Concierge talking therapy · London & online
Cognitive behaviour therapy, by a BABCP-accredited therapist.
The NHS Talking Therapies waiting list is long, and the wrong therapist can waste months of your life. We match you to a BABCP‑accredited CBT specialist in London (or online across the UK) whose sub‑speciality actually maps to what’s going on — OCD, PTSD, health anxiety, insomnia — and get you into an assessment inside a fortnight, with a written relapse‑prevention plan at the end.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A BABCP-accredited therapist, matched to you
Not any counsellor with a CBT module — a therapist accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, chosen for your specific problem.
- 02
The right intensity, honestly advised
Low-intensity guided self-help, high-intensity individual CBT, or a specialist protocol like TF-CBT or CBT-I. We say which suits before you commit.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private CBT costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our BABCP-accredited network. Send the details and we quote firm figures with two or three matched therapists.
In short
Individual CBT in our network: £110–£220 per session, usually 6 to 20 sessions.
| Format | Indicative range | Typical duration | Cadence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment session (60–90 min) | £150–£280 | 60–90 min | Report same week |
| Individual CBT — standard session | £110–£220 | 50 min | Weekly |
| Online CBT (iCBT) — therapist-supported | £40–£120 | Self-paced | 6–12 weeks |
| Group CBT (per session) | £45–£90 | 90 min | Weekly |
| CBT-I (insomnia) — 6-session programme | £650–£1,300 | 6 x 50 min | 6–8 weeks |
| TF-CBT for PTSD — 8–12 session course | £1,000–£2,600 | 8–12 x 60–90 min | 3–4 months |
Prices vary by therapist seniority, by specialism (trauma and OCD sit at the top of the range), and by whether you attend in person, online, or in a group. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The right therapist, the right protocol, the right dose.
The word CBT covers a dozen protocols. A generic therapist doing generic CBT for OCD, PTSD or insomnia often does not work. We match to the specific problem before you commit.
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Not sure it is CBT you need?
For some problems interpersonal therapy, EMDR or medication is a better fit. We say so before you book.
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Worried about the therapist?
A BABCP-accredited therapist with a sub-specialty in your problem — trauma, OCD, insomnia — not a generalist.
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Want it done properly?
Assessment, formulation, agreed goals, between-session work, and a written relapse-prevention plan at the end.
The journey
From enquiry to relapse-prevention — what happens, in order.
One therapist from assessment to discharge — and a written plan you keep afterwards.
Phase 1 · Before therapy
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · The active phase
Weekly sessions with your therapist
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. What you are struggling with, how long, and what you have already tried.
- 02
Before
We match you to a therapist
Within one working day: a BABCP-accredited therapist whose specialty fits your problem — depression, OCD, PTSD, health anxiety, insomnia — with an indicative price.
- 03
Before
Assessment session booked
Usually within one to two weeks. Individual, group, or online (iCBT) — whichever fits your life and preference.
- 04
Active phase
Assessment and formulation
The therapist maps the links between your thoughts, feelings, sensations and behaviour, and agrees goals with you.
- 05
Active phase
The active phase
Typically 6 to 20 weekly sessions. Thought records, behavioural experiments, exposure work for OCD, activity scheduling for depression — the tools that fit the problem.
- 06
Active phase
Between-session work
CBT works because of what you do between sessions. Short practical tasks, agreed with you, that build the skill.
- 07
After
Relapse prevention and review
A written relapse-prevention plan, a booster session if useful, and a clear discharge — not an open-ended contract.
Typical end-to-end: 2–3 weeks from enquiry to assessment. Full course: 6–20 weekly sessions.
When it helps
When CBT is the right step.
The NICE-recommended indications we see most, plus the red flags that mean urgent psychiatric care first, not a therapy referral.
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Depression
Low mood, loss of interest and pleasure, sleep and appetite change. NICE-recommended, often with activity scheduling and behavioural activation.
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Anxiety disorders (GAD, panic, social)
Generalised anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety. Cognitive restructuring plus graded exposure to the situations you avoid.
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Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD)
Intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the evidence-based core of OCD treatment.
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT) is a first-line NICE-recommended treatment, usually 8–12 sessions with a trauma specialist.
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Health anxiety
Persistent worry about serious illness despite reassurance. CBT reframes checking, reassurance-seeking and safety behaviours.
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Insomnia — CBT-I
A structured 4–8 session programme (stimulus control, sleep restriction, cognitive work). First-line for chronic insomnia, ahead of sleeping tablets.
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Chronic pain, IBS, tinnitus, fatigue
CBT is used as an adjunct in chronic pain, IBS, tinnitus and chronic fatigue — it does not deny the physical problem, it helps you live better with it.
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Red flag: active suicidality or psychosis
Active suicidality, severe self-harm, active psychosis or unstabilised severe substance dependence need urgent psychiatric care first — call 999, 111, or the Samaritans on 116 123.
Formats & protocols
One-to-one is not the only option.
What each format actually involves — and which fits which problem, budget and life.
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Individual CBT (high-intensity)
One-to-one with a BABCP-accredited therapist. The default for moderate-to-severe depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and health anxiety.
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Low-intensity guided self-help
Structured workbooks and short calls with a psychological wellbeing practitioner. A sensible first step for mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety.
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Group CBT
Small groups following a protocol — commonly used for social anxiety, panic, chronic pain and stress. Cheaper, and the shared experience helps.
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Online CBT (iCBT)
NICE-recognised digital programmes with therapist support (Silvercloud, Sleepio, others). Effective for mild-to-moderate presentations.
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CBT-I for insomnia
A specific protocol using stimulus control, sleep restriction and cognitive work. First-line for chronic insomnia over sleeping tablets.
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Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT)
A specialist trauma protocol for PTSD, including imaginal reliving and cognitive restructuring of trauma memories. Requires a trauma-trained therapist.
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Exposure and response prevention
The evidence-based core of OCD treatment. Graded exposure to the triggers while resisting the compulsive response.
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Assessment only
A one-off assessment and formulation session — useful if you want a second opinion or a clear plan before committing to a full course.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of therapists, we picked them.
BABCP-accredited therapists across central, north, west and south London — plus online. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every therapist in our network.
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BABCP-accredited therapists specifically — not general counsellors with a CBT module
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Sub-specialty matched — OCD to an ERP specialist, PTSD to a trauma therapist, insomnia to CBT-I
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Individual, group and online (iCBT) options all offered where clinically appropriate
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Time-limited courses with a written relapse-prevention plan — not open-ended therapy
Safety and honest expectations
What to expect from CBT — honestly.
CBT is safe and effective for the right person with the right problem. The things worth planning are the dose, the between-session work, and knowing when a different approach is needed.
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CBT is a talking therapy, not a medication
There are no drug side-effects. The commonest side-effect is temporary distress when exposure work brings difficult material into the room.
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Between-session work is the treatment
CBT works because you practise the skills outside the room. Skipping the between-session tasks is the commonest reason it does not work.
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Typical course is 6–20 sessions
Mild-to-moderate presentations often need 6–12 weekly sessions. OCD, PTSD and complex cases usually need 12–20.
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How it differs from counselling
CBT is structured, time-limited and focused on the here and now — thoughts, behaviours, and skills. Counselling is broader and more open-ended.
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It does not suit everyone, and that is fine
If avoidance of therapy, non-engagement or worsening symptoms happen despite an adequate dose, a different approach (interpersonal therapy, EMDR, medication) may fit better.
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Comorbid conditions matter
Untreated ADHD or autism can change how CBT is delivered — the protocol needs adjusting, not abandoning. Say so at assessment.
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Confidentiality has limits
Everything is confidential except a serious risk to you or someone else, or a safeguarding concern involving a child or vulnerable adult.
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Insurance covers CBT — sometimes
Most major insurers cover CBT with pre-authorisation when a GP or psychiatrist refers. Self-pay is straightforward and often faster.
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Red flags to seek urgent help
Active suicidal plans, severe self-harm, or new psychosis are reasons to seek urgent psychiatric care — 999, 111, or the Samaritans on 116 123 — not to wait for a therapy appointment.
Reading your therapy notes
Your therapy notes in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever protocol was used, the summary note the therapist sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
The formulation is the treatment plan — it is worth reading twice.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your next session, just ask.
- 01 Header
Presenting problem and diagnosis
The presenting difficulty in plain language, and the working diagnosis — for example, moderate depression, panic disorder, OCD.
- 02 Formulation
The cognitive–behavioural formulation
The map of how your thoughts, feelings, sensations and behaviours are keeping the problem going. The single most important part of the note.
- 03 Plan
Agreed treatment plan and goals
The protocol, the number of sessions planned, the specific goals you have agreed, and what you will do between sessions.
- 04 Review
Outcome, relapse prevention, next steps
Read this first: measurable outcome (PHQ-9, GAD-7, OCI-R), the relapse-prevention plan, and whether onward care is recommended.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Most major insurers cover CBT with pre-authorisation and a GP or psychiatrist referral. Session caps and protocol exclusions vary — we confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about CBT.
Quick answers on sessions, cost, formats, and how CBT differs from counselling.
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How soon can I start private CBT in London?
Most patients are into an assessment with a BABCP‑accredited therapist within one to two weeks, evenings included, whether that’s a central London consulting room or a secure video session across the UK. Weekly work usually starts the following week, with a written relapse‑prevention plan at the end of the course.
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How many sessions of CBT will I need?
Most courses run 6 to 20 weekly sessions. Mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety often responds to 6 to 12 sessions; OCD, PTSD and health anxiety usually need 12 to 20.
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What is a BABCP-accredited therapist and does it matter?
BABCP is the accrediting body for CBT specifically in the UK. Accreditation means the therapist has completed CBT-specific training, supervised practice, and continues professional development. For anything beyond mild presentations, it matters.
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How much does private CBT cost in London?
Individual sessions run £110–£220. Assessment is £150–£280. Online CBT (iCBT) is cheaper at £40–£120 per module. A CBT-I insomnia programme is typically £650–£1,300 in total.
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What conditions is CBT recommended for?
NICE recommends CBT for depression, generalised anxiety, panic, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, health anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, IBS, tinnitus and chronic fatigue. For each condition the protocol looks different.
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How is CBT different from counselling?
CBT is structured, time-limited and focused on specific skills — thought records, behavioural experiments, exposure work. Counselling is broader, more open-ended, and less protocol-driven. Both help; they are not the same thing.
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Does online CBT (iCBT) actually work?
Yes, for mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, and for insomnia (Sleepio has NICE approval). Therapist-supported iCBT works better than fully self-guided.
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Will my insurance cover CBT?
Usually yes, with a GP or psychiatrist referral and pre-authorisation. Coverage limits vary — some insurers cap the number of sessions or exclude specific protocols. We confirm before booking.
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What is exposure and response prevention (ERP)?
ERP is the evidence-based treatment for OCD. It involves graded, repeated exposure to the triggers of your obsessions while resisting the compulsive response, until the anxiety naturally fades. It is uncomfortable, and it works.
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When should I seek urgent help instead of booking CBT?
Active suicidal thoughts with a plan, severe self-harm, new psychotic symptoms, or unstabilised severe substance dependence all need urgent psychiatric care first — 999, 111 or the Samaritans on 116 123. CBT comes after stabilisation.
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In practice, in London
Where cognitive behaviour therapy sits in a private London pathway
For cognitive behaviour therapy, the private London route is mostly about consultant fit and hospital choice rather than raw waiting time. Waiting lists on the NHS for cognitive behaviour therapy vary widely by borough and by how the GP letter reads. Privately in London, we can normally offer a slot inside the same week, sometimes within 48 hours if there’s a cancellation. The difference isn’t clinical quality — the consultants are frequently the same faces you’d see on the NHS — it’s the calendar.
Once you’re in the private system for cognitive behaviour therapy, the pace picks up noticeably. Consultant slots run to time, imaging is usually available in the same building or a short walk away, and the report comes back typed and detailed. It’s the coordination that tends to feel different — one person on the other end of the phone, not a switchboard. For cognitive behaviour therapy in particular, we bias towards consultants who do this every week rather than every month.
The value of going through a concierge for cognitive behaviour therapy isn’t access — anyone with an insurer or a credit card can get a private appointment in London. The value is knowing which consultant reads this particular presentation best, which unit turns reports around fastest, and which pathway won’t hit a dead end if the findings point somewhere unexpected.