The UK Government must protect the 'Psychologist' title
In the United Kingdom, a nation that holds its healthcare system as a beacon of national pride, it is a troubling paradox that the title 'psychologist' remains unprotected by law. This legislative oversight puts the public at considerable risk, allowing anyone, regardless of their qualifications, to legally claim they are a psychologist, offering services without adhering to the necessary training, qualification, or ethical standards. When people hear the term ‘psychologist’ they assume this means a person is professionally qualified. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Britain is amidst a mental health crisis. Allowing unqualified and unregulated psychologists to work with the increasing numbers of people needing support, including children who are even more vulnerable, has huge implications for the assessment, intervention and safeguarding of the public.
The Government must legislate the protection and regulation of any use of the psychologist title. We need to ensure that when someone in the UK consults with a psychologist, they are engaging with a professional whose qualifications are indisputable, and the services offered are evidence-based, effective and ethical.
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) enforces rigorous standards for nine distinct types of psychologist, safeguarding titles like 'Clinical Psychologist', 'Counselling Psychologist', ‘Health Psychologist’ and others. Typically, becoming a HCPC registered psychologist can take between seven to nine years which often includes doctoral-level training and supervised clinical practice.
We need any individual who uses the title ‘psychologist’ to be registered with an appropriate regulatory body, ensuring they meet the necessary standards. By establishing clear criteria for who can legally use the title ‘psychologist’, we will be safeguarding the public from potential harm. Considering the success of legal protections for the title of 'psychologist' across Australia, Canada and many European nations, the United Kingdom's absence of such regulations stands out as a significant omission leading to widespread confusion and increased risk.
Many individuals have reportedly received inaccurate ADHD diagnoses and harmful interventions, and a senior family court judge has also highlighted the confusion caused by the unregulated use of the title 'psychologist' in court proceedings, particularly when such individuals are appointed as expert witnesses in cases determining child custody. Whilst medical titles are regulated, the lack of protection for ‘psychologist’ can lead to the employment of insufficiently qualified ‘psychologists’ in courts, urging the psychological profession and parliament to impose stricter regulations akin to the medical field.
Broadcasting companies also routinely use unlicensed and unqualified TV psychologists to discuss significant health-related topics to a wide audience. Without the appropriate training, these ‘psychologists’ lack the expertise of a HCPC-registered psychologist, potentially exposing the public to inaccurate information, and as a result, may contribute to harm.
The call for regulatory reform of the UK's protection of the 'psychologist' title continues to grow. With countries like Australia, Canada, and 17 European nations, including Austria, Belgium, and France, already enacting laws to safeguard this title, the benefits are undeniable. These measures not only align professional qualifications with public safety and trust but also significantly bolster the integrity and quality of mental health services.
The UK's lackadaisical approach leaves a notable gap in our healthcare system, serving as a stark reminder of the need for the UK to update its standards and align with those of its European counterparts. Australia’s national law ensures that when a member of the public receives services from a psychologist, they can be assured that the psychologist meets the competence requirements to practice safely, which is enforced by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. This exemplifies a gold standard for professional regulation, offering the UK a model for effective legislative protection.
It's high time for the UK Government to embrace these reforms, drawing lessons from international successes. Protecting the 'psychologist' title transcends professional regulation; it's about safeguarding public health and upholding the integrity of mental health care. The Government must address this public health imperative.
Our goal is clear: to ensure that when someone in the UK consults with a psychologist, they are engaging with a professional whose qualifications are indisputable, and the services offered are evidence-based, effective and ethical. That’s why we started this petition. By protecting the psychologist title, we will protect the public.
Written in Collaboration with Dr Ashleigh Dale, Dr Marianne Trent, Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo, Dr Jade Thomas.
Bradley Powell is a Trainee Clinical Psychologist, working across the NHS in the North Thames region. He is due to complete his University of London Doctorate of Clinical Psychology in September 2024.
