Counselling Insurance

Counsellors and psychotherapists work closely with their clients by talking about what’s on their mind, making this easy to complete on a mobile basis if you don’t have your own office. You may even be able to do this over the phone or via video chat if you or your client can’t physically meet for any reason.

Counsellors and psychotherapists need to have the right insurance policies in place to ensure that they are covered against claims made against them. Public liability, financial loss, and malpractice cover are all included as standard with Holistic Gold insurance policies. Public liability insurance offers protection in case a claim is made against you for any damage made to a client or their property. These claims have the potential to be very costly, depending on the damage the client is claiming for. Financial loss insurance provides cover if your client or a member of the public suffers any financial loss as a direct result of your treatments. The disgruntled client may not accept a refund of their money, and may instead make a claim against you for their lost earnings, which you will have to pay for, and this cover will ensure that you’re financially protected and are not left footing the bill yourself. Malpractice cover protects you against any claims made against you as a direct result of the counsellor and psychotherapy service you offer to your clients.

The cost of our insurance for counsellors and psychotherapists depends on factors such as:

• How much cover you need
• Your claims history
• The size of your operation 
• Your experience and credentials 
• The amount of excess you go for
• Your location

Although you’re only legally required to have employer’s liability insurance if you employ others, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) states that all BACP members must be “covered by adequate insurance when providing services directly or indirectly to the public”. 

Consequently, if you want accreditation from the professional body, having insurance is essential.

According to the BACP, your insurance policy should include at least public liability and professional indemnity cover (also known as malpractice cover). These protect against being sued by clients for injury, property damage and malpractice respectively, and are included in every Counselling Gold policy.

However, other covers such as products liability insurance and financial loss insurance are highly recommended too, which is also where Counselling Gold can help.

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is a professional organisation in the UK that offers membership to individuals in the counselling and psychotherapy field. Becoming a member of BACP involves the following aspects, all of which can be highly beneficial to counsellors and psychotherapists:

• Professional recognition: BACP membership is a mark of professional recognition and credibility, demonstrating that the member meets specific standards of education, training, and ethical conduct. This can instil trust and confidence in clients seeking counselling or psychotherapy services.
• Ethical guidelines: BACP provides a clear set of ethical guidelines and a framework for good practice, ensuring that members adhere to high ethical and professional standards in their work with clients.
• Continuous learning: Members have access to a wealth of resources, including workshops, webinars, and publications, which help them stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
• Support and networking: BACP offers opportunities for members to network with peers, share experiences, and gain support through regional groups and events.

Professional development: BACP encourages professional development and provides a structured path for career progression, including accreditation and senior practitioner status.