Íø±¬ÃÅ

"I’m poorly and had to cancel my session last minute and I’m being charged for it, is this usual?", "I’ve pre-paid a number of sessions, but I’ve decided not to continue therapy, can I obtain a refund" and "My therapist refuses to provide me with a receipt?" These are some of the many queries we’re asked about in relation to fees.

Although therapists aren’t required to provide a contract by law, best practice suggests that there should be a clear discussion about fees and this agreement should be stated within a written contract and given to the clientÌýprior to the start of any therapy. Contracting before therapy starts ensures that the client is fully aware, and in agreement with, the arrangements made and avoids any confusion at a later date. Ìý

Contracts are evidence of explicit and informed consent. A contract should clearly state the fee, when and how it is paid and by whom (and any information about when a review to charges might happen).

Clients should also know what fees are payable if they miss or need to cancel a session. It’s usual for therapists to give clients a notice period, whether that be 24hrs, 48hrs, a week etc. Over the years I’ve even come across a couple of therapists who charged for cancellations no matter how much notice was given. However, regardless of the notice period, this should also be covered within the contract. Ìý

In relation to block-booking/pre-paying a number of sessions, this may be considered unethical from a client’s perspective and that it’s of greater benefit to the therapist than to the client. Some therapists may ask for upfront payment for several sessions, the advantage being a clear income stream. However, the disadvantage is that there may be problems if a client misses a session, wants to end therapy, is unhappy about the therapy or takes a holiday during a paid period. What are the implications of having paid for sessions in advance? If clients are paying for a service that they haven’t received yet, it’s important to be as clear as possible from the beginning, for example, does the contract state that the remaining sessions will be reimbursed?

Sometimes clients may be offered a discount for paying in advance, which may also be considered unethical; an exploitative marketing ploy that entices clients with the offer of reduced fees and, again, of greater benefit to the therapist than to the client.Ìý

With regard to providing invoices and/or receipts, while Íø±¬ÃÅ doesn’t say specifically that a client must be provided with these, it seems to make good business sense, as well as being good, ethical practice, even if only sent electronically. Ìý

Best practice may be to allow a number of different methods of payment according to client and practitioner needs (including accessibility needs). Whatever form of payment is used, records should be kept for transparency, tax purposes and data protection. Working online is likely to influence choice as is the setting in which practitioners work.Ìý

°¿³Ü°ùÌýEthical FrameworkÌýcommits our members to ‘Show respect by agreeing with clients on how we will work together’ (Commitment 3c) and building an appropriate relationship with clients by ‘communicating clearly what clients have a right to expect from us’ (Commitment 4a) and ‘communicating any benefits, costs and commitments that clients may reasonably expect’ (Commitment 4b).

It’s the therapist’s responsibility, as the professional, to ensure contracting is clear and their clients understand the commitment they’re making in relation to fees.Ìý

Private therapists

The cost of seeing a private therapist can vary greatly and may depend on a range of factors, including the therapist’s location, experience and type of therapy. More than half of the therapist listings on our directory advertise costs of between £40 to £60 per session. Many therapists offer a free introductory session and reduced rates for those on low incomes.

Anyone can call themselves a counsellor and set up in private practice so it's important to find a therapist who is registered with a professional body - such as Íø±¬ÃÅ. That means you know they're fully qualified and work to set professional standards and ethics. And in the rare event that you're unhappy with your therapy, there is a formal complaints process.Ìý

°Õ³ó±ðÌýÍø±¬ÃÅ Therapist DirectoryÌýis an online directory where our members can pay to advertise their services. All therapists listed are registered members, which give you assurance that they are qualified, professional and ethical practitioners.

You can also find other directories and private therapists advertising on the internet or locally.Ìý

Get help with counselling concerns serviceÌý

Our Get help with counselling concerns service provides help, guidance, and information, aboutÌýwhat to do if you have any concerns about your therapy or your therapist.

Anything you say is confidential and you can speak with us anonymously if you prefer.

We're available from Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm, by phone and email. Due to the number of enquiries we receive, we do try to limit the calls to a maximum of 30 minutes, where possible.

If you call, please leave us a voicemail and we will get back to you as soon as possible.Ìý Or you can email us.

You can contact us by:

• telephone on 01455 883300 option 2, or 07811 762256
• email atÌýgethelp@bacp.co.uk

You can find out more on ourÌýGet help for counselling concernsÌýweb page.Ìý

Please be aware that we store your name if provided, and brief details of your enquiry to support you effectively and to protect Íø±¬ÃÅ against any potential legal claims. Your data will only be provided to a third party if there is a legal basis to do so. This information is retained for three years. Please note that you have restricted rights with regard to this data; for full details please refer to our privacy notice.