Look at your local area
Fees differ between cities and smaller towns. Many counsellors look at what others nearby charge before setting their own. Directory listings often show local prices, so reviewing a good number of counsellors with similar experience gives you a realistic range.
Add up your real costs
A counselling hour is not just the fifty minutes in the room. Include:
- Room hire or the cost of your home setup.
- Professional insurance and membership fees.
- Supervision, which is a regular cost.
- Software, a website and marketing.
- Notes, admin, and the time between clients.
- Tax and holidays, as you are self-employed.
Divide your monthly costs and your target income by the number of sessions you can realistically run. That gives a floor to build on.
Experience and stage
Trainee and newly qualified counsellors often start at a lower rate while they build hours, then raise it as their caseload grows. Be open about your stage, and say if you are working under supervision of a training body.
A fair concessions policy
Many counsellors keep a small number of lower-fee places for people on lower incomes. Decide how many you can offer at one time, how people ask, and how often you review it. Put it in your client agreement, so it is clear and consistent.
Raising your fee
Review once a year. Give existing clients plenty of notice and explain the change kindly. Put your fee on your website so people know before they get in touch.
Think about your first contact and your total commitment. Some counsellors offer a short, free introductory call, some charge a standard fee for a first session, and some offer an assessment at a different rate. Whichever you choose, say so before booking. Remember, too, that your fee has to cover the sessions that do not happen: holidays, sickness, cancellations and gaps in your diary. A clear cancellation policy helps protect your income. It is wise to review your figures twice a year, not just when you raise your fee: check how many clients you saw, what you earned after costs and how much time you spent on admin. If your number is lower than you hoped, the answer might be more clients, lower costs or a modest rise, rather than all three at once.
More questions
Should my first session cost the same?
It is your choice. Some counsellors charge the usual fee, and some offer a short free chat first.
Is it OK to charge less when I am training?
Yes, it is common. Be open about your stage and what is included.
Where should I put my fees?
On your website and your directory listings, and in your client agreement.
