PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SERVICE BEFORE APPLYING >>>>>>>>>>>>>

better health Counselling

The Centre for Better Health counselling and psychotherapy service provides inexpensive access to talking therapies.

Our Service

What we offer: The Centre for Better Health is committed to offering quality, low-cost counselling and psychotherapy that adheres to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) guidelines. We offer weekly, 50-minute sessions that take place on the same day and time each week in - person at the Centre.

How long for: Counselling can take place for up to a year if appropriate and this is decided by regular reviews between counsellor and client that are built into the work. We only offer one period of counselling to each client.

Who our service is for: Adults 18+ who are resident in a London Borough.

We are not able to work with clients whose main presenting issue is eating disorders or alcohol/substance misuse; or who have a level of complexity or risk that is not manageable in this service. For example, where there is active psychosis or dissociation we would have to carefully consider the referral and whether we are the right service.  Although, we acknowledge that this can be disappointing for the applicant, we ethically have to say no, where we do not feel we have a counsellor to work with the client.

Our counsellors: The Centre for Better Health offers placements to counsellors in training. All our counsellors are enrolled on a recognised counselling course and receive clinical supervision at the Centre as well as externally.

The application and allocation process: Our team will review your application and you may be invited to an assessment. If we feel the service is suitable, we will try and allocate you to a counsellor. Please note that we do not accept all applications onto the service, particularly where we feel that we can not meet your needs. We are not able to accommodate requests to work with a particular model of counselling, or provide specific specialist therapy.

How much are the sessions?

We operate a sliding fee scale for our daytime appointments. You will need to provide proof of circumstances for our £5- £20 concession rates.

• £5 per session if you are not working, sick or a carer and claiming a means-tested

  benefit. If you are not claiming a means-tested benefit you will not be eligible for this fee.

• £15 per session if you are working (including self-employment) and claiming a means-tested benefit; a full-time student; or retired.

• £20 per session if you are working and earning less than £25,000 (gross salary) and not

  claiming benefits, or claiming a non-means-tested benefit

• £40 per session if you are working and earning £25,000 (gross salary) or more

All of our evening sessions are charged at £40.

Please note that the Centre charges for missed or cancelled sessions, even if you notify us in advance that you will not be able to attend. The Centre does not charge for sessions cancelled by your therapist. Further information (in the form of our Client Guidelines) will be provided if you start in the service.

How long you can expect to wait: Our Counselling Service operates a waiting list at all times. The current average waiting time is 3 months (from applying to starting your counselling). Please be available for the times you select for counselling and let us know if this changes while you are waiting as this can delay your application.

While you are waiting for counselling, you may find it useful to speak to your GP, look at alternative providers, or access one of our therapeutic support groups.

Please note that we are not a crisis service. For someone to talk to immediately, you can call the Samaritans 24/7 for free on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258. If you are in crisis, you can attend your nearest A&E. Homerton Hospital A&E (Tel: 020 8510 5555) offers access to support 24/7, and specialises in the assessment, treatment and management of mental health problems.

Accessibility: Our counselling service is accessible to wheelchair users. There is an accessible WC adjacent to our counselling rooms.

How can I apply? Complete the application form by clicking the button on the top/left of this page.

I’m a counsellor. How can I apply for a placement within this service?

If you’re a qualified counsellor or a counsellor in training and are interested in applying for a placement within our counselling service, please visit this page for more information.