How Much Does a Therapist Make UK: The Rise of Online Therapy Platforms

How much does a therapist make UK? It really depends on where and how you work. For example, NHS therapists usually earn a salary of around £38.7k–£54.7k (Band 6–7) in 2025/26. If you run a private practice, clients typically charge £60–£120+ per session, and in London, it can be even higher. Online therapy platforms work a bit differently—some offer a fixed wage, while others pay per client and take a cut through commission or subscription fees. So, what you actually take home depends on the platform’s rules and how full your schedule is.

How Much Does a Therapist Make UK

Let’s take a closer look at NHS therapy earnings. Most jobs follow the Agenda for Change scale. In 2025, Band 6 therapists earn about £38,682–£46,580, while Band 7 roles make £47,810–£54,710. If you’re in London or a high-cost area, local supplements can boost your salary. Plus, NHS perks like pension, sick leave, and paid holidays add real value. Overall, NHS therapy jobs give a steady foundation you can rely on, and they also let you grow, gain experience, and explore private or online work, so you can build a career that matches your goals and lifestyle.

Plus, your experience and special skills can push you toward the higher end of the salary range. For instance, if you specialise in CBT or join a specialist team, you can unlock higher earnings and expand your skills. Overall, NHS therapy roles provide a strong foundation, while giving you the freedom to explore private practice or online work—so you can shape a career that grows with your goals and passions.

Private Practice Fees in 2025

Let’s look at what clients actually pay in private practice. Most counsellors and psychotherapists charge between £60 and £138 per session. Clinical psychologists usually charge more, often £100–£230 and rates in London can be even higher. The good news is that online sessions now cost about the same as in-person ones, so you can reach clients from anywhere. Overall, private practice is a great way to earn extra income, especially once you have a steady group of clients.

The Rise of Online Therapy

Online therapy is growing fast and changing how therapists work and earn. For example, NHS Talking Therapies now lets people choose between face-to-face or online sessions via video or phone. This means more people can get help from home, which is opening up exciting opportunities on digital platforms. This shift is giving therapists the chance to shape their careers in fresh ways—whether through regular salaries or per-session fees.

Plus, online therapy lets you reach clients anywhere and work more flexibly. However, income varies by platform—some take a cut, others pay a fixed rate—so check the details, as your take-home depends on your schedule and platform fees. All in all, online therapy can be a great way to boost your income and fit work around your life.

How Online Platforms Pay

Online therapy platforms usually earn money in two simple ways. First, some hire you on a set salary—just like a regular job. These roles often pay somewhere in the low-to-mid £20,000s, depending on the role and where you live. Second, some platforms let you set your own price, but they take a cut or charge a monthly fee. So, what you actually earn depends on their rules and how many clients you can book.

Commission, Fees & Fine Print 

Charging £80 for a session sounds great, right? But what you see isn’t always what you get. On platforms like Harley Therapy, they take the full fee from your first session with a new client. After that, they may take around 10% plus VAT for follow-ups. Some platforms ask for a monthly fee instead. Plus, cancellations or no-shows can reduce what you earn. So, that £80 might feel exciting, but your real take-home is usually less. It’s a good reminder to check the platform rules before you start.

Online vs In-Room Therapy Price

Is there a big gap between online and face-to-face therapy fees? Not really. Outside London, online sessions are usually around £50–£80+, and they go up in bigger cities. But platform fees or subscriptions can eat into what you actually keep. So, online and in-room prices are mostly the same—it’s the platform costs that change what ends up in your pocket.

NHS vs Private vs Platform: What Usually Affects Your Take-Home

How much money you actually take home can change a lot depending on where and how you work. For example, NHS jobs give a steady pay based on your band, so it feels more secure. But in private practice or on online platforms, your income can go up and down each month.

This happens because your earnings depend on how many clients you see, if anyone cancels, and—if you work online—the platform’s cut or fees. Also, if you see clients in person, you might have to cover room costs. Finally, where you live matters—London rates are higher, but living costs are too. So, it helps to plan ahead and not expect every month to look the same.

Digital Providers Working With the NHS

These days, more NHS-linked services are going digital, offering guided CBT and remote therapy. This opens exciting opportunities for therapists to work on a salary or a contract, giving you the freedom to set your own hours. Because it’s online, you can reach clients from anywhere and expand your impact beyond your local area.

London vs Regions 

Pay for therapy work can be quite different depending on where you are. For example, London rates are usually higher than in other parts of the UK. But living costs in London are higher too, so you need to think about that. Outside London, most sessions cost around £60–£90, which is still good money. Also, working online can help you reach clients anywhere, but the platform fees still affect what you actually take home.

Reading a Platform Contract

Before joining an online therapy platform, check:

1. How much commission do they take
2. If there’s a subscription fee
3. Who sets the prices
4. How quickly you get paid
5. Their rules for cancellations or no-shows
6. Who keeps the client after the first session

All of these affect how much money actually ends up in your pocket.

Hybrid Portfolio = Smoother Income

Many UK therapists mix NHS or EAP hours with private clients and a few online sessions. This strategy brings steady money while still letting them choose their own hours and work from home when they want. It’s a clever way to enjoy both security and freedom in your career.

Directory vs Marketplace

Online platforms usually work in two ways. First, directories like Welldoing charge a subscription but let you set your own prices. Second, marketplaces or other platforms take a cut from each session, sometimes even the whole first session. So, make sure you know how they work and set your prices wisely.

What to Watch in 2025

A few things can change how much you earn next year:

1. NHS pay updates – every year, the NHS updates salary scales through Agenda for Change.
2. Platform rules – check if commission rates or cancellation policies change.
3. Online demand – more people using remote NHS therapy can affect how many sessions you get.

Keeping an eye on these helps you plan your work and income more easily.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to become a therapist in the UK?

It takes time and training, but with the right qualifications and dedication, it’s achievable.

1. How much does an NHS therapist get paid?

Around £38.7k–£54.7k per year (Band 6–7 in 2025/26).

1. What type of therapist makes the most money?

Clinical psychologists and specialist therapists usually earn the highest, especially in private practice.

1. What GCSE do you need to be a therapist?

You usually need GCSEs in English and Maths; some courses may ask for Science too.

1. Do you need a university degree to be a therapist?

Yes, most therapy paths require a relevant degree plus professional training.

1. How much do private therapists make in the UK?

Clients usually spend around £60–£138+ per session, while clinical psychologists often charge £100–£230 and rates in London can be even higher.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a therapist make UK? It really depends on where you work and how you choose to see clients. For example, NHS jobs give steady pay and benefits, private practice can bring higher rates, and online therapy offers flexibility but comes with platform fees.

The key is finding what works best for you. You can combine NHS, private, and online work to get a steady income while keeping your schedule flexible.

If you’re looking to start a new career or skill, check out Course Cave’s Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Training Online. It’s a simple, online way to get started on an exciting career path.