Talking therapies (sometimes called counselling) give you space to talk about how you’re feeling with someone who’s trained to listen, in a safe and confidential way.
You can talk about your thoughts, feelings, or experiences without judgement.
Many people find therapy helpful if they’re feeling low, anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling with difficult emotions. You don’t have to be in crisis to ask for support. Some people also use counselling to understand themselves better or cope with everyday pressures.
You can get talking therapy for free on the NHS. You don’t always need to see your GP – in many cases, you can refer yourself directly. Low-cost and private (paid-for) options are also available.
In Leeds, there are free NHS and charitable options, low-cost local services, and private (paid-for) therapists.
MindWell doesn’t provide therapy directly – we help you find the right support for you.
Is talking therapy right for me?
Talking therapy might help if you’re:
- feeling anxious, low, stressed, or overwhelmed
- struggling with difficult emotions or experiences
- finding it hard to cope day to day
- wanting space to talk things through with someone outside your family or friends
Therapy can be offered in different ways, including:
- in person
- by phone
- by video
- online
Free NHS talking therapies in Leeds
If you’d like to try therapy through the NHS, you can refer yourself to the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS) – the NHS Talking Therapies service for adults (17+) in Leeds.
LMWS offers support for anxiety, stress, low mood and other common mental health problems. Depending on what you need, this could include:
- guided self-help
- Omnitherapy – online video courses and CBT-based programmes you can access directly
- online group classes and workshops focused on anxiety and wellbeing
- one-to-one therapy (in person, by phone or online)
- mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
You can complete a self-referral form online without seeing your GP first.
Refer yourself to Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service
If you are registered with a GP, your practice can also refer you to the Primary Care Mental Health (PCMH) team within LMWS. This service offers short-term support, advice and help accessing appropriate services.
LMWS also provides employment advice if anxiety is affecting your work or you are returning to employment.
You can also read more about NHS talking therapies and CBT on the NHS website.
Free or low-cost counselling in Leeds
If NHS therapy doesn’t feel right for you, or you’d prefer something different, there are other local low-cost options:
- Leeds Mind – offers low-cost self-referral counselling and psychotherapy for people who live in Leeds.
- Phoenix Health and Wellbeing – provides subsidised counselling (limited sessions) for people with long-term mental, physical, or emotional health issues and low income. A referral is needed from a GP, health worker, or support worker.
- Pathways Counselling – a Christian organisation offering counselling to adults in Leeds of any background, gender, ethnicity, disability, or faith (or none). Faith is only included if you ask. They offer self-referral and have a small number of reduced-cost places.
You can also search MindWell’s directory to see the full range of free or low-cost local counselling services.
Private (paid-for) counselling
If you prefer to pay for therapy or want more choice, private options are available. Some therapists offer reduced rates.
It’s a good idea to look for a therapist who’s registered with a professional body, such as:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
You can search for therapists on sites like It’s Good to Talk (BACP) and Counselling Directory.
The NHS also has guidance on how to choose a qualified therapist or counsellor.
Finding support that fits you
Different people have different communication needs, preferences, and experiences. You deserve support that feels accessible, respectful and right for you.
Here are some options to explore:
If you are autistic or neurodivergent
Some autistic adults and neurodivergent people find autism or neurodivergent-informed counselling more helpful, especially where therapists understand sensory needs, communication differences, or burnout.
You can explore support and guidance through Leeds Autism AIM, including their Mental Health Guide for Autistic Adults.
Support for adults with ADHD
Some people with ADHD find specialist information, practical coping strategies or neurodiversity-aware support helpful alongside or instead of traditional counselling. Visit our page on ADHD support for adults in Leeds to learn more, including local services, community groups, and self-management resources.
If you are Deaf, deaf or Deafblind
If you use British Sign Language (BSL) or need communication support, you may find it helpful to visit our page on Mental health support for Deaf people in Leeds.
It includes information about:
- BSL-accessible counselling
- crisis support by text or video
- how to access NHS 111 in BSL
- getting support through your GP
You can also learn about BSL therapy through SignHealth, which many people find more accessible than working with an interpreter.
If faith is important to you
Some people prefer counselling that recognises or reflects their faith.
The Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service offers a free six-week course called Improving Low Mood Using Islam, designed to help Muslim adults in Leeds explore low mood and depression from an Islamic perspective.
Pathways Counselling offers counselling for people of any faith or none. Faith is only included if you request it.