How much does therapy cost in London? A plain guide to fees

There is no single price for therapy in London, because private therapists set their own fees. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) says costs vary with location, experience and the type of therapy. Free options also exist: in England you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies, and some charities, universities and employers offer free or low-cost counselling.

Key points

• Private fees vary widely, depending on location, experience and the type of therapy.
• Location, experience, training and the type of therapy all affect what a therapist charges.
• NHS Talking Therapies in England is free, and most adults registered with a GP can self-refer.
• Some charities, universities and workplaces (through employee assistance programmes) offer free or low-cost support.
• Before you start, check the fee, session length and the policy on cancellations and holidays.

How much does private therapy cost in the UK?

Private therapists set their own fees, so there is no standard price. The BACP, a professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK, says costs vary with location, experience and the type of therapy. Fees also change over time, so the most accurate way to know what a particular therapist charges is to look at their website or ask them directly. Many therapists list their fees openly.

What affects the cost of therapy?

In practice, a few things tend to shape the price:

• Where the therapist works. The BACP names location as one of the factors, so fees in one part of the country may not match another.
• Online or in person. Some therapists charge a different fee for online sessions than for sessions in a room.
• Training and experience. Longer training, further qualifications and years of practice can all affect what someone charges.
• The kind of therapy. Counselling, psychotherapy, specialist treatments and couples work may be priced differently.
• Session length and frequency. Most individual sessions last around 50 minutes and many people attend weekly, so it helps to think about the cost over several months, not just one session.

Many therapists also offer reduced rates for people on low incomes, according to the BACP. If cost is a worry, it is reasonable to ask whether a therapist has any lower-fee places.

What do I charge?

I am an integrative psychotherapist registered with the BACP. My sessions are 50 minutes and usually weekly. The fee is £85 for an online session and £95 for an in-person session at my practice room in Farringdon, Central London. Payment is made in advance, and I ask for 72 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. You can see all of this on my fees page.

Can I get free therapy on the NHS?

In England, NHS Talking Therapies offers free psychological support for common problems such as low mood, worry, depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, OCD and PTSD. You can refer yourself without seeing a GP if you are registered with a GP and aged 18 or over (16 or over in some areas). Sessions may be in person, by phone or video, or as an online course, and may be one-to-one or in a group.

The service decides which type of therapy and how many sessions to offer, based on your needs and what is available locally. The BACP notes that NHS services can often have long waiting lists, so it can help to refer yourself early, even if you are also looking at other options. Your GP can also refer you, and some conditions, such as eating disorders or psychosis, usually need a GP referral to specialist services.

Arrangements differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so your GP is a good place to start there.

What other free or low-cost options are there?

Charities and community organisations

Some voluntary and community organisations and charities offer free or affordable talking therapy. Some focus on particular groups or difficulties. Fees and eligibility vary, so it is worth checking each organisation directly.

Employee assistance programmes

Some employers offer counselling through an employee assistance programme (EAP). These are confidential services designed to help with personal or work-related problems. What is included varies from one employer to another, so check with HR or your staff intranet.

Universities and colleges

If you are a student, many colleges and universities have free, confidential counselling services. These are often worth trying first.

What should I check before paying for therapy?

The BACP advises making sure you understand the costs and any charges for missed appointments and holidays before you begin. Its guidance also suggests fees should be agreed before therapy starts. Some useful questions to ask:

• How much is each session, and how long does it last?
• How often would we meet?
• When and how do I pay?
• What happens if I need to cancel, and how much notice do you need?
• Is there a charge for sessions I miss because of holidays?
• Which professional body are you registered with?

The BACP has also cautioned that paying upfront for a block of sessions may not always be in the client’s interest, for example if you decide to stop. If a therapist asks for a large payment in advance, it is fair to ask what happens to unused sessions.

Whatever you pay, it matters that your therapist is registered with a professional body accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, as the NHS advises. You can read how to do this in my guide on how to check a therapist is BACP registered.

Is private therapy worth the cost?

That depends on your situation, and only you can weigh it up. Some people choose private therapy because they want to start sooner, choose their therapist, meet at a regular time, or work in a particular language or way. Others find that NHS or charity support meets their needs well. Neither is the better choice in every case, and some people use both at different times.

If you are weighing up online and in-person sessions, my guide on whether online therapy works may help, and you can read more about online counselling and counselling in London.

If you are in crisis, call 999, go to A&E, call NHS 111, or contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).

If you would like to talk about whether working together could suit you, you are welcome to get in touch to arrange an initial consultation. You can ask about fees and practical arrangements, and there is no obligation to continue.