Lighthouse Counselling: Offering affordable counselling in North Kent
If you’ve been searching for “low-cost counselling near me” or “affordable counselling in Gravesend,” you’re not alone. Across the UK, especially here in the South East, people are finding it harder than ever to access the mental health support they need. NHS waiting lists for counselling and therapy are at record highs, with some people waiting well over a year to be seen. According to recent data, more than 16,500 people have waited 18 months or more for mental health treatment, while charities report children and young people often wait two years or more . These delays can be devastating for individuals and families.
Rising private counselling costs in the South East
For those who turn to private counselling, the cost can also be a barrier. In the South East, private therapy sessions typically range between £65 and £127 , with most falling towards the higher end of that scale. That’s why, at Lighthouse Counselling, we deliberately keep our fee well below the regional average at £50 per session. Even so, we recognise that for some, this can still be unaffordable and we believe that cost should never stand in the way of someone getting the help they need.
Our vision as a local counselling charity
As a charity, our vision is simple: to make professional counselling both affordable and accessible to the people of Ebbsfleet, Gravesend, Northfleet, Swanscombe, and the surrounding areas. We exist to serve our local community, and our heart is to ensure that anyone who could benefit from counselling has the opportunity to receive it, regardless of financial circumstances.
How our Subsidised Counselling works
Our subsidised counselling scheme is designed to bridge the gap for those who need help but can’t afford private rates. In your initial consultation, we’ll talk openly about your situation and what you can realistically afford. We then assess each application on a case-by-case basis, taking into account:
Whether you receive means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Tax Credit, or Pension Credit
Your wider financial commitments and potential hardship
Whether you’ve received subsidised counselling with us before (priority is given to first-time applicants)
Whether you are part of our local community in Ebbsfleet, Gravesend, Northfleet, or Swanscombe
We typically offer up to 12 sessions, and sometimes more if the need is there. While we ask most clients to make some contribution towards the cost because we know people often value counselling more when they do.
Why choose Lighthouse Counselling?
We’re not a national chain. We’re a local charity, rooted in the Ebbsfleet and Gravesend community. That means:
You won’t face the long NHS waits
You’ll pay less than the South East private counselling average
Your fees directly support others in our community to access counselling
Need counselling? Don’t let cost hold you back
If you’re facing long NHS waiting lists, or you’ve been putting off counselling because of cost, we encourage you to get in touch with us today. We can often get you started far quicker than NHS services, and we will work with you to make it affordable. To start the process, apply for an initial consultation and indicate on your form that you would like to be considered for subsidised counselling.
Support our subsidised counselling fund
If you’re in a position to help others, our Subsidised Counselling Fund relies on donations to make sure we can say “yes” to more people in hardship. Every pound donated goes directly towards helping someone in our community get the support they need.
At Lighthouse Counselling, we believe your mental health matters now—not months or years down the line. Whether you’re ready to start counselling, or want to support others to access it, contact us today to find out how we can help.
FAQs
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Yes. We prioritise clients who receive means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Tax Credit, or Pension Credit.
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In most cases, we can book your initial consultation within a few weeks, much faster than typical NHS waiting times.
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Yes. While we prioritise our local community in Ebbsfleet, Gravesend, Northfleet, and Swanscombe, we can also consider clients from nearby areas if there is capacity.
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We typically offer up to 12 sessions of subsidised counselling, with the possibility of more depending on individual needs.
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Yes. However, priority for our subsidised counselling scheme is given to people who have not received subsidised sessions with us before.
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Yes. If you cannot attend in person, we can discuss online counselling options during your initial consultation.
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Our counsellors work with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, bereavement, work-related stress, and low self-esteem.
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No. You can contact us directly to arrange an initial consultation without going through your GP.
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Sessions usually last 50 minutes.