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.
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.
Key takeaways
- NHS Talking Therapies are free; in England you can refer yourself.
- Private counselling commonly costs around £40–£90 a session outside London, often more in London.
- Low-cost options include charities, trainee counsellors, reduced-fee places and workplace schemes.
On this page
Cost is one of the most common reasons people put off counselling. In the UK there are free, low-cost and private routes, and knowing how each one works helps you find support that fits your budget without compromising on quality.
Free: NHS Talking Therapies
In England, NHS Talking Therapies offer free, evidence-based treatment, mainly for anxiety and depression, and you can refer yourself online or by phone. You’ll usually have a short assessment first, then be offered the approach that best matches your needs, such as guided self-help, CBT or counselling for depression. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, access usually starts with your GP. Waiting times vary by area. See how to find a counsellor in the UK for the steps.
Private counselling: typical costs
| Type | Typical cost per session |
|---|---|
| Counselling outside London | Around £40–£90 |
| Counselling in London | Often £60–£120 or more |
| Couples counselling | Usually higher than individual sessions |
| Very experienced psychotherapists | Can be higher |
Sessions typically last 50–60 minutes, usually weekly at first. Each practitioner sets their own fees, so two counsellors in the same town can charge quite different amounts.
What affects the price
- Location: London and other large cities tend to cost more.
- Experience and training: accredited counsellors and psychotherapists with many years’ experience usually charge more than newly qualified practitioners.
- Type of therapy: specialist work, such as psychosexual or trauma therapy, can cost more.
- Format: online and phone sessions are sometimes cheaper than face-to-face.
- Session length: longer sessions, common for couples, cost more.
What a course might cost
It helps to budget for a course rather than a single session. As a rough example, eight weekly sessions at £60 would cost £480, and twelve would cost £720. Ask at the start how your counsellor reviews progress, so you can plan both the time and the money. Some people begin weekly and move to fortnightly sessions as things improve.
Low-cost options
- Reduced-fee places: many private counsellors keep a few concessionary slots for people on low incomes, students or those out of work. It’s fine to ask.
- Charities: organisations such as Mind, Cruse (for bereavement) and relationship charities offer free or low-cost support, and some local Mind services run low-cost counselling.
- Trainee counsellors: placements in counselling services and charities are supervised by qualified professionals and often cost little.
- University and college services for students, which are usually free.
- Workplace schemes: Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) often provide a few free sessions; see workplace counselling and EAPs.
Private health insurance
Some private medical insurance policies cover a limited number of therapy sessions. Many need a GP referral or an assessment first and only pay for practitioners on the insurer’s list, so check the terms before you book. Health cash plans, sometimes offered through work, may refund part of each session fee.
Online counselling
Online sessions can sometimes cost less and save travel time and money. See online vs face-to-face counselling.
Questions to ask about fees
- What is your fee, and do you offer reduced-fee places?
- How long are sessions, and how often do you suggest meeting?
- What is your cancellation policy? Many counsellors charge for sessions cancelled at short notice, often less than 24 or 48 hours.
- Do you offer a free or low-cost first call?
- How do you take payment, and when?
Be cautious of anyone who asks you to pay for a large block of sessions before you’ve met. Always check that private counsellors are on an accredited register such as BACP, UKCP or NCPS.
If you need help now
Cost should never stop you getting urgent support. If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E, or call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time.
Frequently asked questions
Is counselling free on the NHS?
Yes. NHS Talking Therapies are free. Availability and waiting times vary by area.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Some people benefit from six to twelve sessions; others continue longer. Review progress with your counsellor.
Does private health insurance cover counselling?
Some policies do. Check your policy and whether you need a GP referral.
Sources
Every article is edited by a human and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
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