British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Professional bodies explained
About BACP
BACP is one of the largest professional bodies for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK, setting standards for training, ethical practice, and professional development.
It's also one of the core partners in the SCoPEd framework, a UK-wide initiative developed collaboratively by leading professional bodies to clarify training standards and scope of practice across counselling and psychotherapy.
Why BACP registration matters
BACP plays a central role in shaping standards across the counselling and psychotherapy profession in the UK, maintaining a national voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Because counselling is not statutorily regulated in the UK, BACP plays a central role in shaping standards across the counselling and psychotherapy profession in the UK, maintaining a national voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
BACP Membership signals that a practitioner has completed recognised training, follows an established ethical framework, and is committed to ongoing supervision and CPD.
For many practitioners, joining BACP is a key step in building credibility and progressing within the profession.
For trainees and career changers
If you're exploring a career in counselling or psychotherapy, understanding how professional bodies fit into training and registration can make the process much clearer.
Training and recognised qualifications
BACP set their own standards for training in counselling and psychotherapy as there are no compulsory training courses or qualifications for therapists. Most employers look for practitioners with professional qualifications accredited by a professional association.
Student membership and early entry routes
BACP offers student membership options for those currently in training. This allows you to engage with the profession early, access ethical frameworks, and begin understanding progression routes before applying for the professional register.
How this affects employability
Many employers reference BACP registration or working towards accreditation as part of the role requirements, particularly in charities, education, and entry-level roles. Being aligned with a recognised professional body can support trust, supervision pathways, and career development.
For qualified practitioners
For qualified counsellors and psychotherapists, BACP provides a structured professional framework that supports credibility, development, and progression throughout your career.
Membership and registration
BACP offers several membership levels based on training, experience, and scope of practice. Many practitioners join the BACP Register as registered members (MBACP) after completing Level 4 training, with opportunities to progress through accredited and senior accredited status over time.
Accreditation and progression
Accreditation is often used as a marker of experience and professional development within the field. Some roles, supervisory pathways, and specialist positions may prefer or require accredited status.
Professional support and recognition
Beyond registration, BACP provides ongoing ethical guidance, CPD expectations, and supervision frameworks.
News from BACP
Find updates on professional practice, public policy, and workforce developments in press releases, statements and news for BACP members.
Create your harmonia profile
Whether you're working towards becoming a counsellor or psychotherapist, or you're already registered with BACP, you can create a free Harmonia profile and join our growing practitioner CV database.
Build a professional profile that reflects your training experience working with mental health, helping employers understand your background more clearly.