Private Psychology Costs Surge in UK as Practitioners Turn Away Clients Amid Record Demand

Published: 19 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

The cost of private psychological therapy in the United Kingdom has soared to unprecedented levels, with many practitioners now turning away new clients due to overwhelming demand, research reveals. According to a survey conducted by myTribe Insurance, which tracks the cost of private medical care, fees for 12 sessions of private therapy have risen by 34% since 2022, reaching an average of £1,550 compared with £1,152 just three years ago.

The survey highlights a dual crisis: escalating costs for patients seeking private care, coupled with a growing number of psychologists at full capacity, unable to accept new clients. Nearly three in ten practitioners reported that they were currently treating so many patients that they could not take on additional appointments. This strain mirrors the persistent challenges faced by the National Health Service (NHS), where months-long waiting lists for mental health care are becoming increasingly common.

Chris Steele, founder of myTribe Insurance, emphasised the human impact behind the statistics. “What we’ve seen over the last three years is a market that has become significantly more expensive for patients. A 34% rise in consultation fees is not just a statistic. It shows how private talking therapies are moving further out of reach for many people who need them,” he said.

The survey, which analysed the practices of 349 psychologists across the UK, reveals stark variations in cost and waiting times depending on location. The average cost of a consultation has increased from £96 in 2022 to £129.20 in 2025, with psychologists in England charging the highest average of £131 per session, while those in Scotland charge the least at £124. Waiting times also vary significantly: patients in Scotland face an average wait of 16.9 days, whereas in Wales, delays average 23.8 days.

London and Leicester emerge as the most expensive locations for private therapy, with average session fees of £160 and £164 respectively. By contrast, cities such as Colchester, Bath, and Coventry remain relatively affordable, charging £85, £99, and £100 per session. Steele advises prospective patients to explore options outside their immediate vicinity, including online therapy services, to reduce costs and avoid prolonged waiting periods.

The rising cost of private psychology comes against a backdrop of increasing demand for mental health services. NHS delays and limited availability have forced many individuals to seek private alternatives, often at considerable expense. The British Psychological Society (BPS), which represents 19,000 of the UK’s 27,774 practising psychologists, noted that rising fees were necessary to cover the increasing cost of living. A spokesperson said, “With the continuing postcode lottery for accessing NHS mental health support, increasing numbers are seeking out private treatment. This is causing private providers to reach capacity and [be] unable to take on new clients. Demand is outstripping supply on all fronts.”

The implications of these developments are profound. A study by the mental health charity Rethink Mental Illness last year found that one in three people waiting for NHS mental health care eventually turn to private providers due to prolonged delays. The rising cost of private therapy risks creating a “two-tier system,” in which only those able to afford private care receive timely treatment, while others face extended waits for public services. Jeremy Bernhaut, the charity’s head of policy and influencing, warned of the human consequences. “There are an estimated 1.8 million people waiting for [NHS] mental health care [in England], and the consequences are severe: suicide attempts, lost jobs, and hospitalisation, which puts strain on the wider NHS,” he said.

The number of individuals on NHS waiting lists for community-based mental health and learning disability services in England has risen from 1.56 million last year to 1.79 million in 2025, further underscoring the growing demand for psychological support. NHS England reports that more than a million people a year currently receive assistance through its talking therapies services, with plans to expand both the workforce and service provision to reduce waiting times. A spokesperson said, “We plan to expand the service further, increasing the therapist workforce and reducing waiting times.”

The cost pressures and high demand have been compounded by broader societal factors. Rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions—exacerbated by economic uncertainty, social isolation, and post-pandemic stressors—have driven more individuals to seek therapy. Many patients cite difficulties in accessing local services, leading to longer waits and increased reliance on private provision.

Private practitioners themselves face their own challenges. Many have reported that they are struggling to manage heavy caseloads while maintaining quality of care. Long working hours, administrative responsibilities, and increasing regulatory obligations have made it difficult for some psychologists to expand capacity or accept new clients. The BPS highlights that fee increases reflect not only the cost of living but also the operational demands of running a private practice in a highly competitive market.

Mental health experts caution that soaring costs could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly those with lower incomes or limited access to digital services. Online therapy, while increasingly prevalent, is not always a suitable substitute for in-person care, especially for patients with complex needs or those who require intensive interventions. Steele notes that patients may have to make compromises on location, mode of therapy, or waiting time to access care, raising concerns about equity and accessibility.

The issue also has wider policy implications. Mental health advocates have called for increased investment in NHS services, improved workforce planning, and initiatives to make private care more accessible, such as sliding-scale fees or insurance coverage. Critics argue that without systemic reform, the growing reliance on private provision may entrench inequalities and exacerbate disparities in mental health outcomes across the country.

For patients seeking help, experts recommend planning ahead and exploring all available options. Online platforms, out-of-area services, and community-based initiatives can provide alternative avenues for care, though costs and availability remain significant factors. Steele advises, “Patients should shop around, consider online options, and be proactive in booking sessions early. It is vital to balance affordability, quality, and timeliness of care.”

The surge in private psychology costs reflects broader trends in healthcare across the UK, where rising demand, workforce constraints, and inflationary pressures intersect. While private provision offers a crucial lifeline for many patients, experts stress that a comprehensive approach, integrating robust public services with accessible private options, is essential to ensure that mental health care remains equitable, timely, and effective.

As the nation continues to grapple with the mental health crisis, the combination of escalating fees and practitioner scarcity poses a formidable challenge. For individuals in urgent need of support, navigating this complex landscape requires patience, flexibility, and careful consideration of both private and NHS pathways. Without systemic change, the growing gap between demand and availability risks leaving thousands of patients without timely or affordable psychological care.

In conclusion, the UK is confronting a critical juncture in mental health provision. Rising private costs and overburdened practitioners highlight the need for coordinated investment, workforce expansion, and innovative approaches to care delivery. For patients, the reality remains stark: securing timely and affordable psychological support is increasingly challenging, with the dual pressures of cost and availability shaping access to essential services. The findings from the myTribe Insurance survey serve as a stark reminder that mental health remains a national priority requiring urgent attention, strategic investment, and ongoing commitment from both public and private sectors.