Private therapy is an increasingly common route for people seeking mental health support in the UK. It sits alongside NHS services rather than replacing them — and it can offer faster access, more choice of clinician, and longer-term work for those who can afford it.
This guide explains how private therapy works, what it typically costs, how UK therapist accreditation operates, and how to find a regulated practitioner — so you can make an informed decision about whether it's right for your situation.
At a glance
- Private therapy typically costs £40–£150 per session in the UK
- Look for therapists accredited by BACP, UKCP, BABCP, BPC, or NCPS
- Online therapy is often more affordable than in-person
- Private therapy works alongside the NHS, not as a replacement
When to consider private therapy
People consider private therapy for many reasons. Some of the most common are practical rather than clinical.
These reasons may include:
- NHS waiting lists are long in your area
- You want to choose a specific therapist or therapeutic approach
- You need longer-term therapy than the NHS can typically offer
- You are looking for support with a specialism that NHS Talking Therapies does not cover
- You want more flexibility around appointment times or session frequency
Private therapy is not inherently better than NHS therapy. NHS Talking Therapies are evidence-based, free at the point of use, and effective for many common difficulties. Private therapy is one route among several — and many people use NHS and private therapy together over time, depending on their needs.
How private therapist accreditation works
Therapy is a regulated practice in the UK, but the regulation works differently from medicine or psychology. Anyone can call themselves a "therapist" or "counsellor" — the title itself is not legally protected. What protects you is accreditation by a recognised professional body.
The main UK accreditation bodies are:
BACP — British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
The largest accreditation body in the UK, covering counsellors and psychotherapists across many approaches. BACP-accredited therapists must complete approved training, supervised practice, and adhere to an ethical framework.
UKCP — UK Council for Psychotherapy
Accredits psychotherapists across a range of modalities. UKCP registration involves longer and more in-depth training than BACP, particularly for psychoanalytic and psychodynamic approaches.
BABCP — British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
The accrediting body for CBT therapists. If you are specifically looking for CBT, BABCP accreditation is the most relevant credential to verify.
BPC — British Psychoanalytic Council
Accredits psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapists. Generally relevant for longer-term, depth-oriented work.
NCPS — National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
A growing accreditation body covering counsellors and psychotherapists. NCPS-accredited members must meet professional standards and adhere to an ethical framework.
Key tip
Every UK accreditation body maintains a public register. Before starting therapy with anyone, search their name on the relevant body's register to confirm their accreditation is current. If you can't find them, ask the therapist to clarify which body they are accredited with and verify directly.
Sources: BACP, UKCP, BABCP, BPC, NCPS public registers
How much private therapy costs
Private therapy costs in the UK vary widely depending on the therapist's training, location, modality, and whether sessions are online or in-person.
Typical price ranges:
- Counselling sessions: £40–£80 per session
- Psychotherapy sessions: £60–£120 per session
- CBT with a BABCP-accredited therapist: £70–£150 per session
- Online therapy via a platform: often £30–£70 per session
- Therapy in central London and major cities: typically higher than the ranges above
Many private therapists offer a sliding scale based on income, particularly trainees who are working under supervision. It is reasonable to ask about reduced-fee options if cost is a barrier.
Some private health insurance policies cover therapy, often with a limited number of sessions per year. Check your policy for details and any restrictions on which therapists are covered.
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In-person vs online therapy
Both in-person and online therapy can be effective. The right choice depends on the type of support you are looking for, your circumstances, and your personal preference.
In-person therapy may suit you if:
- You prefer face-to-face interaction
- You are working on complex or trauma-related difficulties where the physical setting matters
- You find it easier to focus when away from your home environment
- You don't have private, reliable space to take video calls at home
Online therapy may suit you if:
- You want lower-cost or more flexible options
- You live somewhere with limited local therapist availability
- You have physical mobility or chronic health constraints
- You prefer the convenience of working from home
Some therapists offer a mix of in-person and online sessions. Many people find that online works well for ongoing sessions once an initial in-person relationship has been established.
How to find a private therapist
There are several ways to find a private therapist in the UK.
The most reliable routes are:
- Searching the public registers of BACP, UKCP, BABCP, BPC, or NCPS directly
- Asking your GP for a recommendation
- Using a therapy directory that verifies accreditation
- Personal recommendations from someone you trust
Whichever route you take, the most important step is verifying the therapist's accreditation on the relevant body's public register before booking your first session.
Search providers
Find a regulated therapist on Find Care Compare
Find Care Compare lists NHS, charity, and accredited private therapists side-by-side. Search is free and we do not endorse any individual provider.
Search providersWhat to ask before your first session
Before committing to a private therapist, it is reasonable to ask a few questions. Most therapists offer a brief initial conversation — often free or low-cost — to help you decide if they are the right fit.
Questions worth asking:
- What is your accreditation and which body are you registered with?
- What is your training and clinical experience with my type of difficulty?
- What therapeutic approach do you use, and how does it work?
- What is your fee, and do you offer sliding-scale or reduced-fee options?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- How long do you typically work with clients?
- Do you have clinical supervision, and how often?
Clinical supervision is standard practice for accredited therapists. It means the therapist regularly discusses their casework with a senior practitioner to ensure quality of care. A therapist without supervision is a significant red flag.
How private therapy works alongside the NHS
Private therapy and NHS mental health services are not mutually exclusive. Many people use them together.
Common combinations include:
- Starting private therapy while on the NHS Talking Therapies waiting list
- Using NHS Talking Therapies for shorter-term work and a private therapist for longer-term or more specialised support
- Receiving NHS medication management while doing therapy privately
- Using NHS specialist services for complex needs and private therapy for general wellbeing
If you are receiving NHS care, it is good practice to let your NHS team know you are also seeing a private therapist. The two can work in parallel without conflict, but coordination is helpful — particularly if medication and therapy are both involved.
Learn more in our guide:
How NHS Referrals WorkSources
Information in this guide is based on publicly available guidance from UK therapy accreditation bodies and NHS sources.
Sources referenced include:
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