Our Clerkenwell rooms are in a modern, purpose-built therapy centre between Barbican and Old Street. Help is a charity offering Face-to-Face counselling in Clerkenwell and at other locations across London to adults who are dealing with anxiety, low mood, burnout, bereavement, relationship problems, identity questions or the effects of things that happened in the past. Whether you’ve been struggling in your personal life for years, or pressure at work has left you feeling close to burnout, you’re welcome here.
Burnout is more common than many people realise. It now affects 19% of UK adults, and 30% of 25–34-year-olds, according to BACP’s 2026 Public Perceptions Survey. Many people keep pushing through on their own, but you don’t have to. Reaching out for support is a positive first step.
The fee you pay is set on a sliding scale, in line with your income. All Help counsellors are registered with BACP, UKCP or an equivalent professional body, and every one has regular, expert supervision. There’s no need for a GP referral. You can get in touch with us yourself.
What to expect
Beginning with an assessment
The process starts with an initial online assessment, which costs £25. You’ll talk with one of our experienced clinicians about what’s prompted you to seek counselling and what you hope will change. Let them know about any preferences too. Our clinical team then matches you with the counsellor who fits best, and most clients start within two weeks.
Face-to-face counselling in Clerkenwell
This location is a good fit if you live or work in Clerkenwell, the Barbican, Old Street, Shoreditch, St Luke’s or Farringdon. Each session runs for 50 minutes, at the same time each week.
Counselling in person, in a quiet room designed for therapy, can make it easier to focus on yourself. Many people value having a regular place to go that’s separate from both work and home.
Your confidentiality
What you share with your counsellor is kept private. There are only rare exceptions, where someone is at serious risk of harm, and your counsellor will explain these in your first session.
How many sessions you’ll need
Counselling with Help is open-ended, so there’s no fixed number. Most clients attend for several months, and some for longer. You’ll regularly review how it’s going with your counsellor and decide together when to end.
Fees
Our sliding scale keeps affordable counselling in Clerkenwell within reach on a range of incomes. Your fee is agreed with you at the initial assessment. If you still find the cost difficult, please raise it with us and we’ll look at other options together. Full details are on our Fees page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Help’s Clerkenwell & Barbican counselling location?
Barbican station (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines) is about 7 minutes’ walk away. Old Street (Northern line and National Rail) is about 11 minutes on foot. When you arrive, use the intercom at the entrance and you’ll be let into the private waiting area.
Is there step-free access in the building?
Yes, there is step-free access, including a lift. Not all nearby stations are step-free, so please check your journey with TfL’s step-free journey planner before you travel.
Is there parking nearby?
Street parking around Clerkenwell is limited, though there are some pay-and-display bays nearby. Public transport is usually the most reliable way to get here.
Do I need to come to the Clerkenwell counselling location for every session, or can some be online?
When you start therapy with us, that specific time and room are yours every week, so we ask that you attend regularly. You can decide on either online or face-to-face therapy, but we keep the format consistent throughout, so a mix of both isn’t possible.
How quickly can I start counselling?
Assessments are available on most weekdays, and most clients start counselling within two weeks. No GP referral is needed. Book an initial assessment online, or use our Refer Yourself form if you’d like us to contact you.
What if there’s no therapist available near Clerkenwell?
If no counsellor is free in Clerkenwell right away, you can wait for one, see a counsellor at a nearby location such as Islington & Angel or Highbury & Holloway Road, or start online. We’ll talk you through the choices at your assessment.
If you’d like to read more first, our FAQ page answers the questions people ask us most often.
We are here to listen, we are here to Help
