Help offers low-cost counselling in North Kensington, near the top of Portobello Road, as well as at other locations across London. We’re a charity that works with adults going through anxiety, depression, bereavement, family or relationship pressures, stress at work or difficult experiences from the past. You’re welcome whether you know exactly what you want to talk about or not.
The fee is based on a sliding scale, so it reflects your income. All Help counsellors are registered with BACP, UKCP or an equivalent professional body, and they’re supported by regular, expert supervision. No GP referral is needed. Just get in touch.
Many people only start therapy after a doctor suggests it. That was the case for 34% of people who’ve had therapy, according to BACP’s 2026 Public Perceptions Survey. With Help, you don’t need to wait for that.
What to expect
Starting out
First comes an online initial assessment, which costs £25. You’ll talk with one of our assessors about what’s been difficult and what you’d like from counselling. You can also share preferences, such as language or cultural background. Our clinical team then matches you with a counsellor, and most people begin within two weeks.
Face-to-face counselling in North Kensington
This location is close by if you live around Golborne Road, Portobello, Ladbroke Grove, Kensal Town or Westbourne Park. Each session lasts 50 minutes and takes place on the same day and at the same time every week.
Seeing a therapist face to face, right in your own neighbourhood, can make support feel more within reach. It also means you have a space outside your home where you can speak freely.
Keeping it private
Anything you discuss with your counsellor is confidential. They’d only share it in a rare situation where someone could come to serious harm, and they’ll explain this clearly at your first session.
How long you’ll come for
Counselling with Help has no fixed end date. Most clients come for several months, and some longer. Along the way, you and your counsellor will look at how it’s going and decide when to finish.
Fees
Our sliding scale means affordable counselling in North Kensington and at our other locations across London is open to people on low incomes as well as those who can pay more. We’ll agree your fee at your initial assessment. If you’re still worried about cost, tell us and we’ll talk through the alternatives. See our Fees page for details.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Help’s North Kensington counselling location?
Ladbroke Grove station (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines) is about 7 minutes’ walk away, and Westbourne Park is a similar distance. Bus 23 stops on Golborne Road, and routes 52, 70, 228, 295 and 316 stop nearby on Ladbroke Grove. When you arrive, sign in at the main reception.
Is there step-free access in the building?
The centre has standard accessibility adaptations. If you have mobility needs, please let us know when you book so we can confirm your room is suitable, or offer another location or online sessions. Ladbroke Grove station is not step-free, so plan your route with TfL’s step-free journey planner.
Is there parking nearby?
Parking restrictions apply on the surrounding streets, so we recommend coming by public transport.
Do I need to come to the North Kensington counselling centre for every session, or can some be online?
Not necessarily. HELP also offers counselling by video and telephone. Help does not offer a mix of online and in-person therapy sessions. Once your session time, day and location has been set, you should attend as agreed.
How quickly can I start counselling?
There’s no need for a GP referral. Book an initial assessment online, or fill in our Refer Yourself form if you’d rather we contacted you. Assessments run most weekdays, and most people start counselling within two weeks.
What if there’s no therapist available near North Kensington?
If our North Kensington therapy rooms are fully booked, you can wait for a space, see a counsellor at our Ladbroke Grove or Kensal Town locations, or start online. We’ll help you choose at your assessment.
There’s more information about how counselling at Help works on our FAQs page.
We are here to listen, we are here to Help
