Low-cost therapy with supervised trainee therapists
Trainee therapists who are engaged, carefully supervised, and committed to your progress — from £27 per session.
What is a trainee therapist?
Our low-cost trainees are completing advanced postgraduate qualifications — typically a diploma or master's — at institutions like UEL, Metanoia, and the Minster Centre. Most are two to three years into training that takes four or more years to complete.
Many bring significant life and professional experience before they start training: teachers, social workers, nurses, charity workers. They're not beginners — they're professionals adding clinical skills to deep human understanding.
Every trainee works under dual supervision: regular oversight from their university, and individual clinical supervision from an experienced practitioner. Research consistently shows that supervised trainee therapy is as effective as qualified therapy for most presentations.
What makes us different
Three things set HQ Therapy apart from other practices.
Designed Spaces
Genuine mid-century furniture in carefully curated rooms. Because where you heal matters as much as how.
Learn more→Supervised Excellence
Every session is backed by experienced clinical supervisors who ensure the quality of care at every step.
Learn more→Accessible Pricing
Our trainee model means you get dedicated, thoughtful therapy at rates that actually work for real people.
Learn more→Session Pricing
Pricing is based on the number of sessions you commit to — not your financial circumstances. The more sessions you book, the lower your per-session rate. Your assessor will talk you through the options and help you choose the right package.
8 Sessions
£45 per session
A focused block to get started — ideal if you want to try therapy without a long commitment.
- £360 total
- First payment: £90 (1st & last session)
- 50-minute weekly sessions
- Remaining sessions paid in one batch
12 Sessions
£37.50 per session
Our most popular package. Enough time for real, lasting change — without an open-ended commitment.
- £450 total
- First payment: £75 (1st & last session)
- 50-minute weekly sessions
- Remaining sessions paid in small batches
16 Sessions
£30 per session
More sessions, more space. For deeper work where you want time to explore and process.
- £480 total
- First payment: £60 (1st & last session)
- 50-minute weekly sessions
- Remaining sessions paid in small batches
20+ Sessions
£27 per session
Our lowest rate. Best for longer-term therapy where you want to go at your own pace.
- From £540 total
- First payment: £54 (1st & last session)
- 50-minute weekly sessions
- Remaining sessions paid in small batches
- Our most affordable per-session rate
Why we assess you in person, not with an algorithm
Many platforms match you to a therapist by asking you to tick boxes in an online quiz. We think therapy deserves more than that.
For £25.00, you join a qualified low-cost assessor on a 30-minute video call. They listen, ask thoughtful questions, read between the lines, and use clinical judgement to recommend the right trainee for you. An algorithm can match keywords — but it can’t read body language, sense what you’re not saying, or recognise when the thing you think is the problem isn’t the root cause.
If the first match isn’t right, we’ll find another at no extra cost.
More questions about low-cost therapy
How does the pricing work for low-cost therapy?
Low-cost session pricing is based on the number of sessions you commit to — not your financial circumstances. The more sessions you book, the lower the per-session rate: 8 sessions at £45 each, 12 at £37.50, 16 at £30, or 20+ at £27. Your assessor will talk you through the options and help you choose the right package. Sessions are paid in advance in small batches — we'll walk you through the payment schedule at your assessment.
How long are low-cost therapy sessions?
Sessions are 50 minutes, the same length as most qualified therapists offer. They take place weekly at the same time and day, which helps build a reliable rhythm. Consistency is one of the things that makes therapy effective, so we prioritise regular scheduling.
What happens if my trainee therapist finishes their placement?
Your therapist will give you plenty of notice — typically several weeks — and you'll work together on a planned ending. If you'd like to continue therapy, we'll match you with another trainee at no additional assessment cost. Endings are a natural part of the therapeutic process, and your therapist will help you process the transition as part of your work together.
Is trainee therapy as effective as seeing a qualified therapist?
Research shows that trainee therapists achieve comparable outcomes to experienced practitioners. What matters most is the quality of the therapeutic relationship, not years of experience. Our trainees are completing rigorous postgraduate training, receive weekly clinical supervision, and often bring a freshness and dedication to their work that clients value highly.
Can I extend my sessions beyond the initial block?
Yes. Therapy blocks are typically reviewed at agreed intervals, and if you and your therapist agree that continuing would be beneficial, sessions can be extended. Some clients work with the same trainee for their entire placement. The length of therapy depends on your needs and goals — there's no one-size-fits-all timeline.
What happens between blocks of therapy?
If there's a gap between blocks (for example, over a training institution's break period), your therapist will prepare you for the pause and you'll agree a plan together. Many clients find that breaks give them time to integrate what they've been working on. When sessions resume, you'll pick up where you left off with the same therapist wherever possible.
Affordable therapy starts here
Book your in-person assessment for £25.00 and we'll match you with a supervised trainee therapist. Sessions from £27 per week.