Looking for therapy can feel like a big step — and for many people, the cost can be a real barrier. Private therapy sessions in Brighton often range from £50 to £80 per session, which can make regular support feel out of reach, especially for students or those on lower incomes.

But therapy doesn’t have to be unaffordable. There are many ways to access affordable therapy in Brighton, and “low-cost” doesn’t have to mean “low-quality.”

Why therapy can feel out of reach

The demand for mental health support has risen sharply over the past few years, and many people are finding that NHS waiting lists are long or that they don’t quite meet the criteria for specialist services. Private therapy can seem like the only option — but the cost can quickly add up.

This is where low-cost counselling in Brighton comes in. Many trainee or recently qualified therapists, including myself, offer reduced-fee sessions as part of our training or in the early stages of building a private practice. These services exist to make therapy more accessible to those who might otherwise go without support.

What does “low-cost therapy” really mean?

Low-cost therapy doesn’t mean the therapy itself is of lower quality. It usually means:

• The therapist is in training on an accredited counselling or psychotherapy course
• The therapist works under close supervision with a qualified, experienced practitioner
• Fees are intentionally kept affordable to increase accessibility for people on lower incomes

In my own work offering affordable therapy in Brighton & Hove, I see clients from all walks of life — students, people in part-time work, carers, and those going through times of transition or uncertainty. The reduced fee simply reflects my stage of training, not the depth of care or attention I bring to each session.

What to expect from affordable therapy

In a person-centred approach, therapy isn’t about the therapist giving advice or having all the answers. It’s about creating a warm, understanding relationship where you can explore your thoughts and feelings safely, at your own pace.

Affordable therapy can offer all the same benefits as any other form of therapy:

• A confidential space to talk about what’s been difficult
• A consistent, supportive relationship
• A chance to develop greater self-awareness and self-acceptance
• The opportunity to find your own way forward

The most important part of therapy isn’t the price tag — it’s the quality of the relationship and the feeling of being truly heard and understood.

Removing barriers to support

The person-centred approach is rooted in a belief in equality and accessibility. Carl Rogers, who founded the approach, believed that everyone has an innate capacity for growth and change, given the right conditions. For me, that belief includes making therapy available to people who might not otherwise be able to afford it.

I believe strongly that mental health support shouldn’t be a luxury. That’s why I offer low-cost therapy in Brighton — to create space for people who want to work through what’s happening in their lives without the added pressure of financial strain.

How to find affordable therapy in Brighton

If you’re looking for accessible therapy in Brighton, here are a few places to start:

• Counselling directories like Psychology Today or Counselling Directory often allow you to filter by fee range or “low-cost” options.
• Local organisations, charities, and training institutes (such as The Rock Clinic or New Road Psychotherapy) may have low-cost schemes run by trainee therapists.
• Some private therapists offer sliding scale fees or concessionary rates — it’s always okay to ask.

A final thought

Therapy can be life-changing, and cost shouldn’t stand in the way of that. Whether you’re looking for short-term support or a longer-term therapeutic relationship, affordable therapy in Brighton can offer you a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.

Low-cost doesn’t mean low-quality — it means accessible, compassionate, and human.