How to choose a therapist
This guide is for people looking for a therapist or other registered practitioner in the UK. It covers how to check registration, what a good fit often means, and where NHS and charity routes sit alongside private practice. It is general information, not personal advice.
Not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, call NHS 111, Samaritans free on 116 123, or 999 if life is at risk.
On this hub
- What "a good fit" usually means
- What happens in a first session
- Who does what: the professions on Therapy Circle
- Cognitive behavioural therapy and person-centred therapy
- Finding NHS support: a step-by-step pathway
- Fees, private practice and NHS routes
- Anxiety — first steps
What "a good fit" usually means
People often look for three things together: registration with a recognised body, an approach that matches what they want to work on, and a practical fit (online or in person, fees, availability, language, access).
- Check the register yourself — profiles show the register and registration number. Arts Therapists, Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Practitioner Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists must be on the Health and Care Professions Council register; Psychiatrists are doctors on the General Medical Council register. Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Play Therapists and others are not regulated by law, so look for membership of a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
- Ask about the work — an introduction message can cover experience with your concern, format, waiting time and fees. Clinical arrangements stay between you and the practitioner.
- Other routes — NHS Talking Therapies, Hub of Hope and related services are listed on useful links. You can use those alongside Find.
Finding someone on Therapy Circle
Find lists practitioners who have joined with their register details and chosen to appear publicly. You can send a private introduction request; email addresses are not shown on profiles. Sessions and fees are arranged directly with the practitioner.