How to Find a Counsellor in the UK: NHS and Private Routes
How to find a counsellor in the UK: NHS Talking Therapies and self-referral, private counselling costs, low-cost options and checking registration.
Confidentiality in Counselling and Its Limits
What counselling confidentiality covers in the UK, when a counsellor may need to share information, supervision, notes and data rights, and what to ask.
Key takeaways
- What you say in counselling is kept private, under professional codes and data protection law.
- The main exceptions are serious risk of harm to you or others, safeguarding concerns and specific legal duties.
- A good counsellor explains the limits at the start, and usually talks to you first if they think they need to share anything.
On this page
Confidentiality is at the heart of counselling. What you talk about stays between you and your counsellor, protected by professional ethical codes, such as the BACP Ethical Framework, and by data protection law. But confidentiality isn’t absolute. A counsellor may need to share information if there’s a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, if a child or adult at risk may be in danger, or if the law requires it. A good counsellor explains these limits before you start and, wherever possible, talks to you first.
What confidentiality covers
- What you say in sessions
- The fact that you’re seeing a counsellor, in most settings
- Your notes and records, which must be stored securely
Your counsellor shouldn’t discuss you with your family, employer or anyone else without your permission, apart from the exceptions below.
When a counsellor might share information
| Situation | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| You’re at serious risk of ending your life or harming yourself | The counsellor will usually talk with you about getting help, and may contact your GP or emergency services if the risk is serious and immediate |
| Someone else is at risk of serious harm | The counsellor may need to share information to protect them |
| A child, or an adult at risk, may be experiencing abuse or neglect | Safeguarding procedures may require the counsellor to inform the relevant authorities |
| The law requires disclosure | For example, information about terrorism, or a court order for records |
Any sharing should be limited to what’s necessary, go only to people who need to know and, wherever it’s safe and practical, happen with your knowledge. Counsellors take these decisions seriously and often discuss them with a supervisor first.
Supervision
Counsellors registered with bodies such as BACP are expected to have regular supervision, where they discuss their work with an experienced colleague. This protects you by keeping their practice safe and ethical. They talk about your sessions in a way that doesn’t identify you, and the supervisor is bound by confidentiality too.
Notes and records
Counsellors keep some records, such as appointment dates and brief notes. Under UK data protection law:
- records must be kept securely and only for as long as necessary
- you have the right to ask for a copy of information held about you, known as a subject access request, usually free of charge
- you can ask how your information is stored and when it will be deleted
Some counsellors keep very brief notes; others more detailed ones. It’s fine to ask what they record.
NHS, private, workplace and shared sessions
| Setting | Confidentiality in practice |
|---|---|
| NHS services | Your notes form part of your NHS record, and services usually keep your GP informed about your care |
| Private counselling | Information isn’t shared with your GP without your consent, apart from the safety exceptions |
| Workplace schemes (EAPs) | Employers usually receive only anonymous usage figures, not what you discuss; see workplace counselling and EAPs |
| Couples and family sessions | What’s said is shared among those present; ask how the counsellor handles individual contact; see couples counselling and family therapy |
| Groups | Members agree to keep things private, but they aren’t professionals; see group therapy |
Online and phone counselling
Online sessions are confidential too, but privacy also depends on your setting. Use a private room and headphones if you can, check the platform your counsellor uses is secure, and avoid public Wi-Fi. Our guide to online vs face-to-face counselling covers the pros and cons.
Questions to ask at the start
Your first session, or an introductory call, is a good time to ask:
- What are the limits of confidentiality in your practice?
- Would you tell me before sharing anything, if possible?
- What notes do you keep, where are they stored and for how long?
- Do you have regular supervision?
- How do you handle messages, emails and texts?
Many counsellors set this out in a written agreement or contract. Our guide to your first counselling session explains what else is usually covered.
Why the limits exist
The exceptions can feel worrying, especially if you’re struggling with difficult thoughts. They exist to keep people safe, not to catch you out. Talking about thoughts of suicide or self-harm doesn’t automatically mean your counsellor will contact anyone; it usually means they’ll work with you to understand what’s happening and help you stay safe. Being honest gives you the best chance of getting the right support.
If you think confidentiality has been broken
- Raise it with your counsellor first, if you feel able to.
- Complain to their professional body, such as BACP, UKCP or NCPS, which have complaints procedures.
- Contact the Information Commissioner’s Office if you think your personal data has been mishandled.
When choosing a counsellor, check they’re on an accredited register; our guide to finding a counsellor in the UK explains how.
If you need help now
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time, or text SHOUT to 85258. In England, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option.
Frequently asked questions
Will my counsellor tell my GP what I say?
Private counsellors don’t share information with your GP without your consent, except where there’s a serious risk. NHS services usually keep your GP informed about your care.
Will my counsellor report a crime I tell them about?
Generally, counsellors aren’t required to report past crimes, but they may need to act if there’s an ongoing risk of serious harm, if a child may be at risk, or where the law requires disclosure. Ask your counsellor to explain their policy.
Can my employer find out I’m having counselling?
Not from a private counsellor or an EAP without your consent. EAP providers usually give employers only anonymous usage statistics.
Sources
Every article is edited by a human and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Keep reading
What Happens in Your First Counselling Session
Nervous about your first counselling session? What usually happens, the questions you may be asked, confidentiality and how to make it work for you.
How Much Does Counselling Cost in the UK?
What counselling costs in the UK: typical private fees, free NHS talking therapies, low-cost and sliding-scale options, workplace schemes and questions to ask.