The cost of counselling in the UK can be free through some NHS and charitable services, offered at a reduced fee, or paid for privately. Prices and what is included vary. At Strive, online counselling costs £25 per 50-minute Core session or £50 per 50-minute Pro session, following a £25 assessment.
Look beyond the cost of one counselling session
AIf you hope to attend regularly, consider what the fee will mean across several weeks. Four weekly sessions at Strive cost £100 for Core or £200 for Pro, plus the initial £25 assessment. You might have fewer or more sessions, and there is no fixed package that everyone must buy. The assessment fee is credited back through a free twelfth session if you continue that far.
Online counselling can also change the practical cost. It removes travel expenses and time spent getting to an appointment, although you do need privacy, a suitable device and an internet connection.
What are the free options?
In England, NHS Talking Therapies offers treatment for anxiety and depression and accepts self-referrals in many circumstances. Depending on your needs and local service, you may be offered counselling or another kind of talking therapy. Find your local NHS service here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/find-nhs-talking-therapies-for-anxiety-and-depression/
You might also find support through a charity, university, employer or community service. Check eligibility, waiting times, session limits and whether the approach offered fits what you want. Free help can be the best route for you; private counselling is one option among several.
What makes a lower cost of counselling possible?
Some services offer reduced-fee places funded by donations or grants. Others provide supervised counselling placements for trainees who have been approved for client work. Strive Core follows the second model: placement counsellors study at Level 4 diploma or higher and receive regular clinical supervision. A qualified counsellor carries out the assessment before a match is offered.
Questions to ask about any fee
- How long is each session, and how often would we meet?
- Is there a separate assessment fee, and is it ever credited back?
- Who will provide the counselling, and what training or supervision do they have?
- What happens if I cancel, reschedule or decide to stop?
- Is the quoted price for each session, a block of sessions or a subscription?
At Strive, sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place weekly. Individual sessions are available; there is also an optional six-session booking with a 10% discount. Check the current fees and terms before booking.
Choosing what you can sustain
The most useful figure is the cost you can realistically keep paying for support that suits you. During an assessment you can discuss both your budget and whether Core or Pro is appropriate. If another service better meets your needs, it is right to consider that too.
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