If you can afford to see someone privately, or you have medical insurance which covers mental health treatment, you have many options open to you. Counselling, therapy, psychiatrists and inpatient treatment are all available in the private sector. Waiting lists are usually a lot shorter than the NHS and you have more choice about who treats you.
How Much Does It Cost?
According to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), prices for counselling and therapy usually range between £10 and £60 per session. In our experience, £40 to £60 is probably a realistic estimate of what a private, BACP-accredited therapist may charge; for lower prices you’d almost certainly need to contact a charity or voluntary organisation which charges on a sliding scale. Some therapists, such as clinical psychologists, may charge considerably more than £60. Many clients choose to see their therapist fortnightly rather than weekly to make treatment more affordable.
Seeing a psychiatrist privately is more expensive. For example, a consultation at a Nuffield hospital costs between £100 and £240.
If you have medical insurance, check your policy for details of what’s covered, and whether you have to pay part of the cost.
Counselling and Psychotherapy
In the UK, anyone can call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist and set up business. It’s therefore important to check that the person you want to see has appropriate qualifications and is a member of a reputable professional body. The professional bodies below all provide listings of therapists to potential clients.
You don’t usually need a referral for private counselling or therapy; you can just contact the therapist or organisation directly.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
A good starting point if you’re on a budget, as fees per session are included in therapists’ profiles. Note that not all therapists listed are BACP members; you can see which professional bodies a therapist belongs to in their profile.
British Psychoanalytic Council
Psychoanalytic therapists. Their website also includes details of reduced fee schemes for people on low incomes.
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
Therapists specialising in CBT.
Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy
Therapists specialising in CAT.
British Psychological Society
Chartered psychologists specialising in psychotherapy.
Psychiatrists and Hospital Treatment
To see a psychiatrist or receive hospital treatment privately, you will usually need a referral from your GP, in the same way you would for NHS treatment. Some hospitals and clinics which provide services nationally are listed below. Your GP should also be able to tell you what’s available.
Royal College of Psychiatrists – How to Get Help
General information and advice.
Specialist Info
A database of UK and Republic of Ireland consultants and hospitals, both NHS and private.
Nuffield Health
Private hospitals in England and Scotland.
The Priory Group
Mental health clinics in England and Scotland.
Spire Healthcare (formerly BUPA Hospitals)
Private hospitals in England, Scotland and Wales.
