How Much Does Therapy Cost in the UK? Free and Paid Options

In short: There is no single price. Private practitioners set their own fees, which vary by profession, area, experience and what’s included, so please ask before you book. There are also free routes: in England you can usually refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies, a GP is the first step in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and charities, workplaces, universities and training clinics may offer free or lower-cost sessions.

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Please read. This is general information from us, not medical, clinical or professional advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, we don’t recommend or guarantee any practitioner, and we’re not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, please use the crisis box at the bottom of this page. Services and rules change, so check the official websites linked here.

Private therapy

Private practitioners decide their own fees, so there is no standard rate. What can affect the fee includes the profession, where the practitioner works, their experience, the length of a session, and whether travel or a written report is included. Because fees vary, we haven’t listed prices here. Ask each practitioner directly.

Where a member of Therapist Circle shares a fee range on Find, treat it as a guide only and confirm it in your introduction message. See fees, private practice and NHS routes.

What to ask before you book

What is the fee for a session, and how long is a session?
Is there a first call or introductory meeting, and does it cost anything?
What happens if I need to cancel or rearrange?
Are there extra costs, such as reports, travel or messages between sessions?
Do you offer reduced fees or a sliding scale?
How will we review how things are going?

If you hope your health insurance will pay, check your policy first, because some insurers cover only certain professions or ask for a GP referral.

Free and lower-cost routes

NHS Talking Therapies (England). Free talking therapy for common problems such as anxiety and depression. In most areas you can refer yourself online (find your local service).
Your GP. A GP can refer you to NHS services. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland your GP is usually the first step.
Charities and community services. Some charities offer free or low-cost counselling, for example for bereavement or young people. Hub of Hope lists local support.
Work and study. Some employers fund a few confidential sessions through an employee assistance programme, and most universities and colleges have student counselling services.
Training clinics. Universities and training institutes may offer lower-cost sessions with supervised trainees.

Our guide to free and low-cost therapy options goes into more detail, and do you need a referral? explains how to get started.

Other professions

The same applies to other professions. NHS occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy are free through the NHS, though there may be a wait, and many occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists also work privately and set their own fees. Whoever you see, check the register first.

Common Questions

Is therapy free on the NHS?

Yes, NHS services are free to use, but there may be a waiting list and what is offered varies by area. In England you can usually refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies for common problems such as anxiety and depression.

Why do therapists charge different fees?

Private practitioners set their own fees, which can reflect their profession, experience, location, session length and what’s included. Ask each one directly.

Can I get therapy for less?

Some practitioners offer reduced fees or sliding scales, and charities, workplaces, universities and training clinics may offer free or lower-cost sessions. Ask when you make contact.

Is it free to use Therapist Circle?

Yes. You can search, read profiles and ask for an introduction without paying. Practitioners list for free too. Any fees are agreed directly with the practitioner.

Last reviewed 26 October 2026. Information is drawn from the NHS, HCPC and professional body websites, checked in October 2026. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHS, the HCPC or any professional body.

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