This page looks at free or reduced-cost counselling, therapy and other treatments outside the NHS.
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
University & work-based services
National charities in England & Wales
Local self-harm charities in England & Wales
Charities in Scotland
Charities in Northern Ireland
Other suggestions
University & Work-Based Services
Most (if not all) universities and colleges in the UK provide free counselling to students. For details, contact your students’ union or look on your university’s website.
Many larger employers are starting to do this as well. Counselling may be provided through something called an Employee Assistance Programme and should be completely confidential – your boss and colleagues will never find out you are having counselling unless you choose to tell them. If you’re not sure whether your company offers this or not, you could ask your HR department.
Charities in England & Wales
Many charities offer free or reduced-cost counselling and other mental health services. The organisations below provide or list services throughout England and Wales.
Local Mind Associations
These offer a range of services which may include counselling, drop-in centres, advocacy and carers’ support.
Rethink
Runs a wide range of services around England, including home treatment, helplines and advocacy. Also offers support to carers.
WPF Network
A network of counselling centres in England. They charge on a sliding scale.
London Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Sliding-scale therapy in London.
Rape Crisis Centres
These provide free counselling and support to people who have been raped or sexually abused, no matter how long ago. Unfortunately, most (but not all) centres only offer services to women.
Youth Access
A directory of free counselling, information and advice services for young people.
Relate
Counselling for couples or individuals who are experiencing relationship or sexual problems. They charge on a sliding scale. Also provides free counselling for young people (aged 10 to 25) whose parents are separating.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Support for people who have been bereaved.
Local self-harm charities in England & Wales
These are smaller, local organisations specifically for people who self-harm, listed roughly from south to north. See also Support groups.
Indigo Project (Bristol)
A holistic package of support for young people aged 13-24.
NB. Their website does not seem to be working at present (14 April), but you can find contact details for them here.
New Horizons (London)
For young people aged 16-25 in Islington.
The Wish Centre (London)
Counselling and groups for young people aged 13-19 in Harrow.
Zindaagi (London)
Counselling, workshops and other support for young Asian women in East London.
Luton Churches Education Trust
Runs groups for young people.
The Basement Project (Wales)
For those who have been abused as children and people who self-harm.
42nd Street (Manchester)
Offers counselling, groups and individual support for young people aged 13-25.
Self-Injury Support (North Cumbria)
Counselling and group support.
Charities in Scotland
The following organisations provide free or low-cost counselling or other mental health services.
Penumbra
Provides a wide range of support services to adults and young people, including self-harm projects in several areas.
Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Services including accommodation, support, employment and rehabilitation.
Rape Crisis Scotland
Free confidential help for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused, no matter how long ago. They try to put men and boys in touch with suitable organisations in their area.
Youth Access
A directory of free counselling, information and advice services for young people.
Relationships Scotland
Counselling for couples or individuals who are experiencing relationship or sexual problems. They do charge a fee but you only have to pay what you can afford.
Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland
Support for people who have been bereaved.
Charities in Northern Ireland
The following organisations provide free or low-cost counselling or other mental health services.
Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health (NIAMH)
Support services including alternative therapies, creative activities and self-help groups.
Rethink
Services including advocacy and community support. Also offers support to carers.
Rape Crisis Network Ireland
Counselling and other services for people who have been raped or sexually abused.
Youth Access
A directory of free counselling, information and advice services for young people.
Relate
Counselling for couples or individuals who are experiencing relationship or sexual problems. They do charge a fee but how much you pay depends on your income. They also provide free counselling for young people (aged 10 to 25) whose parents are separating.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Support for people who have been bereaved.
Other Suggestions
If the links above haven’t revealed any suitable services in your area, don’t despair! Sirius Project is only able to list national charities and those which cater specifically to self-harm. However, many smaller charities around the country do provide counselling and other mental health support.
Here are a few suggestions to help you find the help you need:
- Ask your GP or local library about services in your area, or look in the Yellow Pages.
- Do you have any other problems in your life which affect your mental health or trigger self-harm? Get in touch with local or national charities that support people with those problems – they may offer counselling.
- The same goes if you belong to a minority group of any kind. For example, LGBT organisations may offer counselling.
- NHS Direct in England and Wales or NHS 24 in Scotland can provide details of non-NHS services in your area.
- The BACP mainly provide details of private therapists, but sometimes you can find charitable organisations in their listings, if the charity’s counsellors are accredited with them.
- Don’t forget NHS and private services. Some private therapists offer reduced rates to people on a low income.