READ THIS FIRST. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, please get help now. Visit a nearby emergency service, hospital, or mental health clinic immediately. If you are in crisis, consider these helplines and suicide hotlines worldwide.
Show Crisis Numbers
- Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14
- Canada: 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline | 1-833-456-4566
- France: SOS Amitié 09 72 39 40 50 | Suicide Écoute 01 45 39 40 00
- Germany: Telefonseelsorge 0800 111 0 111
- India: AASRA 91-22-27546669 | Sneha Foundation 044-24640050
- Ireland: Samaritans 116 123 | Pieta House 1800 247 247
- New Zealand: Lifeline 0800 543 354 | Depression Helpline 0800 111 757
- South Africa: LifeLine 0861 322 322 | SADAG 0800 567 567
- United Kingdom: 111 (Option 2) | Samaritans 116 123 | Text SHOUT to 85258
- United States: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | SAMHSA 1-800-662-4357
Find Nearby Counselors
Browse Local Therapists Nearest to You: anxiety therapists, depression therapists, therapists for a teen, child therapists, marriage counselors, couples therapists, more affordable therapists, family therapists, psychologists, trauma therapists.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
How to Find the Right Counselor
This page automatically loads counselors and orders them by nearest to you. Use our filters to narrow your search, then read profiles carefully to find the right match.
- Experience and training: Look for mentions of your specific concern (e.g., "loss," "relationship issues") and any specialised training.
- Therapeutic approaches: Note their methods, such as "CBT," "person-centred," or "integrative," to see if their style fits what you're looking for.
- Specialisations: Many counsellors focus on specific areas like trauma, addiction, or career counselling. Check if they have experience with your situation.
- Practical factors: Consider location (in-person in {{city}} or online), availability, fees (including sliding scale options), and languages spoken.
FAQ
What is a counsellor, and how are they different from psychologists or psychiatrists?
A counsellor is a trained mental health professional who provides talk therapy for emotional difficulties and life challenges. They typically hold a master's or honors degree and focus on providing practical coping strategies.
Key differences between mental health professionals
- Counsellors: Focus on talk therapy for a wide range of common concerns. They hold master's or honours degrees and cannot prescribe medication. They are often a more affordable and accessible starting point for therapy.
- Psychologists: Hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) or master's (depending on the education system and region) and can conduct psychological testing and assessments in addition to providing therapy. They cannot prescribe medication in most regions.
- Psychiatrists: Are medical doctors (MD) who specialise in the medical aspects of mental health. They can prescribe medication and often focus on medication management rather than regular talk therapy.
For most common concerns like anxiety, stress, or relationship issues, research suggests that master's-level counsellors achieve similar positive outcomes to doctoral-level psychologists.2 The quality of the therapeutic relationship is the most critical factor for success.
What happens in counselling sessions?
Counselling sessions provide a confidential and supportive space to explore your concerns and develop strategies for positive change.
The first session
The initial session is an opportunity for you and the counsellor to get to know each other. You will discuss what brought you to counselling, your goals, and any questions you have. The counsellor will explain their approach, and together you will decide if it's a good fit.
Ongoing sessions
In subsequent sessions, you will typically check in on your progress, explore current challenges in more depth, learn and practise new coping skills, and gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The structure can vary from highly goal-oriented (like in CBT) to more exploratory and client-led (like in Person-Centred Therapy).
How long does counselling last?
The duration varies based on your needs. Short-term counselling (6-12 sessions) is often sufficient for specific issues, while more complex or long-standing concerns may benefit from longer-term work (3-6+ months).
How do I choose a counsellor?
Finding the right counsellor involves checking their credentials, considering practical factors, and assessing the personal fit.
Step 1: Identify your needs and check credentials
Start by clarifying what you want to work on. Then, look for counsellors who are licensed or registered with a professional body in your country (e.g., BACP in the UK, LPC in the USA, HPCSA in South Africa) and have experience with your specific concerns.
Step 2: Consider practical factors
Filter your search by identity, issues, language, and in-person or online sessions.
Step 3: Review profiles and book a consultation
Read profiles to get a sense of a counselor's approach and personality. Many offer a brief, free phone consultation to discuss your needs and see if you connect.
Step 4: Assess the fit
After the first couple of sessions, a good fit means you feel heard, respected, and safe. The therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of positive outcomes, so it's okay to try a different counsellor if the first one doesn't feel right.3
For more detailed advice, read our guide on How to Choose a Therapist.
Does counselling really work?
Yes. Decades of research have consistently shown that counselling is an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges. A major 2022 review confirmed that psychological therapies delivered in routine practice lead to meaningful improvements in symptoms and quality of life.1
What makes counselling effective?
- The Therapeutic Relationship: A strong, trusting connection with your counsellor is the most critical factor for success.3
- Your Engagement: Actively participating in sessions and practising new skills between them greatly increases effectiveness.
- Evidence-Based Approaches: Good counsellors use methods that are supported by research and tailor them to your specific needs.
Most people begin to feel some relief after just a few sessions and see noticeable improvements within 8-12 sessions. If you feel you're not making progress, it's important to discuss this with your counsellor.
Where can I find a counsellor?
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🇬🇧 United Kingdom (4 cities)
Can I see a counsellor online?
Yes. Online counselling (teletherapy) is widely available and has been shown by research to be as effective as in-person counselling for most common concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
Benefits of online counselling
- Convenience: Eliminates travel time and makes scheduling easier.
- Accessibility: Provides access to a wider range of counsellors, which is especially helpful for those in rural areas or with mobility challenges.
- Comfort: Many people feel more comfortable and open when speaking from the privacy of their own home.
What you'll need
A stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and a private, quiet space are all you need to get started. Counsellors use secure, encrypted platforms to ensure your confidentiality. While online counselling is suitable for most situations, it may not be ideal for individuals in crisis or with severe symptoms that require closer monitoring.
How much does counselling cost, and can I make it affordable?
The cost of counselling varies by location and a counsellor's experience, but there are many ways to find affordable support.
Ways to make counselling affordable
- Sliding Scale Fees: Many counsellors reserve a portion of their practice for clients with limited incomes, adjusting their fee based on what you can afford.
- Insurance Coverage: Check if your health insurance plan covers counselling services.
- Community and Low-Cost Options: Look for services at community mental health centres, non-profit organisations, or university training clinics where supervised students provide therapy at a much lower cost.
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP): Your employer may offer a set number of free counselling sessions.
- Group Therapy: Group counselling is a highly effective and more affordable alternative to individual sessions.
Financial barriers should not prevent you from getting help. Be open about your budget when contacting counsellors; many are willing to work with you to find a solution.
For more guidance, read our articles on Therapy Cost Considerations and How to Find Affordable Therapy.
Related Resources
References
[1] Gaskell, C., Simmonds-Buckley, M., Kellett, S., Stockton, C., Somerville, E., Rogerson, E., & Delgadillo, J. (2022). The effectiveness of psychological interventions delivered in routine practice: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 49(3), 43-57. DOI
[2] Stein, D. M., & Lambert, M. J. (1984). On the relationship between therapist experience and psychotherapy outcome. Clinical Psychology Review, 4(2), 127-142. DOI
[3] Kumpasoğlu, G. B., Altınay, D., & Kızıltaş, A. (2025). Therapist and treatment credibility in treatment outcomes. Psychotherapy Research, 35(1), 112-125. DOI
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— Vincenzo (Enzo ) Sinisi, Clinical Psychologist (HPCSA), Psychoanalyst (IPA/SAPA), Group Analyst (IGA)
TherapyRoute is not for emergencies and does not provide medical advice. All of our content is informational and cannot replace professional healthcare. In an emergency, contact a local emergency service. For immediate support, consider a local helpline.