Where can I find a counsellor in South Shields?

The Westoe Practice at 1a Elizabeth Street has multiple BACP-registered counsellors and is open six days a week including evenings. Newcastle Psychologist offers clinical psychologists and counsellors with South Shields appointments. You can also search the Counselling Directory or BACP Therapist Directory for verified local practitioners.

Do I need a GP referral for counselling?

No. You can book directly with a private counsellor without a GP referral. For NHS counselling through the Talking Therapies programme, you can self-refer without seeing your GP first. Your GP can refer you for more specialist support such as clinical psychology or psychiatric assessment if needed.

Health

Best Counsellors in South Shields

Q: How much does counselling cost in South Shields?

Private counselling in South Shields typically costs 35 to 60 pounds per session for individual therapy and 50 to 80 pounds for couples counselling. Clinical psychology sessions range from 80 to 150 pounds. Some practitioners offer a sliding scale based on income. NHS Talking Therapies is free but may have longer waiting times.

From a multidisciplinary health centre in Westoe to BACP-registered private practitioners, here are the best counsellors and therapists in South Shields.

SouthShields.org·3 June 2026

Finding the right counsellor or therapist is a deeply personal decision. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, or simply need someone to talk to, South Shields has a range of qualified practitioners offering face-to-face, online, and telephone sessions. Here is your guide to finding the right support.

The Westoe Practice

The Westoe Practice at 1a Elizabeth Street is a multidisciplinary health and wellbeing centre offering counselling alongside physiotherapy, osteopathy, podiatry, and massage. The practice is open six days a week, including late evenings on Monday and Thursday until 8:30pm, and Saturday mornings.

Several qualified counsellors practise from the Westoe Practice, including BACP-registered integrative counsellors and psychodynamic therapists. The multi-practitioner setting means you can access different types of therapy under one roof, and the central Westoe location is easy to reach from the town centre.

Best for: Multidisciplinary health centre in Westoe — multiple qualified counsellors, open six days a week including evenings.

Newcastle Psychologist (South Shields)

Newcastle Psychologist offers experienced clinical psychologists, counsellors, and therapists with appointments available in South Shields. The practice provides a range of evidence-based therapies including CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), EMDR, couples counselling, and general counselling.

The team treats depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, and a wide range of other emotional and psychological concerns. Having clinical psychologists alongside counsellors means more complex presentations can be assessed and treated within the same practice.

Best for: Clinical psychologists and counsellors — CBT, EMDR, couples counselling, and more with South Shields appointments.

How to Find the Right Counsellor

Choosing a counsellor is not just about qualifications — the relationship between you and your therapist matters enormously. Here is how to find the right fit:

Check qualifications — look for membership of a recognised body such as BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), UKCP, or BPS. Registration means the practitioner meets standards for training, supervision, and ethical practice
Type of therapy — different approaches suit different people. CBT is structured and focused on changing thought patterns. Person-centred therapy is more exploratory and client-led. Integrative therapy combines elements of several approaches. If you are unsure, most counsellors offer an initial consultation to help you decide
Practical considerations — think about whether you prefer face-to-face, online, or telephone sessions. Check availability, location, and cost
Initial session — most counsellors offer an introductory session (sometimes free or at a reduced rate) so you can see whether you feel comfortable before committing

Where to Search for a Counsellor in South Shields

These directories list verified, qualified counsellors in the South Shields area:

Counselling Directory (counselling-directory.org.uk) — searchable by location and specialism, with practitioner profiles and verified qualifications
BACP Therapist Directory (bacp.co.uk) — lists over 18,000 registered and accredited BACP members across the UK
Psychology Today UK (psychologytoday.com/gb) — comprehensive directory with detailed practitioner profiles, including specialisms and availability

How Much Does Counselling Cost in South Shields?

Private counselling fees in South Shields typically range from:

Individual counselling session (50-60 minutes): £35 to £60
Couples counselling session (60-90 minutes): £50 to £80
Clinical psychology session (50-60 minutes): £80 to £150

Some practitioners offer a sliding scale based on income, and many offer a reduced rate for an initial assessment session. If cost is a barrier, ask your GP about NHS talking therapies — the Talking Therapies service in South Tyneside offers free CBT and counselling, though waiting times can be longer.

NHS Options

You do not need to go private to access counselling. The NHS Talking Therapies programme (formerly IAPT) offers free therapy for common mental health problems including anxiety and depression. You can self-refer without a GP appointment by contacting the South Tyneside Talking Therapies service directly.

Your GP can also refer you for more specialist support if needed, including clinical psychology and psychiatric assessment.

For more health guides, see our guide to the best physiotherapists in South Shields and the best dentists in South Shields.