Counselling services can be expensive, but they are often worth the cost. If you are considering counselling in Dublin, it’s important to note that many options are available.
It is highly recommended that you find out about the cost of counselling services in Dublin before you engage a particular counsellor. This way, you can budget accordingly.
Growing Demand for Counselling Services in Ireland
Counselling services are essential, not just for people with mental health issues but also those who need expert help in keeping up with the complexities of life. This is why it is not surprising that the demand for counselling services in Ireland continues to grow.
In fact, the number of people needing counselling or therapy skyrocketed in 2020 when Covid-19 hit. Experts attribute this to a lot of people feeling helpless, anxious, and lonely as a result of the virus itself and stringent measures put in place to minimise its spread.
Meanwhile, last April, a report said that Irish universities noted record-high demand for counselling services. It is expected that the number of students needing professional counselling will exceed the 14,400 recorded last year.
How Much Does Counselling Services Cost in Dublin?
Counselling costs vary widely, depending on the therapist and the number of sessions you book. It is also worth mentioning that there are other factors which can impact the overall price.
To give you an idea, the average cost of counselling in Dublin is between €75 and €120 per hour (including VAT). At Access Counselling, fees start at €75 for fully accredited psychotherapists.
Some therapists may charge additional fees to cover the cost of resources that they use during counselling, such as books or other materials.
What Affects the Cost of Counselling Services in Dublin
Counselling costs vary depending on a number of factors, such as the qualification and experience of the counsellor, the type of counselling services offered, the duration and frequency of the sessions, and location.
Counsellor’s Qualification and Experience
One of the most critical factors that affect counselling fees is the qualification and experience of the counsellor. This, in turn, is determined by the training they have received and the experience they have gained.
For instance, professional counsellors will charge more than those not professionally trained. Similarly, the more experienced a counsellor is, the higher their fees will be.
Type of Counselling Service
The type of counselling services also has an impact on the fees. To be more precise, counselling costs tend to be higher if you see a counsellor who offers specialised services. For example, a counsellor specialising in relationship counselling will charge more than a generalist.
Duration and Frequency of Counselling Sessions
How many sessions you have affects your overall counselling expense. In case you didn’t know, counselling services can be broadly categorised into short-term and long-term.
Short-term counselling is generally more affordable than long-term counselling, but it may not be appropriate for some situations. Long-term counselling may be less expensive if you choose to attend group sessions instead of individual sessions.
Some counsellors also offer group sessions or weekend appointments that are less expensive than individual sessions because they charge a flat fee per session instead of charging by the hour.
So, the first thing to consider is whether you want to go for individual or group therapy. Individual therapy is more expensive than group counselling but tends to be more effective. Group counselling may be a good option if your budget is limited or if you want support from others who are going through similar experiences as yourself.
Location
Counselling fees are also determined by where you live. In most cases, counselling costs are higher in urban areas than in rural ones. This is because the cost of living is higher in cities and towns, and counsellors have higher overhead costs associated with running their practice.
However, this does not mean that all city-based therapists are more expensive. It is possible for counsellors in rural areas to have higher fees than those in urban centres because there is less competition and they have fewer clients.
Is Low-Cost Counselling Available in Dublin?
Yes, you can find Dublin-based counsellors who have affordable rates. For example, at Access Counselling, you can get counselling service for as low as €35. The counselling sessions are handled by qualified student-counsellors.
The fact that they are not full-fledged counsellors yet may bother you. This is understandable, but you should know that these student-counsellors were carefully selected and thoroughly trained by qualified counsellors.
Are Counselling Costs in Dublin Covered by Insurance?
If you have health insurance, it may cover some or all of your sessions. However, there are many plans that don’t offer counselling services as part of their coverage, and you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket for therapy.
Most health insurance plans will only pay for a certain number of sessions within a given time frame—usually between 12 and 20 visits. After that cap is reached, clients are responsible for paying for any additional sessions they need.
Some plans also require you to see a physician before being referred to a counsellor or therapist. In these cases, it may take several weeks before any appointments can be scheduled because there needs to be an assessment done by both professionals involved for your claim to go through without any complications later down the line.
So, it’s imperative that you check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment with a counsellor in Dublin.
Right Fit Over Counselling Costs
Understandably, cost is an important consideration when picking a counsellor. However, what’s even more critical is finding someone you feel will fit your needs.
So, when speaking with a counsellor, you should ask them about their experience and training to ensure they are qualified for this type of work. You may also want to inquire about their specialisation so that you can make sure that they are equipped to address your mental health issue.
You’ll likewise want to know if the counsellor is someone you’ll be able to build rapport with. Remember, your counselling sessions won’t be successful if you cannot trust your counsellor and are not comfortable talking to them.
In conclusion, counselling fees can vary greatly depending on several factors. So, if you’re looking for a counsellor, it’s worth checking out the options available in your area and finding out about their fees before deciding on one. It’s also wise to ask about cancellation policies, as some counsellors may charge for missed appointments.
Remember, counselling is not a luxury but rather a necessity. It is important to note that counselling services are available for all individuals regardless of their economic status or social standing. If you feel that you need help with some issues in your life, it would be advisable to seek professional assistance from a qualified counsellor as soon as possible so that your problems do not get worse.
Are you looking for a qualified counsellor in Dublin? We have experienced counsellors who can help you with your depression, anxiety, anger, and relationship issues. Click here or call us today on 015240708 or 014303631 to learn more about the costs of our counselling services.
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