Lucy Howchen Low Cost Therapy Referral Assessment Process CoordinatorLow-Cost Therapy Referral Assessment Process:

Lucy Howchen (MBACP) – Head of the Low-Cost Service


Hello, my name is Lucy Howchen and I am a fully qualified (MBACP registered) Play Therapist, Young Person’s Practitioner and the therapy referral assessment process coordinator for HQ Therapy’s Low-Cost Therapy and Counselling service, which is specifically designed to help those who are on a low income and struggling financially to get the help they need.

I am here to help guide you through the online assessment process, which is the first step required, from an initial online meeting with a referral assessment counsellor, in order to learn more about why you are seeking therapy, to placing you with an appropriate low-cost therapist for your ongoing therapy sessions.

To help you embark on your therapy journey, please see below for further information on booking a referral assessment with our Low-Cost service.

If you are still unsure about booking an assessment at this stage contact us here for help and advice.

IMPORTANT! Please Read The Information Below Before You Book A Referral Assessment:

What is a therapy referral assessment, how much does it cost & how do I book one?

A client therapy referral assessment provides you with a safe and confidential space to discuss the issues that have brought you to therapy and helps you decide whether counselling is the right choice for you with one of our referral therapists.

  • Counselling referral assessments are up to 30 minutes long and cost £17.50. All assessments take place over a video call, for your convenience at the time you have chosen. We ask that you be in a private space when taking the assessment call.
  • The referral assessment is also to determine whether a trainee therapist is suitable for the client. If the assessment counsellor thinks a referral to another service is more appropriate, they will discuss this with you.
  • If the service is deemed unsuitable, we do not offer refunds for referral assessment appointments but you will be offered the option for your notes to be transferred to our Main Practice.
  • Although our therapists endeavour to be flexible around your schedule, due to the nature and the high demand of the low-cost service, session times are limited and we ask that you are flexible with your availability. Please be aware that the only session times we can guarantee are on weekends between 7 am-10 pm and assessment appointments are non-refundable.
  • ***Please note: Our low-cost service trainees cannot currently offer therapy sessions with clients who are residing abroad.***

I’ve just booked a therapy referral assessment, what happens now?

Once that is done you will receive an email confirming your booking and guiding you through the process:

  • There will be a client invitation link leading you to a form that will be used to gather some details about you. Don’t panic, the process is very simple and all you need to do is put your answers into the form.
  • There will be an invitation link to join the referral assessment video call on the day and time you have chosen (a reminder email will be sent near the assessment date to alert you).
  • Now you are all set up for your initial referral assessment and on the road to finding the right therapist for your issues.
  • We look forward to meeting you.
  • If you cannot make your appointment date, let us know at least 24 hours before and we can reschedule it for another available slot on our calendar. Please be advised that referral assessments are non-refundable

When will my therapy sessions start & what will the rates be?

Once the therapy assessment process has been completed we will begin to arrange your sessions with a therapist.

  • The prices range from £17-£45 per session, depending on a sliding scale of your annual income.
  • If you earn above 25k per annum, you can still opt to use the low-cost service, however, the session rate will be £45 per session. Payments are set up on a monthly basis.
  • The Low-cost service is intended to make therapy accessible to all. However, we are restricted on the number of clients that can receive the lowest fee bracket, so please bear this in mind when booking your assessment appointment. Currently, the lowest monthly block booking fee is £73.33
  • Please note: Our low-cost service is a training program for therapists that includes conducting client sessions, and assessments, therefore assessments take place via a video call with myself and a trainee therapist. Also, the process of assessment and the allocation of a therapist can take up to a few weeks if we are very busy.

Will information about me be safe & secure?

It is quite normal to be hesitant when sharing private and intimate information about yourself with a stranger.

  • Your therapist will discuss the confidentiality terms within your first session and will supply you with a contract which sets out such terms before your first session together.
  • We consistently ensure compliance with GDPR guidelines to protect personal data and uphold individual privacy rights.