Private counselling in the UK often costs around £40 to £100 per session, although prices vary depending on the therapist, location, session length and type of therapy.
Specialist therapy, couples therapy, EMDR, central London appointments or highly experienced practitioners can cost more.
Quick Answer: Private Counselling Cost UK
As a rough guide:
- private counselling session: around £40 to £100
- CBT or psychotherapy: often around £50 to £100+
- couples therapy: often higher
- EMDR or specialist therapy: can cost more
- London therapy: often more expensive
Some therapists offer reduced fees, student counsellor sessions or sliding-scale pricing.
What Affects the Cost?
Counselling prices can depend on:
- therapist qualifications
- experience
- location
- session length
- therapy type
- online or face-to-face sessions
- individual or couples therapy
- specialist support needed
Is NHS Counselling Free?
NHS talking therapies are usually free if accessed through NHS services, but waiting times and availability can vary.
Some people use private counselling because they want faster access, more choice or a specific type of therapy.
Private Counselling FAQs
How much does counselling cost privately?
Private counselling may cost around £40 to £100 per session, although specialist or London-based therapy may cost more.
Is online counselling cheaper?
Online counselling can sometimes be cheaper, but not always. It depends on the therapist and service.
How long is a counselling session?
Many counselling sessions last around 50 minutes, but this varies by therapist.
Is private counselling worth it?
It may be worth considering if you want faster access, more choice or a specific therapist. Always check qualifications, fees and cancellation terms.
Final Thought
Before booking private counselling, check the fee, session length, therapist qualifications, cancellation policy and whether the therapist is registered with a recognised professional body.
Sources to link:
Select Psychology says UK counsellor fees are often around £40 to £70 for a 50-minute sessionhttps://selectpsychology.co.uk/blog/mental-health/how-much-does-private-therapy-cost/
TreatCompare suggests many private therapy sessions cost £50–£100https://www.treatcompare.com/articles/private-therapy-cost-uk
Provider guides put many private counselling or therapy sessions roughly in the £40–£100 range, with specialist or London appointments often higher.