The head of a leading mental health charity has called for “stricter oversight” of private therapy practices in Jersey amid concerns that unregulated counselling services could be putting some vulnerable islanders "at risk".
Patricia Tumelty, CEO of Mind Jersey, explained that while psychotherapists must register with the Jersey Care Commission as a regulated professional, counsellors are not subject to the same requirements.
Psychotherapists typically work with complex and long-term mental health issues, while counsellors generally provide short-term support for specific challenges.
Dr Tumelty explained that this regulatory gap means that private counselling practices in Jersey operate without formal oversight – which could leave patients vulnerable to receiving care from professionals lacking the necessary experience and training.
Pictured: Patricia Tumelty is the CEO of local mental health charity Mind Jersey.
“There is a need for stricter oversight of private therapy practices in Jersey,” the mental health expert said.
“As a result, some people may not be getting the right level of skills, experience and knowledge that they require and may be expecting.”
When making this point, Dr Tumelty stressed the importance of recognising the distinction between counsellors who are members of professional bodies, such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and those who achieve full accreditation.
She explained that accredited counsellors are required to meet “rigorous” standards, including at least three years of supervised experience, continuous professional development, and regular reassessments.
Deputy Tom Coles also raised the issue of unregulated counselling practices in the States Assembly last week and highlighted the risks to the public – particularly those seeking specialised support.
He said: “With the rise in mental health issues within the island, it is imperative that we ensure that people who are offering services are qualified for what they advertise.”
Pictured: Deputy Tom Coles also raised the issue of unregulated counselling practices in the States Assembly last week.
Deputy Coles, who is married to a qualified counsellor, said he became aware of the issue through social media.
He noticed that some local counsellors were promoting specialised services – such as couples therapy, family therapy, and neurodivergence support.
While a Level 4 diploma is the minimum qualification to practise counselling, further training is often recommended before delivering these specialised services.
However, he explained that without regulation, there is no legal requirement for counsellors to meet these higher standards.
"My worry is this, people who have finally plucked up the courage or found a moment they choose to go for help, end up with someone not trained to deal with their situation," he added.
"This would lead them either down the road in their treatment or think therapy doesn't work and give up, or worse."
The Jersey Care Commission clarified the legal framework in a statement provided to Express.
The health watchdog explained that counselling is not a protected or registrable profession under Jersey law.
While psychotherapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and appear on the Jersey Care Commission’s professional register, no such requirement exists for counsellors.
Pictured: Counselling is not a protected or registrable profession under the Health Care (Registration) (Jersey) Law 1995.
A spokesperson from the Jersey Care Commission said: “Under the Health Care (Registration) Law, psychotherapists are recognised as a registrable occupation, and the Jersey Care Commission maintains a register to ensure that all registered psychotherapists working in Jersey are also registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
“Counselling, however, is not a protected or registrable profession under the Health Care (Registration) (Jersey) Law 1995.”
The spokesperson added that, while there are plans to regulate Government mental health services by 2025, there are no immediate plans to introduce oversight for private counselling practices.
The lack of regulation has also garnered attention on social media, where members of the public have shared concerns about the qualifications of some private therapists.
One islander described difficulties making a formal complaint against a private therapist and warned that unqualified individuals may be providing therapy for children and young people.
Others in the comment section urged the public to check whether counsellors are registered with governing bodies such as BACP or UKCP before accessing services.
If you have been affected by unregulated therapy practices or wish to share your experience anonymously, Express is happy to speak in confidence – send an email to editor@bailiwickexpress.com.
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