Help offers face-to-face counselling in Islington, five minutes’ walk from Angel station. As a charity, we work with adults facing all sorts of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship problems and life transitions. You might have something specific in mind, or you might just feel out of sorts. Either is a good enough reason to reach out.
Anxiety is the most common reason people start therapy, given by 62% of those who’ve had it in the last two years, according to BACP’s 2026 Public Perceptions Survey.
We charge on a sliding scale, so your fee reflects your income. Our counsellors are all registered with BACP, UKCP or an equivalent professional body and are supported by regular, expert supervision. You won’t need a GP referral to get started.
What to expect
Getting started
The first step is an online initial assessment, which costs £25. An experienced assessor will ask what’s brought you to counselling and whether you have any preferences. Our clinical team uses this to match you with the right counsellor. Most clients begin within two weeks.
Face-to-face counselling in Islington
If you live or work around Angel, Barnsbury, Pentonville or King’s Cross , this is likely to be your nearest Help location. Each session lasts 50 minutes and takes place at the same time every week.
Some people find it much easier to talk when they’re face to face with a therapist, without the distractions of home or the slight distance a screen creates. Coming to the same calm room each week can also give your counselling a steady rhythm.
Keeping things confidential
Anything you tell your counsellor is kept private. Only in rare situations, where there’s a serious risk to you or another person, might they need to share information. They’ll go through this with you at the beginning.
How many sessions you’ll have
There’s no set number. Counselling at Help is open-ended, and most clients come for several months. You’ll review things with your counsellor regularly and decide together when to end.
Fees
Our sliding scale makes affordable counselling in Islington possible whatever you earn. Your fee is agreed with you at your initial assessment, based on your income. If paying is still a struggle, let us know and we’ll talk through other options. More details are on our Fees page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Help’s Islington & Angel counselling location?
Angel station (Northern line) is about 5 minutes’ walk away. Many buses also stop along Pentonville Road and Upper Street nearby. When you arrive, come in through the main front entrance and check in or take a seat in the ground-floor area.
Is there step-free access in the building?
Yes. The building is fully accessible, with a lift to every floor and accessible toilets on the ground floor. The lift holds two people at a time. Not every nearby station is step-free, so we’d suggest checking your route with TfL’s step-free journey planner.
Is there parking nearby?
There’s a small amount of paid on-street parking on White Lion Street itself. Spaces can be hard to find, so public transport is usually quicker.
Do I need to come to the Islington counselling centre for every session, or can some be online?
Help offers online video sessions as well as in-person counselling. You can’t switch between the two, so let us know at your initial assessment which would be better.
How quickly can I start counselling?
You can book your initial assessment online straight away, with no GP referral. Or, if you’d rather we called you, complete our Refer Yourself form. Assessments are usually available most weekdays, and most people start counselling within two weeks after that.
What if there’s no therapist near Islington available?
If our Islington counsellors are fully booked, you’ll have a choice. You can wait for a space here, see a counsellor at a nearby location such as Clerkenwell & Barbican or Highbury & Holloway Road, or start with online sessions. We’ll explain your options at your assessment.
If something isn’t covered here, you’ll find more answers on our FAQ page.
We are here to listen, we are here to Help
