Understanding the Difference Between a Psychotherapist and a Psychologist in the UK

Article by Anna Keyter | Photo by Moe Magners

When seeking mental health support, understanding the difference between a psychotherapist and a psychologist in the UK can be confusing. Especially since some psychologists also practice as psychotherapists. Both aim to enhance mental well-being, but their training, qualifications, regulation, and roles differ.

This article clarifies these distinctions within a British context, emphasising the roles of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and addresses the overlap when psychologists practice psychotherapy. It also helps you choose the right professional for your needs. See how we, at Best Online Therapy, understand psychotherapy vs psychology.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, often called “talking therapy,” involves structured conversations between a trained professional and a client to address psychological, emotional, or behavioural challenges. It fosters insight into thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, equipping clients with coping strategies to navigate difficulties and improve quality of life.

Supported by extensive research, often endorsed by the BPS, psychotherapy is effective for conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.

It can be delivered in formats such as:

• Individual therapy: Tailored one-to-one sessions.
• Group therapy: Supportive discussions for shared concerns.
• Couples therapy: Focused on relationship dynamics.
• Family therapy: Addressing family communication and issues.

Approaches include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, person-centred therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions, chosen based on client needs and therapist expertise.

The Role of a Psychotherapist

Psychotherapists are trained to deliver psychotherapy, typically holding qualifications in fields like counselling, psychology, social work, or specific psychotherapy disciplines.

In the UK, psychotherapy is self-regulated, with voluntary registration through bodies like the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) signalling professionalism and ethical standards.

Psychotherapists work in settings such as private practice, NHS services, charities, or schools, providing a safe, empathetic space for clients to explore emotions, resolve conflicts, and build resilience. They do not prescribe medication but may collaborate with psychiatrists or GPs when medication is needed. For example, a psychotherapist may use CBT to address anxiety, referring the client to a psychiatrist for medication if necessary.

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour, covering areas like cognition, emotions, personality, and social interactions.

Subfields include:

• Cognitive Psychology: Studies mental processes like memory and problem-solving.
• Social Psychology: Examines social influences on behaviour.
• Developmental Psychology: Explores human growth across the lifespan.
• Clinical Psychology: Focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.
• Neuropsychology: Investigates brain-behaviour relationships.

The BPS, one of the UK’s leading bodies for psychologists, accredits training programs and promotes evidence-based practice. Psychological research, conducted in universities or clinical settings, informs interventions, educational strategies, and policies.

The Role of a Psychologist

Psychologists in the UK typically hold advanced degrees, such as a master’s (MSc) or doctorate (e.g., Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, DClinPsy), often including a research dissertation. To use protected titles like “Clinical Psychologist,” “Counselling Psychologist,” they must register with the HCPC. The title “Chartered Psychologist” is also protected, and you need to belong to the BPS to hold that title. This ensures rigorous standards of training and ethics. The BPS accredits programs and supports professional development.

HCPC and BPS Psychologists specialise in areas like:

• Registered Psychologist
• Clinical Psychologist
• Practitioner Psychologist.
• Counselling Psychologist
• Occupational Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Health Psychologist
• Sport and Exercise Psychologist
• Educational Psychologist

BPS Register of Psychologists:

• Media Production Psychologists
• Coaching Psychologists
• Psychologists Specialising in Psychotherapy
• Clinical Neuropsychologists
• Gender Diversity Specialist Register

Psychologists conduct assessments, administer standardised tests, and deliver evidence-based therapies. For example, a clinical psychologist might diagnose OCD using DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria and develop a CBT-based treatment plan. They work in NHS trusts, private practices, or multidisciplinary teams.

Psychologists Practising as Psychotherapists

Many psychologists, especially in clinical or counselling psychology, are trained in psychotherapy and may practice as psychotherapists, blending scientific expertise with therapeutic skills.

For instance, a counselling psychologist may deliver person-centred therapy, similar to a psychotherapist. These professionals are HCPC-registered, with a strong foundation in psychological science, including diagnostics and research. The BPS recognises this overlap, and many psychologists pursue additional psychotherapy training and register as psychologists specialising in psychotherapy. These psychologists can offer a unique blend of evidence-based interventions and therapeutic techniques.

Key Differences Between Psychologists and Psychotherapists in the UK

The table below summarises key distinctions, including when psychologists practice psychotherapy:

Aspect	Psychologist	Psychotherapist
Qualifications	Postgraduate degree (e.g., MSc, DClinPsy), often with a research dissertation.	Qualification in psychotherapy or related fields (e.g., counselling).
Protected Titles	“Clinical Psychologist,” “Counselling Psychologist,” “Chartered Psychologist.”	“Psychotherapist” is not protected; UKCP/BACP registration signals credibility.
Scope of Practice	Includes clinical, counselling, educational, or neuropsychology; many practice psychotherapy.	Focuses on psychotherapeutic approaches (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic).
Diagnosis	Trained to diagnose using DSM-5/ICD-11 criteria.	May assess and formulate, but focuses on lived experiences rather than formal diagnosis.
Regulation	HCPC-regulated; BPS accredits training.	Self-regulated; voluntary UKCP/BACP registration.
Training Requirements	3–6 years of postgraduate training, including supervised practice (e.g., 1500 hours for clinical psychologists).	Varies; typically 750–1000 hours of supervised psychotherapy.

Notes on Diagnosis

HCPC-registered psychologists, particularly in clinical or counselling roles, are trained to diagnose mental health conditions using standardised criteria (DSM-5/ICD-11). Psychotherapists, especially UKCP-registered ones, may assess and formulate based on a client’s social and cultural context, but often prioritise understanding experiences over formal diagnosis.

Psychologists practising psychotherapy integrate diagnostic and therapeutic skills, ensuring an evidence-based approach, as supported by the BPS.

Choosing the Right Professional

Consider these factors when selecting a professional:

• Qualifications and Regulation: Verify HCPC registration or a Chartered Psychologist registered at BPS. Also, check UKCP/BACP membership for psychotherapists. The BPS directory lists qualified psychologists.
• Experience and Specialisation: Ensure expertise matches your needs (e.g., trauma-focused therapy for PTSD).
• Therapeutic Approach: Choose a method (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic) that aligns with your preferences.
• Supervision and Development: Confirm practitioners engage in regular supervision and CPD, as required by HCPC, BPS, UKCP, or BACP.

Access professionals through NHS services (e.g., IAPT via your GP), private practices, or charities like Mind.

Conclusion

In the UK, psychologists and psychotherapists both support mental health, with an overlap when psychologists practice psychotherapy. HCPC-registered psychologists, using titles like “Chartered Psychologist,” offer scientific expertise in therapy, supported by the BPS. Psychotherapists, often UKCP- or BACP-registered, focus on therapeutic relationships.

Psychologists practising psychotherapy combine both skill sets. Choose a professional based on qualifications, experience, and approach, using HCPC, BPS, UKCP, or BACP directories or GP referrals to find the right fit.

Feel free to contact our professional counsellors.

References:

• British Psychological Society
• Health and Care Professions Council
• UKCP – What is psychotherapy