Counselling Fees
We know that cost is an important consideration when you're thinking about counselling. On this page you'll find everything you need to know about our fees, what they include, payment options and how many sessions you might need.
If you're unsure what you can afford, please get in touch. We're happy to talk through the options with you.
How much does counselling cost?
Our counselling fees vary depending on the type of support you choose.
We also offer lower-cost options if you're on a low income, choose online or telephone counselling, or are eligible for our reduced-cost counselling bursary scheme.
Our current fees are:
Individual counselling: £44–£72 per session
Couples counselling: £72–£80 per session
Family counselling: £72–£80 per session
Children and young people's counselling: £50 per session
Psychosexual therapy: £80 per session
If you're unsure which service is right for you, our team will be happy to help you understand the options before you book.
What does the fee include?
Your fee covers much more than the time spent in the counselling room. It includes:
- Your initial appointment – This is an opportunity to explore what has brought you to counselling, understand how counselling works, and decide whether we're the right service for you. It's also a chance for you to ask questions and feel confident about taking the next step.
- Your counselling sessions – Dedicated one-to-one time with a qualified counsellor, focused entirely on your needs and goals.
- Preparation and ongoing support – Your counsellor spends time preparing for sessions, keeping confidential records, and ensuring your care is well managed.
- Professional support and quality assurance – Our counsellors receive regular professional supervision, which is an essential part of the BACP Ethical Framework. This helps ensure you receive safe, ethical and effective support.
- An experienced charity supporting you – With over 60 years of supporting people across Sussex, your fee also helps provide the experienced administrative and support teams who make your journey with us as smooth as possible from your first enquiry through to your final session.
Our aim is to provide high-quality counselling in a safe, supportive and professional environment.
Do I have to commit to a set number of sessions?
No.
We usually recommend an initial appointment followed by around six counselling sessions as a helpful starting point. This gives you and your counsellor time to explore your concerns and begin working towards your goals.
However, there is no obligation to commit to a fixed number of sessions. Some people find they need fewer sessions, while others benefit from continuing for longer. Together with your counsellor, you'll regularly review how things are progressing and decide what feels right for you.
Counselling is tailored to you, because everyone's circumstances and needs are different.
If you're receiving counselling through our bursary scheme, funding covers an initial appointment and six ongoing sessions. This helps us distribute our charitable funding fairly, so that as many people as possible can access support.
Can I get reduced-cost counselling?
Yes. We are committed to making counselling as accessible as possible and don't want cost to be a barrier to getting support.
Thanks to our ongoing fundraising and the generosity of our supporters, we offer a reduced-cost counselling bursary scheme for people on low incomes or receiving welfare benefits.
The bursary scheme is:
- Available by application.
- Subject to available funding.
- Designed to help as many people as possible access counselling.
If your application is successful, you'll be offered up to seven sessions at the reduced rate, consisting of:
- One initial appointment.
- Six ongoing counselling sessions.
This approach helps us distribute our charitable funding fairly, so we can support as many people as possible.
After your funded sessions have ended, you're welcome to continue counselling at the standard fee if you and your counsellor feel that further sessions would be beneficial.
To see the current subsidised fee bands, please download our Subsidy Policy.
If you cannot afford the fee linked to your income band, please speak to us. Depending on available funding and your circumstances, we may be able to offer additional financial support.