American Therapist wanting to open private practice in UK

@jemmanuel2144 Did you ever sort this out? I'm currently working on my master's degree and hoping to find work in the UK once I finish it and become licensed as an LPC here in the states. I'm having a hard time finding suitable job titles to search that could provide sponsorship, and haven't found a way to move there and open a practice that would let me stay longer than the standard 6 months.

    @jemmanuel2144 Did you ever sort this out? I'm currently working on my master's degree and hoping to find work in the UK once I finish it and become licensed as an LPC here in the states. I'm having a hard time finding suitable job titles to search that could provide sponsorship, and haven't found a way to move there and open a practice that would let me stay longer than the standard 6 months.
   

    -@Kustaa

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

The guy you are asking has not logged on in over a year, so I suspect you won't get an answer.

However, the UK Government have some stuff on their website on how you can proceed in the UK; this link will take you straight to it.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

Expat Team

@Kustaa There is no state licensing of therapists in the UK. There are some exceptions, for example Clinical Psychologists require specific qualifications.

However, if you're looking for a job you'll need to be a member of a professional body. The main ones are BACP and UKCP. You'll need to contact them about whether your US qualifications qualify you for membership.

Typical job titles in the UK are counsellor and psychotherapist (higher level of qualification needed).

In terms of employers for therapists, the main one is the NHS (British state health service). There are some private employers, for example those providing Employee Assistance Programs or organisations providing services for the NHS. However, EAP jobs don't pay well.

The NHS is very keen on CBT as a modality.

Immigration to the UK is pretty complicated and can be expensive, so I'd consider getting some specialist advice on that. I believe there is a list of shortage occupations but this is definitely not my area!

FYI a lot (maybe the majority) of therapists in the UK work in private practice.

Hope this helps!