Find a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Therapist

What Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration means

The Health and Care Professions Council is the statutory regulator for a range of health and care professions in the United Kingdom. When a therapist is HCPC registered, it means they have met specific standards of training, competence and professional behaviour set by the regulator. These standards cover education, practical skills, ethical conduct and ongoing development, so registration offers an assurance that the individual has completed recognised training and maintains professional practice requirements.

Registration is not simply a one-off certificate. HCPC registrants must keep their professional knowledge and skills up to date through continuing professional development and remain eligible to practise under the regulator's standards. If concerns arise about a practitioner, HCPC has processes to investigate and, where necessary, apply restrictions. This regulatory framework gives patients and clients a clear route for checking a practitioner’s background and raising issues if practice falls below expected standards.

Education and training required for HCPC registration

To register with the HCPC, a practitioner normally completes an accredited programme of study. Many HCPC-registered therapists hold postgraduate qualifications at masters or doctoral level, particularly practitioner psychologists and arts therapists. Training typically includes supervised clinical placements, theoretical study and assessed practical competence. After initial qualification, new registrants must demonstrate a pattern of professional development to remain on the register.

The HCPC requires evidence that a practitioner meets the Standards of Proficiency for their profession. These standards set out the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to practise safely and effectively. You can expect an HCPC-registered therapist to have completed regulated training, to be subject to professional regulation, and to participate in continuing professional development activities that keep their skills current.

What a HCPC-registered therapist is qualified to do compared with other registration types

HCPC registration covers a range of professions that may offer therapeutic support. Practitioner psychologists registered with the HCPC often work in assessment, formulation and psychological intervention within their scope of practice. Arts therapists who are HCPC registered offer therapy using creative modalities such as art, music or drama, and they will have specialist training in those approaches. Other regulated roles may include occupational therapists who support functional recovery and adaptation, or speech and language therapists who address communication needs, each bringing a professional framework governed by HCPC standards.

It is important to note that other recognised professional bodies also register therapists in the UK, such as counselling and psychotherapy organisations. Those registers have their own standards and complaint procedures. Choosing an HCPC-registered practitioner can be particularly relevant if you want a clinician who has trained in a regulated health profession with statutory oversight. However, HCPC registration does not automatically make one therapist a better fit than another; the right match depends on your needs, the practitioner’s specialism and their therapeutic approach.

Common specialities and treatment areas for HCPC therapists

HCPC-registered therapists work across a broad range of specialisms. You will find practitioners who focus on mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and stress-related difficulties, often using evidence-based psychological interventions. Practitioner psychologists may offer assessments for neurodevelopmental differences and work in forensic, health, educational or occupational settings. Arts therapists apply creative processes to emotional and relational issues, and occupational therapists often specialise in helping people adapt to illness, injury or changes in functional ability. Speech and language therapists address communication and swallowing concerns that can affect mental wellbeing.

When you are searching, look for information about a therapist’s area of interest and clinical experience. Many HCPC-registered professionals combine clinical expertise with work in multidisciplinary teams, which can be helpful if you need joined-up care or referrals to other services.

How to verify a HCPC registration

Verifying registration is straightforward and important. You can check a practitioner’s details on the HCPC online register by searching for their name, registration number or professional title. The register shows whether registration is current and lists any conditions on practice or restrictions. If you are speaking with a therapist directly, you can ask for their HCPC registration number and the exact professional title they use. Confirming these details gives you reassurance that the practitioner’s registration is valid and that they are practising within the regulated framework.

If a registration appears to have restrictions or is not current, you should ask the practitioner to explain the circumstances and consider seeking an alternative. You are entitled to this information and to make an informed choice about who you see for therapy.

Benefits of choosing a HCPC-registered therapist

Choosing a HCPC-registered therapist brings several practical benefits. Registration confirms that the practitioner has met national standards of training and professional conduct, and it means they are subject to a statutory regulator with clear expectations for ongoing practice. This includes requirements for continuing professional development, record-keeping and adherence to professional standards. If you have concerns about a practitioner’s conduct or fitness to practise, HCPC provides a formal complaints and review process. That regulatory oversight creates an additional level of accountability compared with settings without statutory registration.

Another advantage is transparency. HCPC registration records often list professional qualifications and regulated titles, helping you compare practitioners by background and scope of practice. The regulator’s standards and guidance also help ensure therapists are prepared to manage safeguarding and ethical responsibilities when working with clients.

Tips for finding the right HCPC therapist for your needs

Begin by clarifying what you want from therapy - whether you need short-term support for a specific issue, long-term psychological therapy, or a clinically focused assessment. Once you know your goals, search for HCPC-registered practitioners whose specialisms and approaches align with them. Read practitioner profiles carefully to learn about their training, therapeutic approaches and experience with particular client groups.

Ask practical questions before you book. Check whether the therapist offers face-to-face appointments in your area, remote sessions, or a mix of both. Inquire about fees, cancellations and what to expect in an initial consultation. It is reasonable to ask for the practitioner’s registration number and professional title so you can verify details on the HCPC register. You should also find out how the therapist reviews progress and whether they work with other professionals when specialist input is needed.

When you have a first appointment, use it to judge how comfortable you feel with the therapist’s style and whether their approach feels suited to you. Good therapeutic outcomes often depend on the relationship you develop, so trust your instincts when assessing whether a practitioner is a good match. If something does not feel right, it is acceptable to seek a different therapist or to ask for a referral to someone with different expertise.

Final considerations

HCPC registration is an important indicator of professional training and accountability for many therapists working in the UK. It gives you a clear way to verify qualifications and to understand the scope of a practitioner’s practice. At the same time, registration is one factor among many when choosing therapy - your personal needs, the therapeutic approach, practical arrangements and the working relationship all matter. By combining verification on the HCPC register with careful consideration of specialisms and an initial consultation, you can make an informed decision about the HCPC-registered therapist who is right for you.