How Much Does Private Therapy Cost in the UK?

If you're thinking about therapy, one of the first questions you're likely to ask is how much private therapy costs in the UK. The answer depends on the type of therapist you see, where you live, and whether you go NHS or private.

This guide explains what private therapy typically costs in 2026, how those costs compare to NHS therapy, and what to think about when deciding which route is right for you.

Private therapy costs have risen significantly since 2022. Research by myTribe Insurance found that the average cost of a private psychology session rose by around 34% between 2022 and 2025 - though this figure relates specifically to clinical psychologists (not counsellors or psychotherapists generally), and rises across other therapy types may vary.

The cost of a private therapy session in the UK varies depending on the type of therapist, their level of experience, your location, and whether you attend in person or online. Sessions typically last 50 to 60 minutes.

The table below shows typical session costs in 2026, collected/collated from publicly listed fees across the BACP therapist directory, Counselling Directory and Psychology Today UK. Individual fees vary - these figures reflect the ranges and central tendencies visible in listings for qualified, registered practitioners.

Where you live makes a real difference to what you pay. In London and other large cities, you can expect to pay at the higher end of the ranges above. Outside major cities, fees tend to be noticeably lower for the same type of therapy.

Online therapy sessions are sometimes - though not always - slightly cheaper than face-to-face appointments. Many therapists now offer both formats at the same rate.

One session can give you a feel for things, but most people need several sessions to see real change - and that's where the costs start to matter.

At £85 per session, a 10-session course of CBT costs around £850. At £60 per counselling session, the same number of sessions costs around £600. A longer course of psychotherapy at £90 per session over six months, attending weekly, could reach £1,500 to £2,000 or more.

These figures help explain why many people first explore NHS options before committing to private therapy.

Both NHS and private therapy can be effective. The main differences come down to cost, waiting times, and how much control you have over who you see and when.

The NHS offers free psychological therapy through a service called NHS Talking Therapies (previously known as IAPT - Improving Access to Psychological Therapies). In England, you can self-refer to this service without going through your GP first.

NHS Talking Therapies offers treatments including CBT, counselling, and guided self-help. It covers a range of conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, social anxiety, panic disorder and specific phobias, as well as these conditions where they are linked to a long-term physical health condition.

The NHS targets 75% of people referred to Talking Therapies to have a first appointment within six weeks of referral, and 95% within 18 weeks. In practice, waiting times vary significantly depending on where you live and what type of support you need.

For more complex needs, your GP may refer you to specialist mental health services such as a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). Waiting times for these services can be considerably longer.

Private therapy means paying a qualified therapist directly, outside of the NHS. You choose the therapist, book when it suits you, and typically start within days or weeks rather than months.

Private therapy gives you more control over the type of therapy you receive and who delivers it. It is also the route to access therapies that the NHS does not routinely fund, such as certain trauma-focused approaches or longer-term psychodynamic therapy.

The main barrier is cost - see the table above for current typical fees.

If the costs above feel too high, there are ways to bring them down.

Ask about sliding scale therapy fees. Many qualified therapists offer reduced rates for people on lower incomes. The BACP notes that more than half of its listed therapists advertise fees in the £40 to £60 range, and many offer reduced rates for those on low incomes. It is always worth asking directly - most therapists would rather discuss fees than lose a potential client.

Try a trainee therapist. Qualified therapists in training often offer sessions at reduced rates - sometimes from as little as £20 to £40 per session - while working under clinical supervision. This can be a genuinely good option for many people, though rates vary across training organisations and placements.

Look at charitable and low-cost therapy providers. Some mental health charities and community organisations offer low-cost or free counselling. Availability varies by area, so it is worth searching locally.

Consider online therapy platforms. Some platforms offer affordable therapy UK-wide through subscription pricing or per-session fees at lower rates than private practice. Research suggests online therapy can be equally effective as in-person treatment for anxiety and depression, though this is most consistently supported for therapist-guided formats. It is important to check therapist qualifications and registration before signing up.

There is no single right answer - it depends on your situation, how urgently you need support, and what you can afford.

NHS therapy is worth exploring first if cost is a concern and you're able to wait - it works well for anxiety and depression, which is what it's primarily designed for.

Private therapy makes more sense if you need support sooner, want to choose who you see, or need a type of therapy the NHS doesn't routinely offer.

Some people use both - starting private therapy while waiting for NHS support to begin, then transitioning to NHS care once a place becomes available.

Understanding your options is the first step. Find Care Compare helps you compare NHS and private mental health providers across the UK, so you can understand what is available and make an informed decision.