Two students sat outside talking

Addressing the global mental health crisis: The role of counselling


Mental health challenges have never been more urgent, with a critical shortage of qualified and culturally aware counsellors to meet the rising global demand.

Regent’s has a distinguished legacy as one of the first institutions to offer Master’s and Doctorate in mental health and wellbeing through its Psychotherapy & Counselling courses and has earnt a strong reputation for teaching excellence in the field. Building on this foundation of training, our new BA (Hons) Counselling course, launching September 2025, is designed to equip students with the expertise, real-world practical experience and international perspective to prepare them for a deeply rewarding career that makes an impact.

The growing need for mental health support

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one billion people worldwide live with a mental health disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent. The rise in mental health issues has been driven by various factors, including economic instability, social media pressure, complex interpersonal relationships and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The economic toll is staggering, with depression and anxiety disorders costing the global economy an estimated $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. Despite the urgent need, mental health care remains inaccessible for many, with statistics indicating that one in five adults experience mental health struggles each year, yet only 43% of individuals receive treatment. The disparity is particularly evident among minority groups, where access to mental health care is more limited.  

Counselling plays an important role, not just as a fulfilling profession, but also as a lifeline for millions of individuals suffering in silence.  

Studying counselling at Regent’s  

Much like the counselling profession, at Regent’s we take a personal approach to teaching. With small class sizes, our students benefit from individualised attention, ensuring that our academic team tailors teaching to suit individual learning styles.

We believe that counselling is more than just acquiring technical skills; it involves developing empathy, cultural competence, and a deep understanding of human behaviour. Our course emphasises practical experience, supporting students in securing placements to complete the 100 clinical hours required to apply for individual membership with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

Furthermore, our cosmopolitan campus environment and interdisciplinary curriculum ensures that students graduate with the knowledge and ethical grounding to treat diverse cultures while also gaining future-focused skills beyond their core subject discipline.

A career in counselling: Making a real impact

Counselling provides individuals with a safe space to make sense of their experiences and manage emotions, behaviours and navigate relationships. Counsellors are trained professionals who create non-judgmental and supportive environments, equipping clients with the tools to cope with grief, trauma, relationship challenges, and everyday stressors.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Counselling course will be equipped to pursue careers in private practice, the NHS or specialised fields such as school counselling, career counselling, marriage and family counselling and child and adolescent therapy. The versatility of the profession makes it an indispensable component of holistic healthcare.

A life-long commitment to helping others  

For those considering a career in counselling, now is the time to take the first step.  

Join a new generation of counsellors ready to make a difference. Regent’s BA (Hons) Counselling will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to transform lives - including your own.  

Start your journey today. 

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