How to Find Low Cost and Free Counselling Therapy in the UK

Making the choice to find a therapist is a positive step toward improving your well-being. In this article, we’ll explore your options for more affordable counselling therapy and alternative resources in the United Kingdom that may be useful to you.

If you have trouble affording therapy sessions with out-of-pocket fees, then consider these more affordable counselling alternatives:

1. Check out clinical placement programs.
Many private practices and mental health organisations in the United Kingdom offer training placements where trainee counsellors charge lower fees than licensed providers. You may wonder if a trainee therapist offers you the same kind of support you need if they’re still learning the ropes, however, know that therapy students receive close consultation from an experienced since they’re immersed in the learning process.

2. Give group therapy a try.
Being part of a group can offer insights that you may be too close to your situation to see. Groups can act as a support network and a sounding board and helps you realise you're not alone. It can often be more affordable than individual therapy sessions, helping you feel less isolated and more connected to others. It can also help you come up with specific ideas for improving a difficult situation or life challenge, and hold you accountable along the way in an environment where others might be experiencing similar struggles. Ask your GP about therapy groups that may benefit you or if they any groups in your area that could fit your needs.

3. Ask about sliding scale fees.
Sliding scale therapy means paying for adjusted rates of therapy. For some people it can feel embarrassing to ask about sliding scale counselling therapy offerings. However, the truth is that many therapists don’t specifically advertise that they offer sliding-scale fees, and they’re happy to discuss options with you with the utmost compassion and understanding. Some therapists may be open to offer sliding scale fees, but don’t list the details on their website. Some, for example, have a few levels of fees and assign certain income ranges to each level. So let them know about your financial concerns and see if they can work out a payment plan with you.

Looking for a low cost therapist? How to find an affordable therapist in the UK that won't break the bank! Finding a therapist is a huge step in taking charge of your mental health issues. But, unlike a cold or the flu, mental health issues such as - PTSD, anxiety and depression — can take some time to heal or overcome.

Not everyone is in the position to afford a private therapist when they need one. Most clients in counselling remain in therapy for 10 to 15 sessions, and meet with their counsellors weekly. What this means: counselling is a commitment if you want to achieve your goals, and, it can be costly. But that no longer means you can’t find the help you need. Psychological therapies are becoming more accessible all the time, and online therapy is starting to replace face-to-face therapy as client’s preferred choice. There are now a range of options to suit your income. Listed below are practices in the UK that can offer low cost therapy or free counselling:

Childline
www.childline.org.uk
Provides a confidential counselling service 24 hours a day.

Cruse Bereavement Care
www.cruse.org.uk
Support and practical advice for bereaved people.

Family Mediators Association
www.thefma.co.uk
Provides family mediation, with free legal advice where appropriate.

LGBT Counselling Services
www.lgbtcounsellingservices.co.uk
Affordable and professional online counselling for the LGBTQ community.

Relate
www.relate.org.uk
Information on relationship counselling, psychosexual therapy, mediation and online advice. Counselling is offered in locations throughout the UK.

Samaritans
www.samaritans.org

Gay Man Therapy
www.gaytherapy.co.uk

Use the following examples for free or low cost therapy as inspiration:

National government provided health services
The NHS offers free counselling and psychological services for UK residents. A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (Improving Access to Psychological Therapy or IAPT) without a referral from a GP. Find links to services in your area here https://www.iapt.nhs.uk/services/

Government supported charities
Some charities offer helplines, cheap or free talking therapies or group support. ReThink is a mental health charity that offers telephone advice on mental health.

MIND is one of the UK’s leading mental health charities offering therapeutic services, free advice and information about mental health.

Community services
Some local areas are likely to have a number of community groups that can help. These groups usually specialise in a particular area, such as alcohol and drug, domestic violence, bullying, abusive relationships, and 12-step groups. Try checking your local council’s website for mental health information.

School counsellors
Schools, colleges, and universities in the UK will have a free and confidential in-house counselling service you can access free counsellors available to students. Some Universities require you to be registered at a UK doctor's surgery to access therapy through the University therapy services. Look into what is on offer.

Medical insurance
In the UK policies with companies like Cigna, AVIVA and PruHealth often entitle their clients to low cost or free therapy sessions with a recognised provider. AXA and BUPA have reduced their counselling fees, which means that some counsellors will not accept AXA and BUPA clients because their fees are not fully covered by what these insurers now offer.

Sliding scale therapists
There are some therapists and counsellors that take on a certain number of clients at reduced rates (‘sliding scale’). Here are some websites that allow you to search for local accredited therapists in the UK.