6 Best Counselling Services in Edinburgh [2026 Therapy Guide]
Reaching out for support is a brave step, especially when you feel completely overwhelmed by life. However, finding the right therapist can feel daunting when you are navigating stress or looking to heal relationship tensions.
We understand how heavy that search can be, and you don’t have to walk this path alone. To help make things a little easier, we’ve put together a thoughtful guide featuring the top psychotherapists Edinburgh has to offer.
This list highlights the best counselling services in Edinburgh to ensure you find a truly safe space to unpack your thoughts. So, let us gently explore some of the most welcoming clinics available to support your healing journey.
How much do counselling services cost in Edinburgh?
A standard counselling session with a private psychotherapist in Edinburgh ranges from £50 to £110 per session, depending on the practitioner’s credentials and appointment type.
| Service Type | Typical Price Range | Session Duration |
| Individual Counselling | £50 – £75 | 50 – 60 minutes |
| Couples Counselling | £80 – £110 | 50 – 90 minutes |
| Child & Youth Counselling | £60 – £70 | 50 minutes |
| Initial Assessments | £10 – £110 | 30 – 60 minutes |
1. Edinburgh CBT & Counselling Services
Website: https://www.edinburghcbt.com/
Social Media:
Address: 14 South Trinity Road
Contact: 07534 672561
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Edinburgh CBT specialises in evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centred Counselling, alongside other tailored psychological approaches designed to help clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life challenges in a supportive and safe environment.
One of the practice’s strengths is its accessible, patient-centred approach. Its team includes highly skilled and accredited therapists who provide inclusive, multilingual care tailored to adults, couples, and teenagers.
A colleague who recently spoke with one of their therapists felt genuinely heard and validated from their very first session, reflecting the practice’s emphasis on creating a supportive therapeutic relationship.
Edinburgh CBT also offers a range of specialised clinical services. In addition to CBT and Person-Centred Counselling, clients can access EMDR therapy and Transactional Analysis, providing further options for addressing emotional, psychological, and relationship-related concerns.
Couples therapy is another important part of the practice, supporting partners who want to improve communication, work through relationship difficulties, and develop healthier ways of relating to one another.
For clients who may be concerned about the cost of therapy, the practice also provides nine lower-cost therapy sessions each week, helping make professional support more accessible.
With its combination of evidence-based approaches, couples therapy, EMDR, qualified therapists, and lower-cost session options, Edinburgh CBT offers flexible support for people seeking professional counselling tailored to their individual circumstances.
A really positive experience
I had a really positive experience with Miriam. She created a calm, non-judgemental space where I felt comfortable talking openly. She was an excellent listener and helped me explore my own thoughts and patterns. I came away with a much better understanding of myself and some practical tools that I’ll continue to use. I’d highly recommend both Miriam and Edinburgh CBT & Counselling Services.
Rob John Hillier | Google Review
Highly recommend!
Super impressed with the services I have recieved & cannot speak highly enough of professional knowledge, approach & support! Highly recommend!
railey fielder | Google Review
2. Sally Counselling and Psychotherapy
Website: https://sallycounselling.com/
Address: 21 Lansdowne Cres, Edinburgh EH12 5EH, United Kingdom
Contact: +447553842154
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Sally Counselling and Psychotherapy offers individual and couples counselling in Edinburgh and online across the UK, with what we found to be a warm, relational, and collaborative approach.
For individual counselling, the practice provides a space to slow down, make sense of what is happening, and explore things at your own pace. We liked that clients do not need to have a clear explanation for how they are feeling or know exactly what they want to achieve before beginning.
The approach is person-centred, with sessions developed collaboratively rather than following a fixed formula. Together with the therapist, clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, relationships, and patterns of behaviour to develop a deeper understanding of what may be happening for them.
The practice works with a range of difficulties and life experiences, including anxiety and depression, trauma and abuse, low self-worth and confidence, identity, relationship difficulties, grief, life transitions, and burnout. There is also experience working with autistic and ADHD clients, as well as people exploring sexuality and gender identity.
We also found the practice’s non-pathologising and trauma-informed approach notable. It considers how experiences, relationships, and wider circumstances can shape how people feel and respond to the world, rather than focusing solely on symptoms.
For couples, Sally uses Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to explore patterns that can develop between partners and what may be underneath recurring arguments, conflict, or emotional distance. Rather than focusing only on communication, the work aims to help partners feel heard, understood, and emotionally safe enough to reconnect and address important issues together.
The practice brings more than 2,000 hours of counselling experience, alongside previous work as a paramedic and more than 20 years in social care. Sessions are available face-to-face in a private counselling room near Haymarket Station in Edinburgh or online across the UK.
We also liked that Sally offers a free 20-minute introductory call, giving potential clients an opportunity to discuss what is bringing them to counselling and learn more about the approach before deciding whether it feels like a suitable fit.
3. Reconnect Counselling
Website: https://www.reconnectedinburgh.co.uk/
Address: 1 St Colme St, Edinburgh EH3 6AA, United Kingdom
Contact: +447565126517; [email protected]
Opening Hours:
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday – Sunday: Closed
A thoughtful, exploratory approach sits at the heart of the counselling services offered by Reconnect Counselling Edinburgh. The service is designed for adults who want to understand themselves more deeply, make sense of recurring patterns and relationships, and work towards meaningful change.
Counselling is available for individuals and couples, with both in-person appointments in Edinburgh and online sessions. The therapist works primarily through Transactional Analysis and places particular emphasis on building trust and developing a strong therapeutic relationship.
Rather than focusing only on immediate problems, the counselling process explores patterns, relationships and early experiences that may continue to shape a person’s life. Sessions are generally long-term and exploratory, although a shorter, time-limited approach such as a 12-week block can also be considered.
The service covers a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, stress, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, trauma, PTSD, chronic pain and relationship problems. It also includes experience with cultural identity, LGBTQIA+ concerns, sexuality, polyamory and alternative relationship styles, sex work and experiences of emotional, physical or sexual abuse.
The therapist describes paying close attention to what happens beneath spoken words, including feelings, bodily responses and the interaction within the therapy room. Observations are shared with clients and explored together, creating a counselling style that prioritises conversation and reflection rather than relying simply on worksheets or set techniques.
Appointments are offered across several weekdays, with online sessions on Mondays and both online and in-person options from Tuesday to Thursday. Individual sessions cost £70 for 50 minutes, while couples sessions cost £90 for 60 minutes, with a small number of concession spaces available from £55.
Reconnect Counselling Edinburgh may be well suited to adults who want counselling that gives substantial attention to personal history, relationships and recurring patterns. Its combination of individual and couples work, flexible session formats and experience across a wide range of personal and relational concerns gives clients several ways to approach therapeutic support.
Professional and compassionate
Laura is a professional and compassionate therapist specialising in counselling for the motherhood experience and the inevitable identity shifts that occur. I highly recommend her as a counsellor for people looking for support in this area.
Ailie Scott Dickins | Google Review
4. My Solution Wellbeing Counselling Edinburgh
Website: https://www.mysolutionwellbeing.com/counselling-edinburgh/
Address: 1st Colme Street
Contact: 0131 210 0395
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Connecting with some of the best psychotherapists in Edinburgh is incredibly straightforward at My Solution Wellbeing.
Here, you get totally tailored, professional therapy that’s exceptionally accessible, whether you want to chat right in the heart of the city or connect securely from your sofa.
From what we’ve seen, their practitioners have a warm, collaborative style that gently supports clients through relationship struggles or childhood challenges.
Plus, their central physical location provides beautiful, calming views of iconic landmarks like the National Gallery of Scotland. Just note that this place doesn’t have its own dedicated parking space and you’re limited to street parking.
Excellent experience
I’ve been working with Sherry for nearly six months, and my experience has been excellent. This is my first time in long-term counselling, and Sherry has been extremely patient and thoughtful as I navigate this new experience. She is exceptionally perceptive, aware and insightful; our conversations truly challenge me and help me grow. She is also very reliable and offers reasonable flexibility with scheduling. I would certainly recommend Sherry for anyone looking to address mental health struggles or develop greater emotional resilience.
Claire Snelgrove | Google Review
Highly recommend
I came in for counselling with Helen feeling terribly anxious and stuck in life. Over the course of a year I have taken control of my career, rediscovered my passion for my hobbies and became more secure, stable and confident in myself. All of this was facilitated by Helens warm calm and friendly demeanour. She provides a highly professional service that feels entirely human. I would highly recommend to anyone facing similar struggles.
Dan | Google Review
5. Edinburgh Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice
Website: https://www.therapy-edinburgh.co.uk/
Address: Suite 63b, 1 St Colme Street
Contact: 07832918423
Hours: By appointment
Tackling deep-rooted issues requires a grounded approach, like what Edinburgh Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice offers.
This highly practical service by professional therapist Simon Johnston focuses on goal-oriented strategies and compassion to actually help you overcome hurdles.
Simon blends standard counselling with deeper psychotherapy to give you a solid foundation for real, tangible progress.
One of our team recently booked a free initial consultation with them to see how their process felt, and reported that the conversation was refreshingly focused and constructive.
Another plus is how the private consulting room is flooded with natural daylight and located right in the city centre near quiet cafes.
However, a major downside is that solo practices often reach capacity quickly. So, if you plan to see him, be sure to inquire as soon as possible.
Highly recommend
Had a really positive experience. I had sessions on Zoom for a period of just over 6 months that really helped me in a period of change. The counselling was always professional, friendly and I always knew what we were working towards, while frequently checking that we on the right course.
Getting counselling can be a daunting prospect, but I would highly recommend Edinburgh Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice.
Ian Burns | Google Review
Really comforting and rewarding
My journey with Simon has been really comforting and rewarding. Further than this it’s been personable and in no way felt ‘clinical’. That has been the stand out for me that I felt like I spoke to a friend who cared.
Simons knowledge and approach is one that is gentle but empowering; allowing you to understand the science and guide you to build in behaviours and goals that push you forward.
I would strongly recommend them to anyone.
Hannah | Google Review
6. Next Chapter Counselling
Website: https://thenextchapter.org/
Address: Contact your chosen therapist for their practice
Contact: Check individual practitioners’ profile pages for contact information
Hours: Contact therapist for availability
Feeling truly accepted is the first step toward healing at Next Chapter Counselling.
Here, you get to work with a deeply inclusive, collaborative collective of experienced therapists who share knowledge and resources to support whatever you bring to the table.
They warmly welcome clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations, ensuring everyone has a validating space to grow.
They also offer amazing flexibility since most of the practitioners conduct sessions online, allowing you to prioritize your mental wellness from home.
On the downside, because they operate strictly as a collective rather than a unified clinic, there is no central office to visit.
With this setup, you’ll have to figure out how to reach your preferred counsellor independently, which might feel a bit tedious if you’re already overwhelmed.
Heard about this service from a friend and during lockdown it was a difficult time for me and I realised to help myself I needed to seek professional help and found this service has been a massive help for me. As a student with not a ton of income, they had an affordable plan that suited my needs and can suit another’s if need be.
Harris Asjad | Google Review
7. The Whole Works
Website: https://www.thewholeworks.co.uk/
Address: Jacksons Close, 209 Royal Mile
Contact: 0131 225 8092
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM | Saturday, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Stepping into a historic, restored townhouse where The Whole Works operates immediately sets a calming tone for your sessions.
Here, you have access to the city’s most established therapeutic hub, offering a massively wide range of holistic approaches all under one beautiful roof.
It’s worth noting that local doctors trust them immensely, and they frequently refer patients who need thoughtful, comprehensive mental health support.
It’s worth highlighting that this facility features a massive team of over 50 practitioners, giving you incredible choice. You can even explore alternative options like Reiki to supplement your talking therapy.
Just be aware that you’ll find slightly different sliding scales based on the practitioner you select. Also, the wide roster could easily feel overwhelming if you’re completely new to therapy and unsure of what you actually need.
Can’t recommend them enough
I came to the Whole Works at a very low point and they helped me to heal and get back on track. Located just off the royal mile, the environment itself is tucked away and feels like a safe haven. They ensure you receive therapy suited to you and try to match you with a therapist who you can work well with. Mine in particular was fantastic. This aspect was really refreshing. Can’t recommend them enough.
Sophie | Google Review
You’ll be in safe hands here
“I’ve been coming to The Whole Works for 3 years after a major life crisis, and it was the best decision I ever made. Making that first call was the hardest part, but from the moment I walked in, I felt safe, comfortable, and supported. The assessment process was excellent, helping me find the right therapist for me. If you’re hesitant about starting therapy, take the leap — you’ll be in safe hands here.”
stuart mcintyre | Google Review