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 psychotherapists charge between £40 - £150 for therapy within the UK with most therapists offering 50 - 60 minute appointments.
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 costs 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 time scale for an initial assessment can be lengthy.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATE THERAPY?
For me, one of the main advantages of attending private therapy is having a choice of who you choose 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 and offer fortnightly appointments and open-ended therapy, which means you can attend therapy as long as you wish. Flexibility can also include weekend and evening appointments.
Freedom within sessions to work on many issues rather than one or two, is also a big draw for private therapy.
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