How Much Do Therapists Make? UK Therapist Salaries
In recent years, the number of people seeking therapy in the UK has risen significantly, and the number of people entering the therapy profession has increased as well. From 2020 to 2023, student membership in the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) increased by more than 33% to 13,000. In addition, overall membership rose by 27% to 66,000.
Many people are interested in training as psychotherapists, and they may wonder how much UK therapists make. In this article, we’ll look at UK therapists’ salaries and various factors that may influence their potential earnings.
How much do therapists make? UK data
Therapist salaries can vary considerably in the UK. According to Glassdoor, the average therapist salary in the UK is £33,176, with a range of approximately £26,000 to £42,000. The estimated total pay, which typically includes any bonuses a therapist receives, is approximately £35,360.
Independent practice salaries in the UK
Glassdoor lists separate data for independent practice therapists in 2025. The average salary is listed as £34,988 per year, with a range of £28,000 to £44,000. The estimated independent practice total pay is £37,358 per year.
Regional differences in the cost of mental health services
The cost of individual mental health services can vary according to several factors, including location. In London or the southeast, therapists might charge £75 per session, but in the north, therapists might charge £50. Patients in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland might expect to pay closer to £45 per session.
Postgraduate study and doctoral studies
The cost of therapy can also vary according to education and experience level. Someone with a doctorate in psychology might earn more per hour than someone with a master’s degree alone. According to the UK’s National Careers Service, clinical psychologists typically earn between £46,000 and £61,000 per year.
Experience level
Therapists with many years of experience might charge higher rates, particularly if their services are in high demand. Experience can give therapists a breadth and depth of insight that they can apply to clients with a variety of life challenges and mental health conditions.
What types of therapy do UK therapists provide?
Therapists can employ a diverse array of therapeutic modalities. Those with more training may be able to reach more clients with a broad spectrum of approaches. One of the most common types of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT typically focuses on identifying and adjusting inaccurate thoughts, which may lead to positive emotional and behavioral changes.
Therapists may also use exposure therapy for various disorders, including phobias, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). During exposure therapy, a therapist may gradually expose individuals to feared objects or situations in a safe setting. This approach can reduce the fear a person experiences so that it doesn’t affect their day-to-day life.
Another common type of therapy is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This type of therapy can be used for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It typically entails provoking bilateral stimulation in the brain by asking the client to follow an object with their eyes. By recalling a traumatic event during bilateral stimulation, people can change the way that traumatic memories are stored in the brain, which may lead to recovery from PTSD.
Therapists who receive specialized training in these and other types of therapy may be able to reach a wider group of clients. If clients spread the word about their successful treatment, therapists may be able to build a more robust practice and increase their earnings.
Online therapist services
One way for therapists to obtain clients is through online therapy. Online therapy may allow therapists to reduce overhead costs if they don’t need to pay for an office space. Some therapists may have their own websites to advertise their therapy services, but many professionals practice through an online therapy platform, such as BetterHelp. Given the number of people searching for therapy on this platform, therapists may be able to expand their client base and establish a robust online presence.
BetterHelp allows therapists to conduct therapy sessions via audio, video, or live chat. Online therapists can make a significant impact on the mental health of people all over the UK, as clients can participate from any location with an internet connection.
Over the last 15 years, numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy for several mental health conditions. One study published in 2017 found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could effectively treat depression, social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder, among other mental health conditions.
Takeaway
Therapist salaries in the UK can vary by region and experience level, but the average total pay in independent practice is approximately £37,358 per year. Some therapists may supplement their income by offering their services online, and others may work completely online with clients all around the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some frequently asked questions related to therapist salaries and pricing in the UK.
Do you need a PhD to be a therapist in the UK, or is postgraduate study sufficient?
You don’t need a PhD to become a therapist in the UK. You typically need to obtain a degree and then complete postgraduate studies, in addition to completing 450 hours of practice.
How much do therapists make (UK independent practice therapists)?
Independent practice therapists in the UK tend to make approximately £34,988 per year, plus around £2,300 in bonuses and extra pay. However, many factors can affect pay, including location and training. Therapists who practice in an office setting might be able to increase their earning potential by serving clients online in other parts of the UK.
What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychotherapist?
The terms “counselor” and “psychotherapist” both refer to someone who provides mental health services. While the terms are often used interchangeably, some people prefer to use the term “counselor” to refer to someone who helps clients solve short-term challenges. On the other hand, psychotherapy might refer to a longer-term type of assistance that delves into deeper concerns to help a person achieve personal growth.
What is an occupational therapist, and do they offer mental health services?
According to the National Careers Service, an occupational therapist assists individuals who experience difficulty as a result of an accident, disability, or physical or mental illness. Despite sometimes helping people living with a mental illness, occupational therapists typically have a role that is different from that of a psychotherapist. Occupational therapists may help people recover and carry out everyday tasks that are difficult because of an illness or injury.
How long does it take to get BACP-accredited?
The accreditation process for the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists takes six to eight months to complete. Therapists typically must complete an application form and submit a statement that reflects their comprehension of their role, with examples from their personal practice.
What type of therapist makes the most money in the UK?
The earnings of a therapist may depend on their training, experience, and specialization. However, one of the highest earning positions may be that of head of psychology services, which typically involves excellent skills in managing personnel.
Do therapists get paid well in the UK?
In the UK, the average therapist salary is 35,000 to 37,000 pounds annually. However, other professionals may make more. Social workers may make less than psychologists, for example, whereas psychiatrists often make the most money in terms of mental health jobs that provide support to potential clients. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, so they have more knowledge and expertise in medical aspects of social care and providing support to clients in the community.
Can a US therapist work in the UK?
An American therapist can support UK children, young people, and older adults if they register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They may also have to show proof of their education and courses taken, as well as their licensure in the US, the date of licensure, and their qualifications to show how they may provide benefits to UK citizens and enhance the UK mental healthcare system.
How long does it take to become a therapist in the UK?
Depending on whether someone will become licensed as a counselor or a psychologist, the time for schooling and experience can vary. In general, it takes four years to get licensed as a counselor. However, psychologists and psychiatrists may spend more time in school, around six to 12 years.
What is the most popular therapy in the UK?
The most popular therapeutic modality in the UK is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). However, many other modalities are available, so research different modalities for your symptoms or condition before choosing.
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