How much does it cost?

The cost of counselling

SCC is a registered charity and a non-profit making organisation; we receive no financial support from Government or NHS Trusts.  We aim to provide our counselling sessions to those in need, irrespective of income.  Each person who comes to SCC for counselling is expected to contribute towards the cost of the service according to their ability to pay.  The initial consultation session costs £35 and this can be paid in instalments.

It costs SCC £35 to provide each ongoing counselling session and clients are asked to pay what they can reasonably afford.  This will be discussed at your initial consultation appointment.  Fees are negotiable and a limited number of subsidised sessions are available to those on low income or benefit.   

Making an appointment

SCC operates an appointment only system and we will send you an information pack if you telephone SCC (01823 337049).  If you ring between 10.00am and 3.00pm your call will usually be answered by our administration manager in person.  At other times messages can be left on the answerphone and we will respond within one working day.  Alternatively, you can email your details i.e. your name, address and telephone number and we will send you an information pack or make initial telephone contact with you within one working day.   

The initial (consultation) session

As soon as we receive the deposit outlined in the information pack we will arrange with you an initial meeting.  This meeting provides the opportunity to talk about your situation and your concerns and we will be able to assess whether we can meet your needs.  This session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.  If we feel we can offer you a service and if you want to proceed, a counselling contract will be mutually agreed.  This will include how often you attend, for how long, how much you pay for these sessions and the terms on which counselling is offered. 

After the consultation

You will then be referred to an appropriate counsellor who will make contact as soon as possible, usually within one week.  Together you will agree when you will meet for ongoing sessions.  These sessions are usually weekly and last for 50 minutes and can continue as long as they are needed.  

Feedback from clients

We ask all clients who use our service if they would be willing to complete an evaluation form on an anonymous basis.  This helps us reflect upon where we are doing well and to think about how we might improve our service.

A selection of recent comments from clients is included below (we have the client’s permission to use their observations):

“Helping me to help myself was the best result I could have hoped for.”

“The non-judgemental approach to me personally and the patience and willingness to go at my pace, have been of great benefit to me.”

"It felt like having another friend to talk to but one who would never judge me."

“The whole process was beneficial and supportive.  I now feel better able to move forward.”