Are Counsellors and Psychotherapists Regulated in Ireland? CORU, Accreditation and What Changes Next
Short answer: not yet by statute. Counsellors and psychotherapists in Ireland are due to be regulated by CORU, the health and social care regulator, but at the time of writing the CORU registers for the two professions have not opened and the titles are not yet protected in law. Until they are, accreditation by a professional body such as ICPHAA is the main assurance that a practitioner has met recognised standards and works to a code of ethics.
Where things stand in November 2026
The Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board was established under CORU in 2019 to regulate the two professions. CORU's own guidance states that the registers are not yet open and that it is not possible to make an application at this time. The Board has not yet set its requirements for registration; it has said this will be done in advance of the registers opening, and that it will communicate directly with stakeholders when the Board can open them.
Two documents already exist for training providers: the Standards of Proficiency and the Criteria for Education and Training Programmes. These apply to the standard route to registration for people who complete an approved qualification. CORU has indicated that only qualifications awarded in the Republic of Ireland can apply for programme approval, and the list of approved qualifications will be published after that process. The full CORU FAQ is at coru.ie.
What will change when the registers open
Two routes to registration. People who complete an approved qualification apply under the standard route (Section 38 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005), which stays open for the lifetime of the registers.
A two-year transitional period. Existing practitioners may apply under the transitional (grandparenting) route, Section 91, but only during the first two years after the registers open. Eligibility is based on at least two years of practice in the five years before the register opens, and CORU has not yet set the assessment of professional competence that will apply.
Protected titles. Once the transitional period ends, only registrants will be able to use the protected titles. CORU has indicated that a person who wants to use both titles will need to register on both registers.
Fitness to practise. Registrants come under CORU's statutory complaints and fitness-to-practise process, in addition to any professional body's own procedures.
What accreditation means in the meantime
Professional accreditation is voluntary, but it is the standard clients, employers and insurers currently rely on. ICPHAA accredited membership requires evidence of a recognised qualification, supervised client practice, an ongoing supervision arrangement, professional indemnity insurance, Garda vetting where the work involves children or vulnerable adults, professional references and a signed commitment to the Association's standards and ethics. Membership is renewed every year. Our guide to ICPHAA accreditation requirements sets out the criteria for each category.
What practitioners should do now
Keep a dated record of client hours, supervision hours and CPD, with certificates. These records are needed for accreditation renewal today and are likely to be needed for any transitional application later.
Maintain an active supervision arrangement with an appropriately qualified supervisor and keep signed supervisor reports.
Keep professional indemnity insurance current and hold the schedule showing your name, cover and expiry date.
Stay accredited with a professional body, so that your standing is verifiable throughout the transition.
Follow CORU's announcements directly rather than relying on second-hand summaries, and plan for the approved-qualification list when it is published.
What clients should do
Ask any counsellor or psychotherapist which professional body they are accredited with and check it. Every ICPHAA member can be verified by membership number on the verification page, which shows the member's name, category and current status. Our guide How to verify a counsellor's accreditation in Ireland explains what to look for, and the county and specialism pages list members who have published their directory listings.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to practise as a counsellor in Ireland without registration?
No. Until the CORU registers open and the transitional period ends, the titles are not protected and there is no statutory registration requirement. Practising ethically, with supervision, insurance and accreditation, is the current professional standard.
Will existing accredited practitioners automatically be registered with CORU?
No. Accreditation with a professional body does not transfer automatically. Existing practitioners will need to apply under the transitional route within the two-year window and meet whatever requirements the Board sets.
Does ICPHAA accreditation count towards CORU registration?
ICPHAA cannot register anyone with CORU. Accreditation shows that a practitioner has met a professional body's standards and keeps the records that a transitional application is likely to require. The Board will decide its own criteria.
Where can I check for updates?
The Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board section of coru.ie publishes FAQs and news. ICPHAA will inform members through the fortnightly newsletter when CORU announces an opening date.
Information correct at 8 November 2026. This article is general guidance from ICPHAA and is not legal advice. For the statutory position, check coru.ie.
Comments