Private counselling in the UK typically costs between £40 and £80 per 50-minute session. That's a wide range, and it's worth understanding what sits at either end of it.
What affects the price
Location is probably the biggest factor. Counsellors in London and the south-east tend to charge more — often £70 to £90 or above per session. In Liverpool and the north-west, rates are generally lower, typically £40 to £65 for a qualified, registered practitioner.
Experience and qualifications play a part too. A counsellor with a degree-level qualification, BACP accredited status, and many years of practice will often charge more than someone newly qualified. That doesn't necessarily mean they'll be better for you — fit matters more than credentials — but it's a factor in the price.
Specialist services cost more. Counsellors with specific training in trauma, eating disorders, or other specialist areas typically charge at the higher end. That's usually justified by the additional training involved.
My fees
Sessions at David Lewis Counselling are £50 for 50 minutes. The initial free 20-minute consultation is exactly that — free, and with no obligation.
I hold a small number of reduced-fee slots at £40 for people on a low income, students, or anyone working in the NHS. If cost is a genuine barrier, please just ask when you get in touch. I'd rather you had access to support than felt you couldn't afford it.
Is there free counselling available?
Yes, through the NHS — though the picture is complicated. NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) offers free talking therapy for common mental health conditions, mainly CBT and some other structured approaches. The limitation is waiting times, which vary considerably by area but can run to several months. There's more detail in can I get counselling on the NHS.
Some charities and community organisations also offer free or low-cost counselling for specific groups — young people, those affected by domestic abuse, people in financial hardship. It's worth searching locally for what's available in your area.
If cost is stopping you from getting support, it's worth asking about reduced fees before deciding counselling isn't an option. A lot of counsellors have more flexibility than their listed rate suggests.
Is it worth the cost?
For most people who engage properly with it, yes — the improvements to daily life, relationships, and how they cope with difficult feelings tend to justify the cost. But it's not right for everyone, and it's not something to spend money on without thinking it through.
There's a fuller look at this in is counselling worth it.
Practical things to know about payment
Most private counsellors ask for payment before or at the time of the session rather than invoicing. Cancellation policies vary — it's worth checking before you book. Many counsellors have a 24 or 48-hour cancellation window, meaning if you cancel within that time you may still be charged. This isn't punitive — it reflects the fact that a counsellor can't fill a late-cancelled slot at short notice.
Some people access counselling through an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offered by their employer, which typically provides a set number of free sessions. It's worth checking whether your employer offers this before paying privately.
Questions people ask about cost
How much does private counselling cost in the UK?
Typically £40 to £80 per session, depending on location, the counsellor's qualifications and experience, and any specialism. Liverpool rates tend to sit toward the lower end of that range.
Is there free counselling available?
Through the NHS, yes — though waiting times can be long. Some charities offer free or low-cost counselling for specific groups. Private counsellors may offer reduced fees — it's always worth asking rather than assuming it's not possible.
Do you offer reduced-fee counselling?
Yes. I hold a small number of slots at £40 for people on low incomes, students, and NHS workers. If cost is a barrier, just mention it when you get in touch.
Can I use my EAP for counselling?
Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Programme that includes a set number of free counselling sessions. Check with your HR team or employee benefits portal before paying privately — it's a frequently overlooked resource.