Access Counselling Sooner with a Self-Funded Session

We understand that waiting for support can be difficult, especially when you’re ready to begin your counselling journey. That’s why we now offer self-funded sessions as an additional way to access our services. These sessions are delivered by the same qualified, experienced counsellors and follow the same high standards of care as our subsidised service. These can be in person or virtual. 

Each self-funded session costs £40 and helps reduce overall waiting times while supporting the future of our service.

Meet Our Counsellors
Ballynahinch Counselling Service provides tier 1 and 2 (mild – moderate) level support counselling. To ensure that we are the correct service for you, please read through the inappropriate criteria for our service below, before completing the form:   
 
  1. We are not a crisis intervention service. If you are experiencing suicidal intent, have an active plan, or are currently self-harming, please contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 or the Samaritans on 116 123. Alternatively contact your GP or Out of Hours Service. 
  2. If you have a complex Mental Health diagnosis, we would not be the appropriate service to support you. This would require tier 3 or above level support. Please contact your GP or Mental Health Practitioner at the GP surgery for a mental health assessment, if required, and onward referral for more relevant and suitable support. Examples of a mental health diagnosis include PTSD, Bipolar, OCD, Emotional Borderline Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia, Psychosis etc. Please note, this list is not exhaustive)  
  3. If you are currently being seen by another mental health service for treatment, counselling or psychiatric support, we would be unable to see you until you have been fully discharged and your care is no longer ongoing (subject to the above conditions). 
  4. If you have a court case pending or ongoing, we are unable to accept a referral until the full process has been completed.  

Referrals outside these criteria do not automatically mean that you will be accepted for counselling. We will let you know if the Clinical Team believe that another service would be more beneficial to meet your needs. Each client will receive a clinical assessment prior to commencing counselling, to ensure suitability.  If it is found after assessment that we are not the right service for you, we will signpost you to a service that is more suitable to meet your needs. 

Complete the Form to Check Your Eligibility

Please answer a few quick questions to help us determine if a self-funded session is the right fit for your needs. A member of our team may follow up if we need more information.

Self-Funded Sessions - Pre Application

Before you book

To help us understand your needs and determine the most suitable counselling option, please complete the short application form below. Once submitted, you’ll be given access to the booking portal for both our self-funded sessions.

Here are the questions to determine suitability for our service:

🕒 Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

To ensure that we can offer timely support to all our clients and make the best use of our counsellors’ schedules, we kindly request that any cancellations or rescheduling of appointments be made at least 48 (working) hours in advance.

 Policy Details

  • Cancellations with 48 (working) hours or more notice: Refund or rescheduling will be arranged
  • Cancellations with less than 48 (working) hours notice: The full session fee will be charged and not refunded.
  • Non-attendance without notice: Missed appointments without prior communication will incur the full session fee and will not be refunded.

 Considerations

We understand that emergencies or unexpected situations can arise. If you experience circumstances beyond your control, please contact us as soon as possible, and we’ll do our best to accommodate with compassion and flexibility.

Need Support or Have Questions?

If you’re unsure whether this is the right option for you, or would like to discuss availability, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. If you require urgent help, contact Samaritans on 116 123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.

Contact Us