7 Aug 2025 ● Harmonia Careers
Working as a Mental Health Professional in the UK: A Guide for Overseas Applicants
If you're a qualified mental health professional living outside of the UK and dreaming of moving here to work as a counsellor, psychotherapist, CBT therapist, or Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP), you're not alone. The UK is currently experiencing a growing demand for qualified mental health professionals, especially within the NHS (National Health Service), making it an attractive destination for international applicants.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- The types of roles available
- Where to find jobs
- Visa and sponsorship options
- Professional registration and qualifications
- Tips for improving your chances
Understanding the UK mental health job market
The UK mental health system spans both the public and private sectors, but the National Health Service (NHS) is the largest employer of mental health professionals.
Within the NHS, most counsellors and therapists work in an NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression Service (formerly known as IAPT), which creates a high demand for:
- Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs)
- High Intensity CBT Therapists
- Counsellors and Psychotherapists
Private practices, charities, and EAP providers also offer opportunities, though most international applicants focus their energy on finding a role in the NHS, particularly because it can offer visa sponsorship and structured support.
Do these type of role qualify for a UK Work Visa?
Yes – but with some caveats.
Skilled Worker Visa
Most psychological roles in the UK fall under the Health and Care Worker visa, which is part of the Skilled Worker route. This visa is available to overseas professionals working in eligible health and care occupations.
Eligible roles include:
- Psychologist (including CBT therapists with psychology degrees)
- Psychotherapists
- Counsellors (training as Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner)
- Social Workers
- Nurses and mental health practitioners
💡 Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) roles are not always directly listed on the shortage occupation list, but some NHS Trusts may still sponsor them if they align with broader mental health roles. You will able to find out if the role you want to apply for will offer sponsorship by looking at the vacancy details, usually found on the NHS Jobs website.
Do UK employers offer relocation packages?
Some NHS Trusts and private clinics may offer:
- Visa sponsorship
- Relocation support (flights, accommodation, settling-in allowance)
- Support with HCPC registration (if applicable)
Relocation support is more common for:
- CBT therapists with BABCP accreditation
- Clinical and counselling psychologists
- High intensity therapists
- Qualified PWPs with previous IAPT experience
Professional Registration and Accreditation
Depending on your role, you may need to register with a UK professional body. This is particularly re
🔹 Counsellors / Psychotherapists
- BACP – British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
- UKCP – UK Council for Psychotherapy
- NCPS – National Counselling Society
These are voluntary registers but highly valued by employers as they have registers accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
🔹 CBT Therapists
BABCP – British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
Full accreditation is often required for NHS high intensity roles.
🔹 Psychologists
HCPC – Health and Care Professions Council
Mandatory for Clinical, Counselling, Educational, and Health Psychologists
🔹 PWPs
- Must have completed a PWP training course approved by the BPS - British Psychological Society.
- International qualifications may not always be accepted, but some employers may offer training places with sponsorship.
Tip: You can check your qualifications on the UK ENIC website
What if you’re not yet accredited in the UK?
If you're not yet accredited or registered, and you're serious about moving to the UK to work, it's highly recommended that you:
- Start your application with the relevant UK body as soon as possible
- Employers may still consider your application if you’re working towards accreditation or have equivalent international qualifications.
- Some NHS Trusts offer trainee PWP or CBT therapist roles with training, which include visa sponsorship.
Top Tips to boost your chances
- Tailor your CV to UK standards
- Highlight any experience in CBT or NHS-style services
- Include accreditation progress in your application
- Look into TIER 2 visa licensed sponsors (you can find an updated list on gov.uk)
- Get your qualifications assessed (e.g. via UK ENIC or a relevant professional body)
- Be flexible on location – many rural or underserved areas are more likely to sponsor international applicants.
Final thoughts: Is it worth it?
Absolutely – if you plan ahead and target the right roles. The UK mental health sector offers rewarding opportunities for overseas professionals, especially those committed to evidence-based therapies like CBT and who are open to working within NHS Talking Therapies.
By focusing on professional registration, applying for roles that sponsor visas, and understanding the structure of mental health services in the UK, you can successfully make the move and start a fulfilling career in a country that values mental health more than ever.
