How Much Does a Private Therapy Session Cost in the UK (2026)
Last updated 29 September 2026
NHS talking therapy is free, but waits can run long and the number of sessions is often limited. Going private means starting within days and choosing a therapist you actually get on with. Based on clinics currently listed on Keystone, a standard therapy session costs £85 to £400, with most clinics charging £100 to £250.
Quick answer: expect to pay roughly £85 to £400 for a typical private counselling or therapy session, with most clinics at £100 to £250. Specialist psychiatric assessments sit in a different, higher bracket, roughly £635 to £740, since that's a different kind of appointment with a different kind of clinician.
What actually drives the price difference
- Who you see. A counsellor generally costs less than a clinical psychologist or psychotherapist, and a consultant psychiatrist costs more again, since psychiatric assessments involve a doctor rather than a talking therapist.
- Location. Central London therapists (Harley Street, Marylebone) tend to charge more than therapists in the surrounding commuter towns.
- In-person vs. video. Video sessions are sometimes, though not always, cheaper than seeing a therapist in person.
- Assessment vs. ongoing session. A first assessment session is occasionally priced differently from your regular ongoing sessions, so check what the quoted price actually covers.
What UK private therapists are currently charging
Based on clinics listed on Keystone (checked 2026-08-28):
| Price | Notes |
|---|---|
| £85 to £100 | Lower end, commuter town and regional clinics |
| £100 to £250 | Common range for an individual counselling or therapy session |
| £290 to £400 | Higher end, central London and specialist clinics |
| £635 to £740 | Psychiatric consultation or assessment, a different service tier |
Because therapy is usually an ongoing cost rather than a one-off, the per-session price matters more here than for most other appointments. A small difference per session adds up quickly over months of weekly visits.
NHS vs private therapy: cost and speed
| NHS | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Roughly £85 to £400 per session |
| Typical wait | Can be weeks to months, and sessions are often capped | Usually starts within days |
| Choosing your therapist | Limited choice | You choose who you see and can switch if it's not a fit |
If waiting isn't an option, or you want to choose your own therapist rather than whoever's available, private therapy gets you started immediately. The ongoing cost is the trade-off.
Cheapest clinics for therapy
The lowest published prices we list. Check what each price includes before you book.
| Clinic | Area | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Parkview Clinic Reigate | RH2 | £85 |
| Menopause Care | London SW13 | £99 |
| Excellence Physiotherapy | London SW4 | £100 |
| Regent Street Clinic Newcastle | NE1 | £100 |
| The Blue Tree Clinic | London NW3 | £100 |
| Regent Street Clinic Sheffield | S1 | £100 |
| Regent Street Clinic Nottingham | NG1 | £100 |
| Regent Street Clinic Southampton | SO15 | £100 |
Best rated clinics for therapy
Highest Google ratings among clinics with at least 20 reviews.
| Clinic | Area | Session | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harley Street Mental Health | London W1G | £715 | 5.0 (846) |
| Finn Dental Specialists Beckenham | London BR3 | £251 | 5.0 (212) |
| Medical Health Limited | London EC1N | from £175 | 5.0 (179) |
| TGQ Medical | London N20 | £125 | 5.0 (115) |
| London Bridge Therapy | London SE1 | £250 | 5.0 (36) |
| Regent Street Clinic Newcastle | NE1 | £100 | 4.9 (217) |
Compare private therapists near you
Search your postcode on Keystone to see therapists and counselling clinics near you, ranked by distance, price and patient rating, and request an appointment directly.
Curious what clinics near you actually charge? Compare real prices, distances and ratings.
Compare private therapy clinics near you →Frequently asked questions
How much does a private therapy session cost in the UK?
Based on clinics currently listed on Keystone, a standard session costs roughly £85 to £400, with most clinics charging £100 to £250, depending on the therapist's qualifications and location. Psychiatric assessments are priced separately and considerably higher.
Do I need a referral for private therapy?
No. You can book directly with a private therapist or counsellor without going through your GP.
What's the difference between a counsellor, a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist?
A counsellor and psychotherapist both offer talking therapy, with psychotherapists typically trained to work with more complex or longer-term issues. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication, which is why psychiatric consultations cost more.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies hugely by person and issue. Many therapists suggest an initial block of sessions to assess progress, then agree with you whether to continue, reduce frequency, or stop.