The Health Minister has rejected calls to regulate therapeutic counsellors in Jersey – but has instead pledged to launch a campaign to raise awareness of the risks of unaccredited practitioners.

Deputy Tom Coles had put forward a proposal calling for all counsellors to be legally required to register with the Jersey Care Commission and a recognised UK governing body, such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

The Reform Jersey politician warned that the current lack of oversight leaves vulnerable individuals at risk, with no formal complaints process for those who experience poor or harmful treatment.

But Health Minister Tom Binet said there was little evidence to justify the need for regulation, arguing that the risks posed by unaccredited counsellors in Jersey had not been clearly demonstrated.

“It is not considered at all likely that regulation would be either proportionate, effective or value for money,” he said.

Deputy Binet also warned that increased red tape could cause disruption to mental health services at a time of growing demand, and create challenges in monitoring online counsellors offering digital services from outside the island.

“If Jersey becomes the only place where counselling services are regulated in the British Isles, this could have negative unintended consequences for the island,” he said.

But the Health Minister instead promised to launch a public awareness campaign later this year advising islanders on how to check whether a therapist is accredited. 

The campaign, expected to cost around £5,000, will include online information, social media posts, posters, leaflets, digital adverts, and engagement with mental health organisations to raise awareness of the issue.

Deputy Binet said: “This is a proportionate, non-legislative policy approach to the issue which recognises, and seeks to mitigate, a potential risk to the public posed by unaccredited therapeutic counsellors in Jersey.”

The Minister also pointed to the position of UK accrediting body National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society, which has said that regulation isn’t necessary. 

The organisation warned that unqualified practitioners could still avoid oversight by using alternative titles such as ‘coach’ or ‘hypnotherapist’.

You can read the Health Minister’s full comments here.