5 Aug 2025 ● Harmonia Careers
How to get a UK remote therapy job while living abroad
The rise of remote mental health services has opened up global opportunities for qualified professionals. If you're a counsellor or psychotherapist living outside the UK, you might be wondering: Can I work with a UK-based therapy service from abroad?
The answer is yes — UK-based companies are hiring qualified professionals from around the world to meet the rising demand for mental health services. To succeed, you’ll need to meet UK standards, understand the registration landscape, and know where and how to apply.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do it.
Why work remotely for a UK-Based therapy service?
- High demand for qualified therapists
- Flexible hours from anywhere in the world
- Exposure to diverse client needs and cultural perspectives
- Opportunity to build an international practice
But competition is growing — so preparation is key.
Can you work remotely for a UK-based company from abroad?
Yes, many UK-based organisations now hire international therapists to provide online counselling and psychotherapy. This includes private practices and NHS-backed digital health platforms.
However, even if you live overseas, you’ll still be expected to:
- Follow UK clinical and ethical standards
- Register with a UK-recognised professional body that is on an accredited register recognised by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
- Secure appropriate insurance and handle international taxes
Step-by-Step: How to Get a UK-Based Remote Therapy Job While Living Abroad
1. Check if You’re Eligible
Before applying, make sure you meet the basic requirements expected by UK employers:
- Recognised counselling or psychotherapy qualification
- Registration (or eligibility to register) with a UK professional body
- Fluent English communication skills
- Stable internet and secure workspace
- Familiarity with remote therapy platforms and ethical practice
2. Get registered with a UK Professional Body
Most employers want you to be registered with a UK-based professional organisation — ideally one that’s on an accredited register with the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Top professional bodies include:
- BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
- BPC (British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC)
- CBT Register UK (AREBT & BABCP)
- NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society)
- UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy)
Tip: If you're not yet registered, start the process early — many applications can be submitted from abroad.
3. Make sure your qualification matches UK standards
UK employers often look for training equivalent to Level 4 – 7 on the UK framework, such as:
- Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Level 4)
- BA/BSc in Psychology or Counselling (Level 6)
- MA/MSc in Psychotherapy, Counselling Psychology, or related (Level 7)
If you're unsure, compare your qualification via ENIC (previously NARIC), the UK's national agency for international qualification recognition.
You’ll also need to show:
- Supervised practice hours
- Clinical placement details
- Training in ethics, safeguarding, and mental health theory
4. Secure International Insurance
You’ll need professional indemnity insurance that:
- Covers you to work with UK clients
- Is valid in your country of residence
- Covers online/remote work
Many UK employers will ask for proof of this before onboarding.
5. Set up a confidential and professional remote workspace
Your setup should meet UK data protection (GDPR) and professional confidentiality standards.
You could use:
- Encrypted video tools (Zoom for Healthcare, Doxy.me, VSee)
- Secure client notes platforms (e.g., WriteUpp, Jane App, Cliniko)
- Reliable Wi-Fi and a soundproof environment
6. Understand your tax and legal position
You don’t need a UK visa to work remotely if you're based abroad. However:
- You must comply with local employment or self-employment laws
- You’ll likely be classed as self-employed or a contractor
- You’re usually taxed in your country of residence — not the UK
You should check:
- Whether your country has a tax treaty with the UK
- If you need to register as a sole trader or freelancer locally
- If you're required to declare foreign income
Tip: Consult an accountant who understands international freelance income.
7. Prepare your UK-focused CV and Cover Letter
This is your chance to stand out.
You should include:
- Details of your training and registration (or in-progress status)
- Experience with online counselling or psychotherapy
- Cultural awareness and understanding of UK mental health needs
- Time zone and availability during UK hours (GMT/BST)
- Proof of insurance and data protection awarenesshttps://www.harmoniacareers.co.uk/cv-wizard
Tip: Mention any UK-based CPD courses, experience with UK clients, or familiarity with NICE guidelines, safeguarding, or NHS referral pathways.
8. Apply to remote UK-based therapy services
Here are some great places to look:
Job Boards
Tip: search for 'remote counsellor' 'online counsellor' or 'digital mental health'
Online Therapy Platforms
- BetterHelp UK
- HelloSelf
- Kooth
- OneBright
- SelfSpace
Final Thoughts
Landing a UK-based remote therapy role while living overseas is possible — and increasingly common. But it takes preparation: understanding UK standards, getting registered, and presenting yourself as a trustworthy, qualified, and tech-savvy professional.
Whether you're based in Europe, Asia, Africa, or beyond, your skills are valuable. With the right credentials and strategy, you can support UK clients and grow your practice internationally.
