopped Caring About Me": A Patient's Distressing Ordeal
Kira Mitchell, 35, was assigned a therapist by the NHS following a family bereavement. Initially bonding over shared interests, the relationship quickly deteriorated as the therapist blurred all professional boundaries.
"We spoke every day... whether it was Facetime, messaging, or calling," Kira recounted. "I stopped caring about me. I had anxiety and my aim was to help her. I was suicidal for sure, and I did express that to her regularly."
The therapist began divulging intense personal details, including saying a family member's death "should have been her." Kira was left feeling responsible for her therapist's wellbeing. "I felt anxiety around her, I was so concerned about her wellbeing... it was my therapist who is supposed to be looking after me."
After Kira reported the behaviour, the therapist was dismissed by the NHS. However, she continues to practice privately, advertising online with no public record of the incident, highlighting the systemic failure in accountability.
A Legal Grey Zone with Fatal Consequences
In the UK, titles like 'therapist' or 'counsellor' are not legally protected. This means individuals can practice even after serious misconduct, with no guarantee of competence. Research by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and YouGov reveals public confusion:
- 48% of Britons mistakenly believe 'therapist' is a regulated title like doctor or dentist.
- Nearly 90% are unaware there are no regulations around the title.
The lack of statutory regulation has had tragic outcomes. In December 2024, so-called "slapping therapist" Hongchi Xiao was jailed for 10 years after a diabetic woman died following one of his workshops. In a separate civil case in 2024, Ella Janneh won damages after being sexually assaulted by therapist Michael Lousada during a session.
Labour MP Dawn Butler, who attended Janneh's case, stated: "This has to be a regulated industry. It's such an abuse of power and of someone's vulnerability."
Mounting Pressure for Change
Demand for mental health support has surged post-pandemic, with NHS services in England receiving a record 5.2 million referrals in 2024. This boom, coupled with the rise of therapy apps and social media 'therapy-speak', has amplified risks.
Maryam Meddin, founder of The Soke, shared her own experience with an unregulated therapist who made breakfast and divulged confidential information about a mutual acquaintance during a session, later asking for a lift to Selfridges.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the concerns: "I'm always open to looking at this... We need to make sure that people can't be duped." Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, warned: "We've seen some tragic cases... I fear more people will die."
While voluntary registers like the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) exist, they are not mandatory. The UKCP urges the public to choose practitioners from PSA-accredited registers, which offer independent assurance and routes for redress.
The UK has not seriously considered regulating the profession since 2010, when discussions under the Labour government stalled. Today, with the landscape transformed, patients' safety often hinges solely on the individual ethics of practitioners, leaving the public largely unaware of the risks they are taking with their mental health.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.
