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Software for psychotherapists in the UK

Psychotherapists have specific needs that generic healthcare software doesn't always address. Long-term client relationships, detailed session notes, strict confidentiality requirements, and often a smaller but deeper caseload. Here's what to look for and which tools work best for psychotherapy practices.

Ryan Hooper17 March 2026

What's different about psychotherapy practice management

Unlike GPs or physios, psychotherapists typically see the same clients for months or years. That means client records build up over time and become deeply sensitive. Session notes are detailed and personal. The counselling agreement is specific to psychotherapy. And confidentiality isn't just a legal requirement - it's the foundation of the therapeutic relationship. Your software needs to respect that.

Key features for psychotherapists

Encrypted session notes (not just "secure storage" - dedicated encryption, so the contents aren't readable even with database access). A rich text editor that auto-saves so you don't lose notes if your browser crashes. The ability to link notes to specific sessions. Recurring appointment scheduling for regular clients. A counselling agreement flow with e-signatures. And payment tracking that saves you from the awkward "did you pay for last week?" conversation.

Options compared

Bloom takes the admin off your plate so you can stay present with clients. Built for UK therapists and psychotherapists: AES-256 encrypted session notes, a rich text editor with auto-save, recurring scheduling, automated client onboarding with e-signatures, and payment tracking. £29/month, everything included. Learn more about Bloom.

WriteUpp covers scheduling and client records but lacks note encryption and e-signatures. From £19.95/month. Recently acquired by a Canadian company. Read our WriteUpp comparison.

Kiku was built by a therapist and is affordable at around £16/month. Good basics but no note encryption, no e-signatures, and limited scheduling features. Read our Kiku comparison.

Cliniko is popular with physios but designed for clinical rather than therapeutic workflows. Priced in AUD. Read our Cliniko comparison.

Most tools on the market were built for allied health or general healthcare. Bloom and Kiku are the only UK options specifically designed for talking therapies. See our software for counsellors guide for another perspective on the same tools.

A note on note encryption

This deserves special attention for psychotherapists. Your session notes may contain disclosures about abuse, suicidal ideation, relationship difficulties, and other deeply personal content. If your software stores this as plain text, anyone with database access could read it. AES-256 encryption means the data is unreadable without the encryption key - even if the database were compromised, your clients' notes remain private. Read more about why encryption matters for therapists.

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One short letter a month on the practical side of private practice. Scheduling, notes, money and the rest, in plain English.

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