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Best Therapists

Finding the right therapist, without the overwhelm

Looking for a therapist can feel like one more hard thing on a hard day. This is a calm, independent guide to the free, low-cost and private options in Bristol and London, with every listing checked against the service's own website.

Therapy in Bristol

The free NHS service, Bristol Mind's low-cost counselling, support for women and for young people.

See Bristol options →

Therapy in London

NHS services by borough, low-fee clinics run by training organisations, and free therapy networks.

See London options →

Choosing a therapist

What the letters after a name mean, how to check a register, and what to ask in a first call.

Read the guide →

Where most people start

  1. The free NHS route. In England you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing a GP first. It is free, and you do not need a diagnosis. It suits anxiety, low mood, panic, OCD and similar difficulties, and there can be a wait.
  2. Low-cost therapy. Charities and training organisations offer counselling and psychotherapy on a sliding scale, often from a few pounds a session to around £45. Places are limited, so it is worth asking more than one.
  3. A private therapist. The quickest route and the most choice, at the highest cost. Check that the therapist is on a professional register before you book. Our guide to choosing a therapist explains how.

How we work. Nobody pays to appear on this site. We read each service's own website, note the date we checked it, and link to the page so you can see it for yourself. More about how we check listings.