BABCP CBT Therapists Win Freedom to Practice Abroad: A Major Shift in Professional Recognition
If you're a CBT therapist, a significant change in professional regulation might have caught your attention -or not!
The BABCP has reversed its stance on international practice, marking a watershed moment for the profession's adaptation to modern work patterns and bringing us in-line with other bodies such as the HCPC.
Until recently, CBT therapists faced a stark choice: maintain their UK residence or risk losing their professional accreditation.
Now, following a successful community campaign, that's all changed.
What Changed?
Since Jan 2025 the BABCP has officially updated their website to say CBT therapists can maintain their BABCP accreditation indefinitely while living and practicing outside the UK, its territories, or Ireland.
This reversal of the previous two-year limit represents a fundamental shift in how the profession approaches remote work and international practice.
Why It Matters
The previous restrictions had created significant challenges for the profession:
A "brain drain" as qualified therapists were forced to abandon UK practice when relocating abroad
Continued staff shortages in the UK mental health sector
Career progression limitations compared to other mental health professions who are allowed to work abroad
Risk of unaccredited practice when life circumstances required international moves
The Power of Community Action
The change didn't happen spontaneously. A petition started by CBT therapists in January 2024 gathered 699 signatures at the time of writing, highlighting the profession's united stance on this issue. This was without any advertising, and solely word of mouth and posting in Facebook groups.
The campaign pointed out that other regulatory bodies, including the HCPC, BACP, and UKCP, already allowed their psychotherapy practitioners to maintain accreditation while working abroad.
"The BABCP is therefore lagging behind other bodies," noted the petition, which called for policies aligned with "the modern workforce, and in-line with other regulators."
Interestingly, many commenters on the Global CBT Therapists Facebook Group – a group for those following the petition outcomes – said they had been asking the BABCP about this for years prior to the petition.
Looking Ahead
While the BABCP is still working on updating its Reaccreditation Declaration, this policy shift suggests a profession increasingly adapted to contemporary working patterns.
The only requirement now is that practitioners understand and follow the local rules for practicing as a psychotherapist in their country of residence - even when working remotely with UK clients.
This is a huge step for our community and the founders of the petition thank everyone for their commitment and support. It couldn’t happen without you.
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