Address The Whole Works, Jackson Close, 209 Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1PZ
Telephone 0131 225 8092
This site is maintained by The Whole Works
Introduction to Edinburgh Counselling Agencies List
The Edinburgh Counselling Agencies list exists to make the process of finding suitable counselling support easier and less stressful. It can help people find counselling appropriate to their needs, their locality as well as what they can afford. The list also highlights the likely time that someone might be expected to wait until they can be seen. It also lists a contact name at each respective agency. Please send us feedback about any information that is out of date, or any suggestions to make it more helpful.
| Agency Name | Contact Information | Speciality | Cost (£) | Disabled Access | Waiting List | Contact People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24hr Crisis Centre | Tel: 0808 8010414 text: 07974429075 Email: crisis@edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk Website | A crisis centre for people aged 16 and over resident in Edinburgh | ||||
| Action for Children | 17/18 London Road Edinburgh EH7 5AY Tel: 0131 466 4600 Fax: 0131 466 4604 Email: hype@actionforchildren.org.uk Website | Supporting young people experiencing difficulties with drugs, alcohol or volatile substance use. 18 or under in/from Edinburgh. Self referral or by parent/friend/worker. One-to-one and family counselling & support. | Free | No | None | Paula Gaunt-Richardson |
| Arkordia Counselling and Psychotherapy Service | Based in South Side Centre 86 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PY Tel: 662 6512 email: mail@arkordia.org Website | General counselling to assist individuals to explore and resolve whatever difficulties are being experienced | Negotiated Donations from £10 upwards per session to offer a service available to those on low incomes. | Not available at this address but can be negotiated and arranged elsewhere. | Yes, for appointments call the Tel No or email address indicated. | Bennet Haughton |
| Birthlink Adoption Counselling Centre | 21 Castle Street Edinburgh EH2 3DN Tel: 0131 225 6441 Email: mail@birthlink.org.uk Website | After Adoption services. Counselling & "Birthlink", the Adoption Contact Register for Scotland | Contact Reg. £20 If not on benefits £NIL If on benefits First counselling appt: £35/hr Court process: £35 Mediation: £50 Search of Public Records: £100 (Overseas £120) | Although we have no disabled access we are happy to make arrangements to meet elsewhere. | No waiting list for counselling. 3-4 month waiting list for search | Social Work Manager: Kate McDougall Social Workers: Jennifer Bryson Sally Lynch Louise Wilson |
| Bright Light | 9a Dundas Street Edinburgh EH3 6QG Tel: 0131 556 1527 Fax: 0131 558 9526 Email: askus@bright-light.org.uk Website | Relationship/Marriage/Sex Counselling. Family therapy, young people's therapy (4-18) 9am-9pm Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm Friday 9am-1pm Saturday | Contributions negociable in line with Income. | Not at Dundas St. Access at: Livingston, Sighthill, Dalkeith, and Tranent | Dependent on client availability | Reception |
| CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service) | Royal Edinburgh Hospital Morningside Place Edinburgh EH10 5HF Tel: 0131 537 6364 Fax: 0131 537 6102 Website | CAMHS provides psychological, medical and psychosocial assessment and treatment for children and young people with mental health problems. CAMHS aims to promote health and well-being and to prevent relapse by offering a range of individual, family and group approaches. CAMHS teams also offer professional consultation services. The Child and Adolescent Mental Health outpatient sector teams cover North Edinburgh(537 6364), South Edinburgh (536 0534), Midlothian and East Lothian and West Lothian) based on GP locality. The five sector teams have different bases. CAMHS outpatient teams are multi-disciplinary health teams for children and young people up to the age of 18 Years. Referrals usually come from general practitioners, health visitors, social workers or from schools GP. (this service does not accept self-referral) | Free | Yes | Possible waiting list | Reception |
| Chalmers Sexual Health Centre | 2A Chalmers Street Edinburgh EH3 9ES Tel: 0131 536 1070 Website | Lothian Sexual Health provides reliable and straightforward information about sexual health & services for people in Lothian. You can access support, services and information on contraception, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and sexual problems. You can find out more about the clinics provided in Chalmers Sexual Health Centre including the new drop-in service for under 19's Healthy Respect+ | Free | Walk -in (no appointment needed) If you have symptoms or you feel that the problem is urgent and can't wait, you may come to our walk-in clinic. Our walk-in clinic is open 8.30am-10.00am Monday - Friday (this is a very busy clinic that rapidly gets full. Later arrivals are interviewed by one of our nurses who will add urgent cases to the day's list. Patients with less significant problems may be asked to try again on another day). Are you Under 16? Drop-in clinic times - Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 7pm and Friday 8.30 - 3.30pm - Young People (only) drop-in - Friday 1-3pm | Reception | |
| CoCo Counselling | 140 Pleasance Edinburgh EH8 9RR 07724152557 / 07787000251 email: info@cocoed.org.uk Website | We offer indoor and outdoor person-centred counselling to all clients over 16 | We ask all clients for a regular contribution each session based on what they can afford | Rooms are located on the first floor, but access to a ground floor room via a ramp is sometimes available. | We do have a short waiting list, but are usually able to see clients for an initial appointment within a few weeks. | Kate Frazer and Shilpa Balaram |
| Contact Counselling | Counsellors across the city of Edinburgh Tel: 0131 466 4597 Email: enquiries@contactcounselling.co.uk Website | One-to-one counselling Children and Young People's Counselling Family Counselling Post Natal Depression Counselling | Depending on income, from £25 - £35 per 60 minute session, Students and Trainee Counsellors £25 | No | Fast Response Appointment within 7 days. Ongoing Counselling Immediate. | Roslin Brown |
| Crew 2000 | 32 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PB Tel: 0131 220 3404 Email: admin@crew2000.org.uk Website | Drug Counselling | Free | No | Immediate assessment then 2-4 week waiting time | Reception |
| Crossreach Counselling: Lothians | Wallace House 3 Boswell Road Edinburgh EH5 3RJ Tel: 0131 552 8901 Fax: 0131 552 2319 Email: ccl@crossreach.org.uk Website | Generic Counselling for children and adults (excluding addictions) Opening Hours: Tues: 9am-8pm Wed: 9am-8pm Thurs: 9am-8pm | Contributions encouraged/negotiable in line with income Fast track service available - £40 per session | Call to arrange in advance | Initial Assessment within 2-3 weeks, possible wait of 2-6 weeks for ongoing counselling | Mairi Norman |
| Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland | Great Michael House 14 Links Place Edinburgh EH6 7EZ Tel. 0845 600 2227 Email: south@crusescotland.org.uk Website | Bereavement counselling | Contributions encouraged | Yes | Dependant on waiting list | Lynda Keay |
| Dads Rock Free Counselling | WHALE Arts Agency, 30 Westburn Grove, Edinburgh, EH14 2SA Tel: 07542074165 Email: thomas@dadsrock.org.uk Website | Counselling service for mums, dads and other care givers | Free | Yes | No | Thomas Lynch |
| Edinburgh And Lothian Council on Alcohol | 6 Clifton Terrace Edinburgh EH12 5DR Tel: 0131 337 8188 Email: elca@btconnect.com Website | One-to-one counselling for people concerned about their alcohol intake or another's use of alcohol. | Free. Donations welcomed. | No. One flight of stairs. | 4-6 weeks | Reception |
| Edinburgh Gestalt Institute | 51 Lothian Road Edinburgh EH1 2DJ Tel: 0131 228 3841 Email: info@egi.uk.com Website | Gestalt Psychotherapy, counselling and supervision. | Variable according to practitioner. £40/£50 per hour. Some reduced rate therapy offered. | No | No | Institute Coordinator: Neil Wykes neil.wykes@egi.uk.com |
| Edinburgh Institute for Counselling and Psychotherapy | EICP operates from various locations throughout the city: Leith, City Centre and Southside Tel: 0131 667 5251 Email: enquiries@eicp.org.uk Website | Individual and couple counselling. Counselling and Psychotherapy for individuals. | £45: Individual £65: Couples | No disabled access at present although two of our locations are on the ground floor with one step. | No waiting list. Fairly flexible appointment times (evening/weekend appointments possible) | EICP Reception |
| Edinburgh Women's Aid | 4 Cheyne Street Edinburgh EH4 1JB Tel: 0131 315 8110 / 0131 315 8111 Email: info@edinwomensaid.co.uk Website | No Counselling but listening and Information Service | Free | Yes | Drop-in service. | Michele Corcoran (Project Manager) |
| FENIKS Counselling, Personal Development and Support Services Ltd | Phone: 075 101 224 25 Email: info@feniks.org.uk Website | Provides psychological support in Polish and English for Central Eastern European community in Edinburgh | From £25 per session. For people who cannot afford it we ask from 0 to £15 | Yes | No waiting list for those able to pay £25 or more. There can be a waiting list for concessions/no fee | Magda Czarnecka Project Coordinator |
| Gingerbread Edinburgh & Lothian Project Ltd | c/o Tollcross Primary Schoo 117-119 Fountainbridge Edinburgh EH3 9QG Tel: 0131 478 1391 / 07825 925 846 Email: gingerbread@wwmail.co.uk Website | Lone Parent Families. No counselling but listening and information service. | Free | No. Can use local club if available for disabled access. | None | Carol Anne Janice |
| Health All Round | 24 Westfield Avenue Edinburgh EH11 2QH Tel: 0131 337 1376 Email: info@healthallround.org.uk Website | Drop-in/self-referral for short term counselling. Gorgie/Dalry and wide surrounding area. Open: Mon 10-12; Wed 10-2; Thurs 12-2 | We request a minimum contribution of £5 per session. NB* No one will be turned away because of inability to pay. | Yes | 10-12 weeks or register at the drop in centre for waiting list. | Catriona Windle (Project co-ordinator) |
| Health in Mind (previously known as the Edinburgh Association for Mental Health) | 40 Shandwick Place Edinburgh EH2 4RT Information Line – 0131 243 0106 or Tel: 0131 225 8508 Fax: 0131 220 0028 Email: information@health-in-mind.org.uk or Website | Craigmillar counselling – this is a general counselling service for people living in Greater Craigmillar, who are finding life difficult to cope with and would like some emotional support. Trauma counselling – this is for people in Edinburgh who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Telephone Counselling Line Scotland – telephone counselling for adults anywhere in Scotland who have experienced any type of childhood abuse, including emotional abuse and childhood neglect. Information service – signposting to help people find services, information, and activities to help them keep well | Free; donations gratefully accepted. Ability to pay does not affect your eligibility | No, but alternative arrangements can be made. | Variable, depending on demand. no waiting list for Information Service | Lorraine Sorely for Counselling services, Flora Sharp for Information Service |
| Health Opportunities Team | 1a Queens Walk, Edinburgh, EH16 4EA 0131 468 4600 info@health-opportunities.org.uk Website | We offer One-to-One & Groupwork support to young people between the ages of 12 -25 affected by their own or parental substance misuse. Turn Around support is offered in clinics within schools and in community based settings. Health Opportunities Team are c:card registered & run free sexual health Drop-ins to young people between the ages of 13-18 in Gracemount at The Mansion(Thurs 7-9pm), at The Inch Community Sports Club (Wed 4:30-6:30pm), in Portobello Library (Wed 4:30-6:30pm) and in Craigmillar at the HOT Office, 1a Queen’s Walk (Thurs 3:45-6pm). | Free | Yes | For some areas yes, please phone us to enquire. | Karen Sutherland, Office Manager |
| Hope Park Counselling centre | 8 Hope Park Square Meadow Lane Edinburgh EH8 9NW Tel: 0131 650 6696 Email: counselling@hopepark.org.uk Website | Individual Counselling for Adults in Edinburgh | Contribution £2- £30 per session and initial appointment | None | Waiting time 2 weeks to 3 months | Kathy McMillan |
| Human Development Scotland (adult services)) | Suite 17 Danzig House 8-12 Torphichen Street Edinburgh EH3 8JQ Tel: 0131 229 5465 Email: counselling@hdscotland.org.uk Website | Counselling and Psychotherapy services for individuals and couples (Adult). Self-referral. Meeting a wide variety of clients’ problems. Leaflets with further information available. | Assessment and Sessions £40 -£50 I | No, but call in advance and special provision can be made | None | Ask for the Counselling Service |
| Human Development Scotland (children & Young People) | Suite 17 Danzig House 8-12 Torphichen Street Edinburgh EH3 8JQ Tel: 0131 229 5465 Email: counselling@hdscotland.org.uk Website | Children & Young People's Service Assessment and treatment for those between the ages of 0-25 years. Consultations with parents, carers, some young adults and statutory and voluntary agencies who work with children. | Fees are reviewed annually. Please contact us for the current rate. In some circumstances, Human Development Scotland may be able to offer assistance with fees. | No, but call in advance and special provision can be made | None | Ask for Children & Young People's Counselling Service |
| LGBT Health & Wellbeing Counselling Service | LGBT Health & Wellbeing 9 Howe Street Edinburgh EH3 6TE Tel: 0131 523 1106 Email: admin@lgbthealth.org.uk Website | One to one counselling/psychotherapy for LGBT people. Therapeutic workshops and group work. | Free (Donations welcome) | No | Currently Approx 3 months | Alison Wren |
| Lifeline Scotland | 24A Haddington Place Edinburgh EH7 4HF Tel: 0131 557 2060 / 07904 499 320 Email: info@lifelinescotland.org.uk Website | Counselling for Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Termination and Fertility | Free | No | 2 weeks | Celia O'Donnell and Alice Dickson |
| Link Living | 2C New Mart Road Edinburgh EH14 1RL Tel: 0845 002 0819 from a landline. Or, you can telephone us on 0330 303 0302 Website | We offer a range of counselling services including art therapy & person-centred counselling to: Young people People with mental health needs People with learning disabilities Homeless people People with addictions Offenders People with physical disabilities Older people Self Directed Support | Sessions are £30 and we work in Edinburgh, Kirkaldy & Fife. | |||
| Mental Health Assessment Service | Royal Edinburgh Hospital Morningside Place Edinburgh EH10 5HF Tel: 0131 537 6000 Website | Emergency mental health assessment service. | Free | Yes | 24-hour service | |
| Midlothian Young People’s Advice Service (MYPAS) | Tolbooth Hall 176 High Street Dalkeith EH22 1AY Tel: 0131 454 0757 Fax: 0131 454 0844 Email: Enquiries@mypas.co.uk Website | Generic counselling and Art Therapy within Midlothian for young people ages 12-18; Self-referral or by agreement with young person. | Free | Call to arrange in advance. | 12-20 weeks All new referrals offered initial meeting within 2 weeks. | Dave Evans (Manager) |
| North East Edinburgh Counselling Service | 31 Haddington Place Edinburgh EH7 4AG Tel: 0131 557 4478 Email: neecscounselling@btconnect.com Website | Adults resident in North East Edinburgh area. Self-referral. General counselling service. We also offer a service for 16-25 year olds at risk of harm. | Sessions provided by individually agreed voluntary contribution or free of charge as required | No. We are up a series of 6 outside steps. | Please consult the website before referral to check our wait list is open. Wait times are normally around 10 weeks. | Acting manager: Mairi Norman |
| One Parent Families Scotland | 13 Gayfield Square Edinburgh EH1 3NX Tel: 0131 556 3899 Helpline: 0808 801 0323 Email: info@opfs.org.uk Website | No funding for Counselling Offer a listening service for Lone Parent Families | Free | N/A | None | Susan Rew |
| Open Secret | Main office: 98 Thornhill Road, Falkirk, FK2 7AB 01324 630 100 info@opensecret.org Website | One-to-one counselling for adult (18+) survivors of childhood abuse/trauma, including sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect. | Free | Dependent on venue, but able to accommodate | Variable, depending on demand. Currently 2-3 months estimated | Administration team |
| PF Counselling Service | 8 Balcarres Street, Edinburgh EH10 5JB Tel: 0131 447 0876 Email: info@pfcounselling.org.uk Website | General. Individuals over the age of 18. | No set fee. Contribution negotiated and encouraged based on what client genuinely can afford. | Yes | Yes | Reception |
| PF Young Adults Service | 8 Balcarres Street, Edinburgh EH10 5JB Tel: 0131 447 0876 Email: info@pfcounselling.org.uk Website | Short term counselling (12-24 weeks) for young adults aged 18-25 SATURDAY ONLY | No set fee | Yes | Yes | Reception |
| Pilton Community Health Project | 73 Boswall Parkway Edinburgh EH5 2PW Tel: 0131 551 1671 Fax: 0131 551 1677 Email: admin@pchp.org.uk Website | Counselling for adults resident in Greater Pilton. Self-referral, free crèche. Counselling for students at Broughton and Craigroyston High Schools. | Free | Yes | Contact PCHP for approx waiting list times | Jen Richards -Project Manager Shona McGregor |
| Postnatal Depression Services | Main Office: Wallace House 3 Boswell Road Edinburgh EH5 3RJ PND Centres also at: Palmerston Place, East Edinburgh Tel: 0131 538 7288 Fax: 0131 552 2319 Email: pnd@crossreach.org.uk Website | Counselling & support for families with a baby under 2 years of age where a parent suffers from Postnatal Depression. Services include: Individual, Group & Couples Counselling. Art Therapy. Family Therapy. Infant Massage. Fathers Groups. Telephone Support. With crèche facilities at all locations | Sliding scale with £10 min charge. NB. No one will be turned away due to inability to contribute. | Yes | Initial assessment, usually within 2 weeks. Group places frequently available. Waiting List for individual counselling, 6-8 weeks depending on requirement. | Tessa Haring (Manager) Joyce Linklater (Deputy Manager) |
| Saheliya | 125 McDonald Road, Edinburgh EH7 4NW Tel: 556 9302 Fax: 0131 476 8429 Email: info@saheliya.co.uk Website | Individual Counselling and Art Therapy for Black and Minority Ethnic girls/women aged 12 plus in different BME languages. Free Crèche | Free. Donations welcome. | Yes | Variable, depending on demand. | Keiko Ota |
| Samaritans | 25 Torphichen St Edinburgh, EH3 8HX Tel: 0131 221 9999 / 08457 90 90 90 Email: jo@samaritans.org Website | Open door 9am - 10pm, 7 days a week. | ||||
| Simpson House Counselling and Recovery Service | 52 Queen Street Edinburgh EH2 3NS Tel: 225 6028/ 225 1054 Email: simpsonhousecounselling@crossreach.org.uk Website | We counsel adults affected by past or present drug use or adults affected by a family member/friends' drug use. We have one SMART group per week and a weekly Choose Life Group. | Free | Yes. Must be arranged in advance | Self-referrals only. There is a waiting list that varies in length, please contact for latest timescales. | Ask for any project worker or counsellor. |
| Simpson House Sunflower Garden | 52 Queen Street Edinburgh EH2 3NS Tel: 225 6028/ 220 2488 Email: sunflower@crossreach.org.uk | Children age 0-12 years affected by family drug and alcohol use. | Free | Yes. Must be arranged in advance | Third-party referrals welcome | Ask for any project worker or counsellor. |
| Simpson House Training | 52 Queen Street Edinburgh EH2 3NS Tel: 220 5996 Email: simpsonhousecounselling@crossreach.org.uk Website | COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills - Children & Young People, DipHE Counselling Children and Young People. COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills - Substance Use & Dependency. Short courses. Post Qualifying Diploma in Counselling Children & Young People (30 hrs) | Phone/ e-mail for course information fee. | |||
| Social Work Mental Welfare | Tel: (For ringing outside of normal work hours) 0800 731 6969 | |||||
| TalkTime Edinburgh | Norton Park Conference Centre Albion Rd Edinburgh EH7 5QY Tel: 07774 210104 Email: talktimeedinburgh@gmail.com Website | Young people with physical disabilities age 12-25 | Free, donations welcome | Yes | We are a brand new charity which offers counselling to young people aged 12-25 with physical disabilities and have six slots available for one-to-one counselling as of January 2015. | Seonaid Cooke |
| Tara Trust Edinburgh | 12 Marchhall Crescent Edinburgh EH16 5HL Tel: 0131 667 3723 Email: taratrust1@gmail.com Website | General Counselling/Stress Management/Tara Rokpa Psychotherapy - Individual and Groups | Charges vary according to the counsellor | No waiting list | Lesley Hammond |
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| The Health Agency | Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre 30 Harvesters Way Edinburgh EH14 3JF Anyone wishing to access counselling should call the reception on 0131 453 9400 and ask to be put on the counselling waiting list. Email: For further information, email FionaP@thehealthagency.org.uk Website | Person-Centred Counselling - 12 weekly sessions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - 16 weekly sessions. Alcohol Counselling Service – 12 weekly sessions of Person Centred Counselling, 1 block of 6 free massages (1 per week) and access to acupuncture group if desired. Accessible to individuals aged 16 years upwards living in Wester Hailes and neighbouring areas. | Free | Yes | Yes. One to one crisis intervention available if needed prior to counselling. | Fiona Partington |
| The Junction | 82-86 Great Junction Street Leith Edinburgh EH6 5LL Tel: 0131 553 0570 Email: info@the-junction.org Website | Counselling for Young People aged 12-21 living in Leith and NE Edinburgh. Drop ins, one-one support and alcohol support available. | Free | Yes | Yes | Reception |
| The Spark | 1st Floor, 3 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2AS We have 15 centres across Scotland. Website: Website Appointments Email: Appointments@thespark.org.uk Appointments Telephone: 0845 271 2711 The Relationship Helpline: 0808 802 2088 The Relationship Helpline Webchat: www.thespark.or.uk/webchat | A well-established charity in Scotland delivering a range of relationship support, education and counselling services | £45 per session Cost is flexible based on couples/individuals financial circumstances, we make sure cost is never a barrier to counselling. | No | We can generally accommodate clients in 1 – 2 weeks across all centres | Appointments Team |
| The Stafford Centre | 103 Broughton Street Edinburgh EH1 3RZ Tel: 557 0718 Fax: 478 7119 Email: info@staffordcentre.org.uk Website | Drop-in centre for adults with mental health problems. Offers information, support, group and recreational activities. | Free | Limited | Appointments by referral and self referral. | Reception |
| The Whole Works | Jackson’s Close, 209 Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1PZ Tel: 0131 225 8092 Email: enquiries@thewholeworks.co.uk Website | General. A variety of counselling approaches available. One hour initial consultation to determine appropriate support. | £35-£50; concessions available with some practitioners | No. | Initial Consultation within the week. Possible waiting for first appointment. | Rob Ritchie |
| Vocal | 8-13 Johnstone Terrace Edinburgh EH1 2PW Tel: 0131 622 6666 Fax: 0131 622 7621 Email: counselling@vocal.org.uk Website | Counselling for carers in Edinburgh and across the Lothians. | Sessions provided by individually agreed voluntary contribution, or free of charge if income is very limited. | Yes | Intake / assessment appointment within 2 weeks. Usually a waiting list for counselling of 2-3 months. | Lorraine Mackenzie |
| Wellspring | 13 Smith's Place Edinburgh EH6 8NT Tel: 0131 553 6660 Email: mail@wellspring-scotland.co.uk Website | Psychotherapy for individuals and families. | Fees negotiable by income level. Minimum £25. | No access but sessions can be arranged at another venue. | Yes. Phone for information. 2-3 weeks for daytime, 4-6 weeks for evening. | Administration Staff |