Private counselling in the UK typically costs between £40 and £80 per session in 2026, with £50–£60 being the most common range. Online counselling is often a little cheaper than face-to-face, and many counsellors offer a free short consultation before you commit. But price varies a lot depending on where you are, how experienced the counsellor is, and how sessions are delivered.
Here is an honest breakdown of what to expect — including the free and low-cost routes that many people do not realise are available.
Typical UK private counselling prices
As a rough guide for private, one-to-one counselling in 2026:
- •£40–£60 per session — the most common range for qualified counsellors, especially online
- •£60–£80+ per session — more typical in cities (particularly London) and for very experienced or specialist therapists
- •Free 20-minute consultation — many counsellors, including me, offer this so you can see if it feels right before paying for anything
- •Concessions — some therapists offer reduced rates for students, those on low incomes, or trainees; it is always worth asking
Free and low-cost counselling options
Private counselling is not the only route. If cost is a barrier, these are genuinely worth exploring:
- •NHS Talking Therapies — free counselling and CBT for anxiety and depression, which you can usually self-refer to online without seeing a GP first (there may be a waiting list)
- •Charities — organisations such as Mind, Cruse (bereavement) and local charities often offer free or low-cost support
- •University and college services — free counselling for students
- •Low-cost counselling services — many training organisations offer sessions with supervised trainee counsellors at a reduced rate
What affects the cost
If you are comparing counsellors and wondering why prices differ, it usually comes down to a few things: location (in-person sessions in expensive areas cost more), the counsellor’s experience and any specialisms, and whether sessions are online or face-to-face.
Online counselling is often more affordable because the therapist has no room to rent, and it removes your travel time and cost too. For many people it is the same quality of support for less — here is an honest comparison of online versus in-person if you are weighing it up.
Is private counselling worth the cost?
Only you can judge that, but it helps to think of it as an investment in something that affects everything else — your relationships, your work, your health, how you feel day to day. Many people find that a course of counselling pays for itself many times over in how much lighter life feels afterwards.
It is also worth remembering you are not locked in. Good counselling has no minimum commitment; you review as you go and stop whenever it feels right.
What I charge
For transparency: at Metanoia Counselling, sessions are £40 per hour, delivered online by video, with a free 20-minute consultation for new clients. That sits at the more affordable end of the private range, without cutting any corners on the quality of support. You can book a free consultation here if you would like to talk it through.
Common questions
Can I get counselling free on the NHS?
Yes. NHS Talking Therapies offers free counselling and CBT for common issues like anxiety and depression, and in most areas you can refer yourself online without going through your GP. There can be a waiting list, which is why some people choose private counselling for quicker access.
Why is online counselling often cheaper?
Online counsellors usually have no therapy room to rent, so their overheads are lower — and that saving is often passed on. It also saves you travel time and cost. Research shows online counselling is as effective as face-to-face for most issues.
Do counsellors offer concessions or sliding scales?
Many do, for students, people on low incomes, or a limited number of reduced-fee spaces. It is never rude to ask — most counsellors would rather help you find a way to access support.
How many counselling sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number. Some people feel real change in 6–12 sessions; others choose longer-term work. You are not committing to a set course — you review together as you go and stop when it feels right.