The use of psychotherapy to treat mental health conditions has become more common in the UK in recent years. According to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, nearly one-third of adults in the UK have sought assistance from a psychotherapist or counsellor in the past 12 months.
While many turn to public therapy to receive care, others might prefer to explore private therapy options to find timely treatment that meets their needs. When it comes to private therapy, however, cost can be a key concern.
Here, we’ll explore the average therapy cost in the UK for a variety of options, whether you choose to pursue NHS therapy, charity-based therapy, or private therapy options.
What influences private therapy prices in the UK?
The type of therapy plays a role, with couples counseling and family therapy usually costing more than individual care. Also, counselors or trainee providers may charge less than credentialed and more experienced therapists, psychiatrists, or those with specialised training. The cost of a therapy session can also vary depending on where you’re located.
| Region | Avg. cost per session |
|---|---|
| London | £75+ |
| Northeast England | £50+ |
| Wales, Scotland, & Northern Ireland | £45+ |
Free and low-cost therapy options in the UK
In the UK, a range of counseling options are available to suit different budgets and needs. Below are some free and low-cost options to explore, from NHS talking therapies to mental health charities to online therapy.Therapy through the NHS
Therapy is available for free through NHS services. Patients can get a GP referral or self-refer to access therapy, and NHS sessions can then take place by phone, by video, or in a therapy room in person. Note that there may be limits to the number of free NHS counselling sessions you can receive in some cases.Charities that offer mental health resources
Various mental health charities offer affordable therapy that may improve overall well-being and help you live a more fulfilling life. For example, Mind has centers that offer free mental health care in England and Wales. Or, for those who have lost a loved one, there is free counselling available through Cruse Bereavement Support. You may also be able to find local charities that offer services in your specific area.
Mental health helplines
Individuals can also find support through multiple helplines, such as the Mind support line, the SANEline, and the Samaritans. Other helpline options for free and immediate support include:
- Emergency UK: 999
- Suicide Helpline UK: 0800-689-5652
- ADFAM (National Charity Working to Improve Life for Families Affected by Drugs or Alcohol): 020-3817-9410, www.adfam.org.uk
- Crisis Text Line UK: Text "SHOUT" to 85258
- Eating Disorder - Adult Helpline UK: 0808-801-0677
It can be important to remember that free therapy services and helplines are usually staffed by volunteers who are trained in peer support rather than credentialed mental health professionals, but they can be helpful resources when you’re facing emotional difficulties or are in immediate need of assistance.
Financial aid, sliding-scale fees, and other ways to reduce private therapy costs
Consider these other, low-cost therapy options if cost concerns prevent you from being able to access support through traditional, private therapy:
- Therapists who offer a sliding scale, like Anxiety UK, which means fees are based on income
- Financial aid through a platform like BetterHelp, which offers this kind of support to those who qualify
- Healthcare benefits through your employer, like coverage for mental health services or access to an employee assistance plan (EAP) for short-term support
- Trainee therapists, who may offer supervised support at a lower cost through some universities and other programs
If you have health insurance, you might also check with the company to see if they can help with the cost of care. Many major UK insurers, like Axa, Bupa, and Aviva, offer some type of mental health care benefits.
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchOnline therapy
Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp are another way to access support in the form of low-cost, private therapy from experienced therapists. Subscriptions range from £45–£70 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. The platform matches you with a qualified therapist, making it easier to find a provider who’s a good fit, and you can meet with them virtually up to once per week. You can keep your BetterHelp subscription as long as you like, with no caps or limits on the total number of sessions.
Choosing the right therapy option for you
Deciding on the right therapy option for you depends on your circumstances and preferences. For example, low-cost counselling providers may be preferable to standard-fee private therapists when affordability is the top concern. In contrast, private therapy options tend to cost more, but they may be preferable for those who are seeking:
- A therapist who has open appointments available right away
- A specialized type of therapy
- A therapist with a specific identityor expertise
- Flexible, personalized support that suits their needs
Is paying for therapy worth it?
If you’re considering paying for private-practice therapy services to have more control over your care, it can help to understand the benefits. In terms of both time and money, a therapy investment can often be worth the cost. For example, research suggests that around 75% of people who attend therapy benefit from it in some way—whether through stronger relationships, better mental health, improved overall well-being, or a more fulfilling life.
Private therapy also gives you the ability to choose from many different providers, which may help you get the care you need and improve your counseling experience and outcomes. Each person’s experience and cost concerns may be different, but it’s common to feel that an investment in therapy is worth it for your mental well-being.
Therapy that fits your life
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- ✓Transparent pricingNo hidden fees, know what you’ll pay upfront
- ✓Fast matchingYou can get matched in as little as 48 hours
- ✓In-App SchedulingMessage, chat, or schedule live video
- ✓Easy to switchChange therapists anytime until you find the right fit
- ✓Tailored supportCredentialed professionals with diverse specialties
Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
Online private therapy: A flexible and affordable option
When you sign up for an online private therapy platform like BetterHelp, you’ll be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire about your needs and preferences. You can then get matched with a qualified therapist, which can simplify the process of finding the right private provider for you. All our therapists are qualified and experienced in a variety of evidence-based approaches.
Once matched, you can meet with your therapist for professional support via video, audio, or live chat sessions, which can be a convenient option as opposed to commuting to in-person appointments. You can also use in-app messaging to reach out to your therapist any time between sessions, and additional tools like group sessions and journaling prompts are available too—all for less than than most private, in-person therapy sessions without insurance. These features can make BetterHelp a reliable way to access support or specialised services for better mental health.
Is online therapy an effective way to receive mental health care?
Research suggests that online therapy can often be as effective as in-person therapy, whether you’re seeking help for mental health challenges or stressful life situations. For example, one study suggests that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a common type of counseling, can be even “more effective than face-to-face CBT at reducing symptom severity.”Your first therapy session usually begins with an initial assessment followed by ongoing support appointments. These may be biweekly or weekly therapy sessions, depending on your needs. A standard therapy session may last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Throughout your sessions, the therapist will work with you at your own pace to understand the challenges you’re facing and help you develop strategies for addressing them.
How long a person participates in weekly therapy can vary widely depending on their goals, the challenges they’re facing, and any mental health coverage limits (whether through the NHS or via insurance coverage through any of the major UK insurers). Around 12 to 20 sessions is common, though some people attend therapy consistently for years to receive regular support.
With BetterHelp, the therapy process involves three simple steps:
- Fill out the quick onboarding questionnaire
- Get matched with a private therapist accordingly
- Schedule and then get support via phone, video, or chat, as often as once a week
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment, and it’s not a quick fix. The therapy journey usually requires time, effort, and consistency, but it can lead to personal growth and healing.
What clients have to say about online therapy
Many people find that getting professional support virtually can help them improve mental health and personal relationships and lead to a more fulfilling life. In 2024, the average rating for a live BetterHelp session was 4.9 out of 5 based on over 1.7M client ratings, and 72% of clients experienced reduced symptoms in 12 weeks. For more insights into BetterHelp client experiences with ongoing support sessions, see the Reviews page
Takeaway
- The cost of therapy in the UK can vary widely depending on region, therapy type, provider experience level, and other factors.
- Private, in-person therapy tends to cost £50 to £100+ per session.
- Free therapy may be available through the NHS, workplace programs, and mental health charities for those who may not be able to afford private therapy.
- Online therapy is another option for receiving affordable, private care on your mental health journey. With BetterHelp, you can get matched with one of many private therapists available and meet with them remotely. Subscriptions range from £45–£70 per week, billed weekly or monthly.