We are pleased to see that the BBC have recently tackled the issue of unregulated therapists in the UK.
In I Can Cure You: Online Mental Health Cures, Jordan Dunbar explores online mental health treatments.
Jordan interviews three individuals who have had negative experiences with unregulated therapists, two of whom sought online treatment for their OCD.
One of the things that emerged from the documentary was that finding a therapist for OCD and related conditions can be really challenging. Throughout the pandemic, NHS waiting times have reached record levels, and more and more people are struggling to access the treatment they need.
This has led many to seek private treatment online. There are many credible, regulated online options out there, but, as the documentary explores, it is currently not illegal for anybody to call themselves a therapist, so it’s really important to do some research on whether your prospective therapist has the right qualifications and is accredited by a regulatory body.
Finding a therapist can be a confusing and time-consuming process. We often hear from service users that they don’t know what exactly to look out for. In the documentary, Baroness Jolly tells the House of Lords: “Research has shown that less than two thirds of patients are aware of whether or not their therapist is a member of a professional body.”
This is why we created a resource on what to look for in a therapist. We also have a resource on good quality CBT with ERP. We encourage anybody who is seeking therapy, whether through the NHS or privately, to give these information resources a read.
As well as our information resources, our Next Steps service provides support to people who are currently receiving or soon to be receiving CBT with ERP. Through Next Steps, you are paired up with a volunteer from the Helpline, who you will speak to over 4 or 5 calls throughout your course of therapy.
Next Steps can support you in three main ways:
• Help you to know what to expect, so you can be sure you are getting the right help
• Help you be honest with your therapist by providing a space to talk through the things you’re having trouble opening up about
• Encouragement – this might be reminding you how far you’ve come, cheering you on, and talking through your worries or frustrations.
Crucially, Next Steps provides the opportunity to discuss any concerns about the therapy you are receiving or the therapist who is treating you. Our volunteers are trained to know what good therapy should look like, and are able to provide information and support if you have any particular issues.
I Can Cure You: Online Mental Health Cures is available to watch in the UK via BBC iPlayer.
If you have any questions about any of the issues tackled in the documentary, remember that you can always give our Helpline a call on 0300 636 5478.