The Definition Of Counseling Explained

Medically reviewed by Karen Foster, LPC and Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW

Updated March 11th, 2025 by BetterHelp Editorial Team

You may have seen the words "counseling" and "counselling" around the internet while looking for professional support. Knowing more about counselors may help further your understanding of what kind of support is available to you, depending on your location and mental health needs.*

Read on to learn more about counselling vs. counseling, and which option might be best for you.

*Generally speaking, anyone can use counseling, regardless of mental health diagnoses or concerns.

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Although the word counseling may look different when published in the UK compared to in the US, both counseling services offer mental health and well-being support to clients and community members at home, or via different locations across the state or region.

Difference between counselling in the UK and counseling in the US

There is no difference between counselling and counseling at an education or program level. "Counseling" is the term used in the US, while "counselling" is commonly used in the UK. Both terms generally refer to the same service offered by counselors, therapists, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals. However, counselling with two "L"s is considered the UK English form of the word, while counseling is considered by many to be the American English spelling.

Main responsibilities of counselors

Counselors provide mental health support, guidance, and advice for a broad range of mental health issues in both the UK and the US. They might teach clients about various coping mechanisms that are personalized to their symptoms. Although there are many cultural mental health stigmas in both countries, mental health counseling has become more prevalent in recent years, and anyone can take advantage of it.

In the US, you do not need to develop a mental illness to receive support from American counseling professionals, and many types of therapy are available to diverse individuals. In addition, over 41.7 million US adults saw a therapist in 2021, with the number growing each year.

In the UK, over 635,000 adults saw an NHS (National Health Service) therapist in 2021, a 5% increase from previous years. However, this number does not factor in the number of adults seeking treatment under a non-public mental health provider or with insurance. In addition, the population of the UK is lower than the population of the US.

Common counseling techniques

Many counselors are a part of a counseling association, in which they complete continuing education and build on skills learned through their counseling program. As a result, there are many types of therapies that are practiced within the UK and the US. Some of the most common can include the following:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Guided self-help counseling or counselling
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Psychodynamic therapy
Couples therapy

UK and US therapy options

There are a few differences between the counseling you might receive in the US versus that of the UK:

Diagnostic coding for insurance billing for counselors

Both US and UK therapists can diagnose clients with mental illnesses. Not all therapists choose to, but those who do may use a diagnostic manual to ensure the correct diagnostic coding on client paperwork and insurance claims. The two most commonly used diagnostic manuals generally include the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association, and the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) by the World Health Organization.

Many providers in the UK use the ICD-10 to diagnose mental health conditions, although they can use both manuals. In the US, the DSM-5 is most commonly used. However, therapists (including marriage and family therapists) might also use the ICD-10 to code for insurance purposes.

Insurance options for mental health care coverage and beyond

Insurance options for mental health coverage differ in the US and the UK. As the UK has free mental healthcare for all citizens through the NHS, finding non-public insurance can be costly and complicated. In addition, non-public insurance may have higher co-pays—especially for more specific conditions and diagnoses, such as substance use disorder (formerly known as substance abuse).

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

These plans could also require that an individual is already diagnosed with a mental illness or has a diagnosis that fits under the accepted condition list for that insurance company.

In the US, non-public insurance is commonplace, as there is no free healthcare system. Government insurance plans are also available, such as Medicaid and Medicare. Insurance plans can be costly for many Americans, but many options are available. When signing up for insurance in the US, you can check to see if mental health services are covered. Some US mental health plans offer telehealth counseling reimbursement as well.

NHS vs. the US: government-provided healthcare support

The National Health Service in the UK is the country's government healthcare plan. It involves groups of hospitals, clinics, and providers registered to provide support to UK citizens and residents. Mental healthcare is offered for free to all those eligible to receive support through the NHS.

NHS assigns all clients to a therapist based on their doctor's referral, symptoms, and needs. According to the NHS website, many clients have a right to choose which provider they receive for their first appointment. However, talk to your doctor if you're unsure about the process. The NHS can be an efficient option for any UK resident looking for support, as the average cost of individual therapy in the UK is 200 to 300 pounds a session.

In the US, there is no similar system to NHS. However, the US government does offer Medicaid and Medicare, which can fully cover some mental health services for eligible individuals. However, Medicaid and Medicare are not available to all US citizens. One difference in available mental healthcare in the US is that clients may have more significant control over the type of treatment they receive when looking for highly specialized care.

Referrals to a psychologist or psychiatrist in the United States vs. the United Kingdom

In the UK, clients must be referred to a provider by their general practitioner (primary care doctor) to see a therapist. That means a diagnosis or medical necessity is required to see a therapist. In 2023, it may be possible to "self-refer" to a provider through NHS. However, to see a psychologist or psychiatrist, it may be required to have a general practitioner first.

In the US, referrals can work similarly. However, you do not have to have a referral to see most therapists unless your insurance plan requires it. You can also choose your therapist on many insurance plans, even if it's from a list of in-network providers.

ACA Vs. BACP Counselling

In the UK, counselling is not controlled as it is in the US. Counselors in the UK are not required to have a specific educational path as in the US. However, many employers seek those registered with a counselling organization like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They recommend that UK individuals looking to become counselors have the following education:

An introduction to counselling course
A certificate in counselling
An undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degree in psychology or a similar area
At least one year of courses and at least 100 hours of supervised experience

In the UK, becoming a counsellor takes three to five years. In the US, education and training can take over six years, and the career is controlled. The US requirements for becoming a counselor include the following:

Four years of undergraduate study for a bachelor's degree in psychology or a similar field
One to two years of study for a counseling or clinical social work master's degree
Two to four years of postgraduate studies in a doctoral program like a Ph.D. or PsyD
Over 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience, tailored to career goals
A passing score on a state licensing exam after all other requirements are met
A commitment to take continuing education courses each year

In the US, counselors cannot practice without meeting the above requirements, and must be licensed through the American Counseling Association. Both groups are held to certain strict ethical standards in the practice of mental health care. The laws are less strict in the UK, which is a significant difference between the two. In the UK, counsellors make around 36,000 pounds a year. In the US, counselors make around $70,000 yearly (more or less), depending on experience.

Exploring mental health support options for people living in the UK

In the UK, clients have several options for mental healthcare, including the following:

The National Health Service (NHS): A free government-sponsored health program that includes counseling, crisis services, and inpatient hospitalization.
Individual Therapy: Individual therapy involves a pay-per-session option for those seeking more control over their therapy experience. You can choose this option with some insurance plans, with or without co-pays.
Online Therapy: Online therapy may be cheaper than in-person counseling for those in the UK.

Exploring counseling in the US

In the US, counseling options may be similar. If you're an American, you may be able to get support from the following:

Individual Practice Therapists: Individual practice therapists offer support for a specific cost per session, with or without insurance coverage. This can include counseling families, and group counseling sessions.
Counseling Clinics: Some mental health clinics work with specific providers and offer support, with or without insurance coverage. Colleges and universities often have free clinics available for their students.
Inpatient And Outpatient Therapy Centers: These may involve hospitals, treatment centers, and rehabilitation centers that offer therapy, psychiatry, and other mental health services, with or without insurance coverage.
Online Therapy: Americans can also have online therapy for a cheaper rate than many in-person therapists.

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Internet-based mental health therapy worldwide

You're not alone if you are a UK or US citizen looking for internet-based counseling. Studies have found that online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been one of the most popular and effective treatment options for common mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and social anxiety disorder.

Many UK citizens cannot personalize their counseling experience through government health programs, so online therapy can provide a helpful alternative. An online platform like BetterHelp empowers diverse individuals to find the help they need. You can fill out a quick questionnaire upon signing up for services about your preferences for a therapist, including whether you want a same-sex, BIPOC, LGBT, or religious therapist. You can also change your therapist at any time.

In addition, online therapy can allow those in the UK to take advantage of the cheaper rate exchange and the option to meet with professional counselors without requiring a doctor's referral. Americans can also benefit from online therapy, as it is often cheaper than the $100 to $200 session fee that many personal practice therapists charge.

Takeaway

Counseling and counselling are terms for the same services. However, there can be differences in how mental healthcare is handled in the US versus the UK. If you're interested in meeting with a counselor, consider contacting a provider in your area or asking your primary practitioner for a referral. If you're looking for online options, you can also contact a worldwide provider like BetterHelp.

Frequently asked questions

Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.

What is the difference between counseling and therapy in terms of guidance?

While both can help you accomplish mental health goals you may have in mind, counseling tends to have a shorter timeframe. Therapy generally helps a person take a closer look at their thinking patterns and how that ultimately plays a role in how they interact with the world. Therapy can take on other shapes as well beyond the traditional roles of counseling, like school counseling or professional help with career goals. Counseling can also help smooth out challenges between family and create more cohesion within a family unit.

What is the goal of counseling?

There is no specific goal for therapy. But it often gives clients set goals for themselves, allows them to find solutions to challenges they may be facing, helps improve communication, boosts self-esteem, and empowers diverse individuals to understand their relationships and life experiences better.

What do you mean by counseling?

Counseling can have many different meanings, and there are many types of counseling. In education settings, such as colleges, you may find a career counselor. Someone may go to a career counselor to ensure that their education is paving the right path for the career they want, to explore their career options based on their skills and strengths, or to discuss something else that relates to career topics. Mental health counseling, on the other hand, may relate to any number of concerns that impact mental health, whether that's trauma related to natural disasters, gun violence, or another event, relationships, substance abuse, a substance use disorder*, or another mental health condition. People may attend divorce counseling to move through a divorce as harmoniously as possible, or a couple may seek couple's counseling to prepare for marriage, to find solutions for challenges within the relationship, or for another reason. If you have something specific that you want to work on during counseling sessions, you may look for a professional who works with that specific concern. For example, you may search for a counselor or therapist who works with anxiety disorders if the primary topic you want to cover in sessions is an anxiety disorder.

*If you or someone you know lives with or might be living with a substance use disorder, help is available. Please contact SAMHSA's national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

What is the purpose of counseling?

There are many different purposes or reasons why a person might go to therapy or see a counselor. For example, counselors may help clients with concerns including but not limited to:

Stress management
Self esteem
Relationship concerns
Communication
Mental health conditions
Personal growth/personal development
Challenges within a family unit
Sleep or sleep disorders

That said, this is by no means an extensive list of what licensed professional counselors can do. The American Counseling Association lists a number of different possible counseling specialties on its website. The counseling specialties listed on the American Counseling Association website include but aren't limited to child and adolescent counseling, substance abuse or addictions counseling, LGBTQIA+ counseling, and military counseling. You can learn more about the different types of counseling on the American Counseling Association website.

To provide specialized care to clients, licensed professional counselors may work primarily with people of a specific population or who face a specific concern they want to work on in some cases and may have additional training related to the population or concern they work with. Counseling is personal, and it's important to work with a counselor who you feel safe with. This is one reason as to why some clients may seek a counselor who works with a specific population.

Do you need a degree to be a counselor?

Licensed professional counselors will have a master's degree or higher in the United States. Other requirements, too, must be met. For example, one must obtain licensure and endure a specific number of hours of supervised practice. There are ethical standards provided by the American Counseling Association (ACA) that counselors will generally abide by in their work with their clients. The requirements to become a licensed professional counselor who offers counseling and recovery to clients may vary based not just on your country, but also, on your state if you live in the United States. Those who are interested in becoming counselors may find it beneficial to review the requirements in the location where they want to work with clients.

Who needs counseling?

Anyone can benefit from counseling, and counseling can be used for a broad range of concerns that affect a person's life. Someone may attend counseling due to challenges in their career, for help moving through a divorce or something else that affects their personal life, like grief, due to a desire to learn new coping skills, for the management of a mental health condition, to receive emotional support and skills to cope with a physical health condition, or for another reason. You can attend counseling with a romantic partner, on your own, or in groups. Group counseling, where individuals meet in groups, often to work on a specific concern or goal, is helpful for many people, can occur in different settings, and may be engaged with on its own or alongside individual counseling. People may also attend family counseling with their families if they want to work on something with their family unit involved. For example, families may attend family counseling to support one specific family through a mental health condition or another life challenge. Alternatively, a family may attend family counseling together to work on challenges such as family conflict and trouble with communication within the family unit. If you can’t access counseling because of a remote living situation or a busy schedule that doesn’t allow you to go to a therapist’s office most weeks, online counseling is a viable option. You can request appointment times that fit with your schedule.

What's the difference between councilor vs counselor?

A councilor is someone who holds a government position. A counselor is someone who can assist other people with advice and support.

Why do people choose counseling?

People choose counseling for a wide variety of reasons. They may want support for how to deal with their relationship, with substance use, or with career changes, among other things. Some people who could benefit from counseling decide not to go because of perceived stigma. However, people who require counseling deserve to go—don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with a mental health provider.

What is the difference between counselling and conversation?

Conversation with friends or loved ones can be really helpful. However, counseling is different from just having a conversation with someone, because a counselor is trained to use specific evidence-based techniques to support people with specific problems or mental health concerns.

What's the difference between going to a counselor and therapy?

Sometimes the words counselor and therapist are used interchangeably. However, a therapist is someone with a master’s degree, clinical experience, and a license, and a counselor doesn’t necessarily need as much education or certification, depending on the type of counseling they do.