For counsellors, psychotherapists and therapists
Enhanced DBS Checks for Self-Employed Counsellors and Therapists
If you counsel or provide therapy to children or adults on a self-employed basis, you may be able to get your own Enhanced DBS check with the barred lists. Apply online with us and we’ll check your eligibility before anything is submitted.
Counsellor Enhanced check
With barred lists where eligible
We’ll confirm which barred lists apply to your work before we submit.
- No employer needed
- We check your eligibility before we submit
- Digital ID check with your phone and passport
- One certificate for all your clients, with the Update Service
Who this page is for
Since 21 January 2026, people who are self-employed, or employed directly by the person they work for, can apply for their own Enhanced DBS check through a registered umbrella body. These roles usually qualify:
Counsellors for young people
Giving under-18s advice or guidance about their wellbeing.
Psychotherapists
Providing therapy to children or adults.
Child psychologists and play therapists
Working with children on their emotional or mental health.
Counsellors for adults
Where the counselling is part of the health care someone is receiving.
Which check do I need?
It depends on who you work with, and how often. We check this with you before anything is sent to the DBS.
Working with children
Enhanced with Children's Barred List
If you counsel or give therapy to children regularly, meaning any one of these:
- Once a week or more
- On 4 or more days in any 30 days
- Overnight, between 2am and 6am
Working with adults
Enhanced with Adults' Barred List
If your counselling or therapy is part of the health care an adult is receiving. Not all adult counselling qualifies:
- Tell us about your work when you apply
- We'll confirm before submitting
- If you're not eligible, you can get a Basic check
Examples
A young people's counsellor
Sees teenagers privately every week.
Enhanced + Children's Barred List
A child psychotherapist
Works with children referred by their families twice a week.
Enhanced + Children's Barred List
A private adult counsellor
Offers talking therapy to adults, with no link to their health care.
We'll check with you
Belong to the BACP, UKCP or BPS?
Professional bodies don’t issue DBS checks, but some may ask members to have one. Check what your body asks for. For your private work, you can apply with us.
How to apply
STEP 1
Complete the online form
Enter SELF-EMPLOYED, or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE if a client employs you directly, as the organisation name.
STEP 2
Verify your identity digitally
You’ll need a biometric passport and a phone that can make contactless payments.
STEP 3
We check and submit
We review your application and confirm the right level of check before sending it to the DBS.
STEP 4
Receive your certificate
The DBS posts your certificate to you. Join the Update Service to keep it current.
Families and clients: choosing a therapist?
You can’t apply for a DBS check on their behalf. They must apply for their own. You can ask to see their original certificate, and if they’ve joined the DBS Update Service you can check online, for free, that it’s still up to date.
Common questions
It depends on your work. Counselling that’s part of someone’s health care can qualify. Tell us what you do and we’ll confirm before anything is submitted.
Online work with children can count in the same way as face-to-face work. We’ll check the details with you.
You may be eligible for both barred lists. Tell us when you apply and we’ll confirm.
No. It’s the same price as an Enhanced check arranged by an employer.
We’ll tell you before anything is submitted. You can apply for a Basic DBS check instead.
Ready to get your counsellor DBS check?
Apply online in minutes. We’ll check your eligibility before submitting, so you only pay for the right check.