How Much Does Private Therapy Cost in the UK? 2026 Price Guide
Private therapy costs £40-150 per session in the UK depending on type and location. We compare CBT, counselling, psychotherapy, EMDR, and couples therapy prices from major providers.
Quick answer
Updated May 2026UK private mental health prices depend on whether the consultation is with a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist, whether assessment includes a written report, and whether ongoing titration or therapy is included. For ADHD specifically, shared-care arrangements with the NHS GP are a separate negotiation.
- Compare assessment cost, ongoing review cost and any titration/medication fees separately.
- Check whether the provider offers NHS shared-care for ADHD and whether your GP will accept it.
- Verify the clinician on the GMC (psychiatrists), HCPC (psychologists) or BACP/UKCP (counsellors / therapists) register.
UK mental-health cost items to compare
| Cost item | Usually included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial assessment | Yes | Headline price for diagnosis or treatment plan |
| Written report | Sometimes no | Diagnostic report may be billed separately |
| Follow-up reviews | Often no | Ongoing titration or therapy sessions usually separate |
| Medication titration | Sometimes no | May involve multiple appointments over several months |
| Shared-care arrangement | Varies | NHS GP acceptance is not guaranteed; clarify before paying |
Sources and updates
How this page is sourced
Sources
- Published provider price pages
- GMC public register for psychiatrists
- HCPC register for psychologists
- BACP and UKCP registers for counsellors and therapists
- TreatCompare compiled UK mental-health pricing dataset
Methodology: We compare advertised UK mental-health prices and provider service inclusions. Prices vary by clinician, assessment type, report format and follow-up policy. NHS shared-care arrangements are a separate negotiation with the patient's NHS GP and outside TreatCompare's scope.
Caveat: This page is for cost comparison and planning. It is not clinical advice and does not replace assessment by a UK-registered mental-health clinician.
10-second answer
- UK private therapy sessions typically cost £50–£120 per 50-minute session.
- In-person rates in London average £80–£150; online therapy is often £50–£80.
- Verify the therapist on the BACP, UKCP or HCPC register; ask about cancellation and session-block policies.
Healthcare data note
Sources, review and limits
Main sources
- BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) register
- UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) register
- HCPC register for psychologists
- Published private therapist pricing
Methodology: We compare published UK private counselling, psychotherapy and CBT session prices. Final costs depend on therapist seniority, location, format (in-person / online) and modality. Verify the therapist on the relevant register before booking.
Important context
TreatCompare uses public data, provider-published information, official datasets, structured research and analysis. Figures can change and may not be complete in real time. Use this page for research and comparison only, then verify directly with the relevant provider.
- Source type
- TreatCompare compiled research
- Primary source
- Provider-published information and TreatCompare research
- Reporting period
- 2026-04-29
- Last updated
- 2026-04-29
- Figure type
- Mixed sources
- Use
- Research and comparison only
Are you a clinic, provider or data owner?
If you believe information on this page is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete or presented without necessary context, contact us with the page URL and supporting evidence. We review correction requests promptly, but they are not automatically accepted.
UK comparison next step
Compare assessment, follow-up and medication costs together
- The headline assessment fee may not include titration or follow-up.
- Shared-care transfer is not guaranteed after private diagnosis.
- Ongoing review costs can change the first-year total.
Cost FAQs
How much does a private ADHD assessment cost in the UK?
UK private ADHD assessments typically cost £600–£1,500 for the initial assessment, depending on provider model (telehealth vs in-person), whether a written report is included and how titration is priced. Ongoing follow-up and medication titration are usually billed separately.
How much does a private psychiatrist cost in the UK?
UK private psychiatry consultations typically cost £200–£500 per appointment, depending on duration and seniority of the psychiatrist. Initial assessments are usually longer and more expensive than follow-up reviews.
Can my NHS GP prescribe medication based on a private ADHD diagnosis?
NHS GPs are not obliged to take on a private prescription. Shared-care arrangements are decided locally and require ongoing review with the private provider. Confirm shared-care availability before paying for the private assessment.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist and therapist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (GMC-registered) who can prescribe medication. Psychologists are HCPC-registered specialists who provide assessment and therapy but cannot prescribe. Counsellors and therapists provide talking therapy and are typically BACP or UKCP registered.
Is private mental health treatment confidential?
Yes, in line with UK GDPR. Information is shared with your NHS GP only with your consent (commonly required for shared-care prescribing). Confirm the provider's information-sharing policy before assessment.
How this guide was checked
TreatCompare uses published provider fees, official regulator registers, NHS/PBS/Medicare references where relevant, and the methodology described on our methodology page. If a clinic, provider or reader spots information that is out of date, they can use our corrections page. Prices are point-in-time and can change before booking.
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Compare UK private mental health and ADHD assessment prices, included follow-up and provider routes.
Private therapy in the UK typically costs £50-100 per session, with significant variation by therapy type, therapist experience, and location. Here's what you'll pay and how to find the right therapist without overspending.
How much does therapy cost per session?
| Therapy type | Typical cost | Range | Session length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counselling | £55 | £40–80 | 50 min |
| CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) | £80 | £50–120 | 50–60 min |
| Psychotherapy | £90 | £60–150 | 50 min |
| EMDR | £80 | £60–100 | 60–90 min |
| Couples / relationship therapy | £100 | £70–150 | 60–90 min |
| Child / adolescent therapy | £70 | £50–100 | 45–50 min |
| Clinical psychology | £120 | £80–200 | 50 min |
Prices as of April 2026, based on publicly listed fees and BACP survey data. London prices sit at the upper end of each range.
Counselling and psychotherapy are not legally protected titles in the UK. Anyone can call themselves a counsellor. Always check your therapist is registered with an accredited body: BACP, UKCP, BPS, or HCPC.
Online vs in-person therapy
Online therapy is consistently lower-cost than in-person sessions, typically by 20-40%.
| Format | Average session cost | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Online (video/phone) | £55 | £36–90 |
| In-person (outside London) | £65 | £40–100 |
| In-person (London) | £90 | £60–150 |
The cost difference is driven by overheads — therapists working from home don't pay for consulting rooms. Research shows online therapy is equally effective as in-person for most conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Provider comparison
| Provider | From | Format | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | £36/week | Online (text, video, phone) | Counselling | Subscription model, unlimited messaging |
| BACP therapist (average) | £50/session | In-person or online | Varies | Independent practitioners, search via BACP directory |
| Harley Therapy | £85/session | Online + London clinics | CBT, psychotherapy | Experienced therapists, min. 10 years qualified |
| ieso | £0 (NHS) | Online typed CBT | CBT only | Free via NHS referral in some areas |
| Priory | £300/session | In-person (nationwide) | Psychiatry + therapy | Psychiatrist-led, for complex cases |
| Relate | £55/session | In-person + online | Couples counselling | Sliding scale available |
NHS therapy: what's available for free?
The NHS Talking Therapies programme (formerly IAPT) provides free therapy for common mental health conditions. You can self-refer without seeing your GP first.
What's offered:
- CBT (individual and group)
- Counselling for depression
- Guided self-help
- Behavioural activation
- Couples therapy (for depression)
The limitations:
- Wait times: 6-18 weeks for CBT, longer in some areas
- Session limits: Typically 6-12 sessions, sometimes fewer
- Scope: Designed for mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Not suitable for complex trauma, personality disorders, or severe mental illness.
- Therapist choice: You cannot choose your therapist or therapeutic approach
For moderate depression and generalised anxiety, NHS Talking Therapies is a good option if you can wait. For trauma, complex conditions, or where you want a specific therapy type, private treatment gives you more control.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on what you're working on:
- Mild anxiety or a specific phobia: 6-8 sessions of CBT
- Moderate anxiety or depression: 12-16 sessions
- Depression (moderate to severe): 16-20 sessions
- PTSD / trauma: 8-12 sessions of EMDR, or 12-20+ of trauma-focused CBT
- Complex or longstanding issues: 20-40+ sessions of psychotherapy
- Relationship difficulties: 8-20 sessions of couples therapy
At £70 per session, 12 sessions of CBT for anxiety costs roughly £840 in total. This is a useful benchmark for budgeting.
How to choose the right therapist
Check qualifications and registration. Look for membership of one of these bodies:
- BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) — the largest body, covers counsellors and psychotherapists
- UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) — psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors
- BPS (British Psychological Society) — chartered psychologists
- HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) — clinical and counselling psychologists, art therapists (this is the only statutory register)
Match the therapy to the problem. CBT is the most evidence-based therapy for anxiety and depression. EMDR is recommended by NICE for PTSD. Psychodynamic psychotherapy suits people who want to explore deep-rooted patterns. Couples therapy requires a specialist — not all individual therapists are trained in it.
Ask about their experience. A therapist who has worked extensively with your specific issue (e.g., OCD, eating disorders, grief) will generally be more effective than a generalist.
Consider the practical details. Frequency (weekly is standard), location or online availability, cancellation policy, and whether they offer a free initial phone consultation.
Paying for therapy: other options
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP): Many employers offer 4-8 free sessions through their EAP. Ask your HR department.
- Health insurance: Bupa, AXA, and Vitality cover therapy, but usually require a GP referral and pre-authorisation. Cover is often limited to 10-20 sessions per year.
- Sliding scale fees: Many independent therapists offer reduced rates for people on low incomes. Ask when booking.
- Training therapists: Therapists in their final year of training offer sessions at reduced rates (£20-40), supervised by a qualified professional. Quality can be excellent.
Compare therapy providers, online counselling platforms, and psychiatry services across the UK.
Compare mental health services pricesThe bottom line
Budget £50-100 per session for private therapy, or £36-50 per week for an online platform. For mild to moderate anxiety and depression, NHS Talking Therapies is a free alternative if you can wait 6-18 weeks. Always verify your therapist's registration before booking, and don't be afraid to switch if the fit isn't right — the therapeutic relationship matters more than the specific approach.
UK comparison next step
Compare assessment, follow-up and medication costs together
- The headline assessment fee may not include titration or follow-up.
- Shared-care transfer is not guaranteed after private diagnosis.
- Ongoing review costs can change the first-year total.
Frequently asked questions
How much does private therapy cost per session in the UK?
Private therapy typically costs £50–£100 per session, with counselling around £55, CBT around £80, psychotherapy around £90, and clinical psychology around £120. Couples therapy averages £100 per 60–90 minute session, and child or adolescent therapy around £70. London prices sit at the upper end of each range.
Is online therapy lower-cost than in-person therapy?
Yes — online therapy averages £55 per session (range £36–£90) versus £65 outside London and £90 in London for in-person sessions, a 20–40% saving. The cost difference reflects lower overheads since therapists working from home don't pay for consulting rooms. Research shows online therapy is equally effective as in-person for most conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Can I get free therapy on the NHS?
Yes — the NHS Talking Therapies programme (formerly IAPT) provides free CBT, counselling for depression, guided self-help, behavioural activation, and couples therapy for depression. You can self-refer without seeing a GP. Wait times are 6–18 weeks for CBT, sessions are typically capped at 6–12, and the service is designed for mild to moderate anxiety and depression — not complex trauma, personality disorders, or severe mental illness.
How many therapy sessions will I need?
It depends on the issue: 6–8 sessions of CBT for mild anxiety or a specific phobia, 12–16 for moderate anxiety or depression, 16–20 for moderate to severe depression, 8–12 of EMDR for PTSD, and 20–40+ sessions of psychotherapy for complex or longstanding issues. At £70 per session, 12 sessions of CBT for anxiety costs around £840 in total.
How do I check a UK therapist is properly qualified?
Counselling and psychotherapy are not legally protected titles in the UK, so always check membership of an accredited body: BACP (largest, covers counsellors and psychotherapists), UKCP (psychotherapists), BPS (chartered psychologists), or HCPC — the only statutory register, covering clinical and counselling psychologists and art therapists.
Does private health insurance cover therapy?
Bupa, AXA, and Vitality cover therapy, but usually require a GP referral and pre-authorisation, with cover often limited to 10–20 sessions per year. Other ways to access reduced-cost therapy include Employee Assistance Programmes (typically 4–8 free sessions via your employer), sliding-scale fees from independent therapists, and trainee therapists in their final year offering supervised sessions at £20–£40.
What's the lower-cost way to access private therapy?
BetterHelp starts at £36 per week for online subscription counselling with text, video and phone access. ieso offers free online typed CBT via NHS referral in some areas. Independent BACP therapists average £50 per session. Relate offers couples counselling from £55 with sliding-scale fees available.
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