How Much Does Therapy Cost in London? 2025 Guide
Curious about therapy costs in London for 2025? This guide covers everything—from NHS vs private fees and borough-specific prices to low-cost options and ways to save—so you can navigate your mental health care with confidence and clarity.
Back to Top
Looking for therapy in London but concerned about the cost? This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay for mental health services across London in 2025, with area-specific pricing and NHS/private options.
Table of Contents | Jump Ahead
Therapy Costs by Provider Type
NHS vs Private Therapy in London
Affordable Therapy Options in London
Factors Affecting Therapy Costs
How to Reduce Therapy Costs in London
Quick Summary
- Average private therapy session cost in London: £70-£138 (ranges from £50-£288 depending on provider type and location).
- Psychiatrist session: £150-£403 (average £250).
- Clinical Psychologist session: £100-£230 (average £140).
- Counsellor/Psychotherapist session: £60-£138 (average £85).
- NHS therapy: Free at point of service (waiting lists apply)
- Sliding scale options: Available from £30-£81 per session.
Therapy Costs by Provider Type
| Provider Type | Initial Consultation | Regular Session | NHS Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist | £200-£460 (avg £300) | £150-£403 (avg £250) | Covered with GP referral | Medical doctors; primarily medication management |
| Clinical Psychologist | £120-£288 (avg £180) | £100-£230 (avg £140) | Covered with GP referral | Doctorate level (DClinPsy) with diagnostic capabilities |
| Counselling Psychologist | £100-£230 (avg £150) | £80-£173 (avg £120) | Some NHS services | Masters or doctorate level |
| Psychotherapist | £90-£207 (avg £130) | £70-£161 (avg £100) | Limited NHS availability | Various training backgrounds (UKCP/BPC registered) |
| Counsellor | £70-£173 (avg £110) | £60-£138 (avg £85) | Limited NHS availability | BACP/NCS registered practitioners |
| CBT Therapist | £80-£184 (avg £120) | £70-£150 (avg £95) | IAPT services cover | Specialised in cognitive-behavioural therapy |
Regional Cost Variations
Central London
- Harley Street/Wimpole Street: £120-£288 per session (40-100% above London average).
- Mayfair/Knightsbridge: £110-£253 per session (30-80% above London average).
- Covent Garden/Holborn: £100-£207 per session (20-50% above London average).
North London
- Hampstead/Highgate: £100-£207 per session (20-50% above London average).
- Islington/Angel: £90-£173 per session (10-25% above London average).
- Camden/Kentish Town: £80-£161 per session (5-15% above London average).
East London
- Canary Wharf/Docklands: £90-£184 per session (10-30% above London average).
- Hackney/Dalston: £70-£138 per session (at London average).
- Stratford/Bow: £60-£115 per session (10-20% below London average).
South London
- Clapham/Battersea: £80-£161 per session (5-15% above London average).
- Brixton/Streatham: £65-£127 per session (5-10% below London average).
- Croydon/Bromley: £55-£109 per session (15-25% below London average).
West London
- Kensington/Chelsea: £110-£253 per session (30-80% above London average).
- Notting Hill/Holland Park: £100-£207 per session (20-50% above London average).
- Ealing/Acton: £70-£138 per session (at London average).
NHS vs Private Therapy in London
NHS Mental Health Services
- IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies): Free CBT and counselling.
- Community Mental Health Teams: Free specialist services for complex needs.
- GP Referrals to Secondary Care: Free psychiatrist and psychologist services.
- Waiting Times: 2-6 weeks for initial assessment, 2-6 months for treatment.
- Session Limits: Typically 6-12 sessions depending on service and need.
Private Therapy Options
- Self-Pay: Direct payment to therapist (£60-£138 per session average).
- Private Health Insurance: Many plans cover 6-20 sessions annually.
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Many London employers offer 6-8 free sessions.
- Waiting Times: Usually 1-2 weeks or less.
- Session Limits: Determined by client preference and financial resources.
London NHS Tip: Each London borough has its own IAPT service with different waiting times. You can self-refer to any IAPT service in the borough where you are registered with a GP.
Affordable Therapy Options in London
Training Institutions
- WPF Therapy: £25-£92 per session.
- Tavistock & Portman NHS Trust: £30-£104 per session (non-NHS service).
- Metanoia Institute: £25-£81 per session.
Community Services
- Mind in London: £25-£69 based on income.
- The Awareness Centre: £30-£81 based on income.
- Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre: £25-£75 based on income.
University Clinics
- University College London Psychology Clinic: £15-£69 per session.
- London Metropolitan University Counselling Service: £15-£58 per session.
- Regent's University London Psychotherapy Clinic: £20-£63 per session.
Factors Affecting Therapy Costs
- Provider Qualifications: More experienced therapists charge 30-50% more.
- Practice Overheads: Central London office space drives higher fees.
- Session Length: 50-minute sessions are standard; 90-minute sessions cost 50-80% more.
- Specialised Approaches: EMDR, psychoanalysis, and other specialised therapies may cost 20-40% more.
- Frequency: Some therapists offer discounts for twice-weekly sessions.
How to Reduce Therapy Costs in London
- Ask about sliding scale fees: Many therapists reserve slots for lower-income clients.
- Consider group therapy: Typically £30-£69 per session.
- Explore training institutions: Supervised trainees offer quality care at reduced rates.
- Use NHS IAPT services: Free therapy with self-referral option.
- Check workplace benefits: Many London employers offer EAP services.
- Try community mental health services: Charities offer reduced fees based on income.
- Consider telehealth options: Often 10-20% less expensive than in-person.
Therapy Cost Directory
- Nearby Cities:
- State: For a statewide overview of therapy costs, see:
- Country: For a country-wide overview of therapy costs in South Africa, see: How Much Does Therapy Cost in the UK
- Worldwide: For a global overview of therapy costs, see: Therapy Costs Worldwide
London-Specific Resources
- NHS Mental Health Crisis Line: 24/7 support via 111, option 2.
- Samaritans: 24/7 emotional support (116 123).
- Mind in London: Mental health charity with multiple London locations.
- London IAPT Self-Referral: Search "[Your borough] IAPT" to find local service.
Sources
- NHS England Mental Health Services Data (2025)
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Fee Survey (2025)
- British Psychological Society (BPS) Fee Guidelines (2025)
- Royal College of Psychiatrists Private Practice Survey (2025)
- Major Private Health Insurance Provider Benefit Guides (Bupa, AXA, Vitality)
Note: Prices are current as of May 25, 2025 but may change. Always verify costs directly with providers before beginning treatment.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
Find a Therapist
Find skilled psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors near you.
