Going Private

If you can afford to see someone privately, or you have medical insurance which covers mental health treatment, you have many options open to you. Counselling, therapy, psychiatrists and inpatient treatment are all available in the private sector. Waiting lists are usually a lot shorter than the NHS and you have more choice about who treats you.

If you need help urgently in a crisis, see our UK crisis services page.

Not in the UK? See our Treatment page. Some of the organisations listed on this page also cover the Republic of Ireland.

Contents
Can I afford it?
Counselling & therapy
Psychiatrists & hospital treatment


Can I Afford It?

Private counselling and therapy may be less expensive than you think. A session with a BACP counsellor or therapist usually costs around £40, although this can vary depending on where you are in the country. If you can't afford that every week, many people choose to go fortnightly. Some therapists also offer reduced rates if you are on a low income. Therapists with higher qualifications or lengthier training are likely to charge more, upwards of £100 an hour.

Seeing a psychiatrist privately is more expensive. For example, a consultation at a Nuffield hospital costs between £100 and £240.

If you have medical insurance, check your policy for details of what's covered, and whether you have to pay part of the cost. Unfortunately, many policies exclude pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions.


Counselling & Therapy

You don't need a referral for most private counselling or therapy - you can just contact the therapist or organisation directly. The professional bodies listed below all provide details of therapists on their websites. It's important to choose a therapist who belongs to a professional body, as this means they will have appropriate training and qualifications and be bound to a code of conduct.

For information about the main types of therapy, and general advice on how to choose a therapist, see the Treatment page.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counsellors and therapists. A good starting point if you're on a budget, as fees per session are included in the listings.

UK Council for Psychotherapy
Psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors.

British Psychoanalytic Council
Psychoanalytic therapists. Their website includes details of reduced fee schemes for people on low incomes.

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
Therapists specialising in CBT.

Finding a DBT Therapist
There is no register of therapists who provide DBT yet. This page offers some suggestions on who to ask.

Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy
Therapists specialising in CAT.

British Psychological Society
For clinical psychologists and counselling psychologists. (Other types of psychologist do not provide therapy. You can find information on different types of psychologist here.)

British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy
For sexual and relationship problems.


Psychiatrists & Hospital Treatment

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in treating mental health problems, and may be more knowledgeable about medication than your GP.

To see a psychiatrist or receive hospital treatment privately, you will usually need a referral from your GP, in the same way you would for NHS treatment. Some hospitals and clinics which provide services nationally are listed below. However, if there's nothing listed for your area, don't worry - your GP should be able to tell you what's available.

Royal College of Psychiatrists - How to Get Help
General information and advice.

Specialist Info
A database of UK and Republic of Ireland consultants and hospitals, both NHS and private.

Nuffield Health
Private hospitals in England and Scotland.

The Priory Group
Mental health hospitals and clinics in England and Scotland.

Spire Healthcare (formerly BUPA Hospitals)
Private hospitals in England, Scotland and Wales.