FAQS-The Cost of Counselling & Psychotherapy

The cost of counselling and psychotherapy in the UK varies and is dependent on the type of therapy (face-to-face, online and the type of therapy). As a guide here are some frequently asked questions about the fees for counselling and psychotherapy.

WHAT IS THE COST OF COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY?

Most counsellors and psychotherapist charge between £40 - £150 for therapy within the UK with most therapists offering 50 - 60 minute appointments.

Fees are dependent on individual, couples or family therapy.

DO THERAPISTS OFFER CONCESSIONARY RATES?

Some but not all therapists are able to offer concessionary rates for:

Students

Unemployed or receiving benefits

Weekday, and daytime appointments

WHAT INFLUENCES THE DIFFERENCE IN COST?

Location

Duration and frequency of sessions

Therapist's - qualifications, specialisms and experience

WHY IS PRIVATE THERAPY EXPENSIVE?

To work as a counsellor or psychotherapist we have to attend several years of extensive training, post qualification we also have to attend continual professional training all of which are factored into the cost of therapy.

Working as a therapist also includes business expenses, such as:

Room rent

Insurance

Supervision

Qualifications, professional memberships

Continual professional development

Business running cost e.g. accountant, taxes and advertising

I FULLY UNDERSTAND THE REASONS WHY THERAPY IS EXPENSIVE BUT I STILL CAN'T AFFORD TO ATTEND, WHAT CAN I DO?

As mentioned some therapists can offer concessions but unfortunately, not all therapists are able to offer this. However, most of us will have a referral network that could include organisations that offer free or low-cost therapy.

For instance:

Some charities have a counselling service e.g Mind

Some training organisations require placement hours for their students to gain valuable counselling and psychotherapy experience e.g. St Martins Counselling and Psychotherapy in Birmingham

Regional and National helplines can also offer mental health support

Your GP can also refer you to the NHS counselling service, however in some instances the number of counselling sessions can be limited and the weighting time for an initial assessment can be lengthy.

WHY PAY FOR PRIVATE THERAPY?

For us, one of the main advantages of attending private therapy is having a choice of who you chose to go to, closely followed by the fact most therapists will aim to have your initial appointment booked within a week of first contact, (this can vary during summer months and over Christmas).

Some therapists can offer the flexibility of booking to accommodate shift patterns, offer fortnightly appointments and open-ended therapy. Which means that you can attend therapy as long as you wish. Flexibility of appointments can also include weekend and evening appointments.

Freedom within sessions to work on a number of issues rather than one or two, is also a big draw for private therapy.

The Cost of Counselling & Psychotherapy