Free therapy for young people
Counselling and emotional support for people aged 16 and over, in London and online.
For people aged 16 and over. Each service has its own age limits. Choose what feels relevant and take your time.
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Therapy for young people
Free counselling, psychotherapy and emotional support for young people in London, including national services available online.
This guide is written for young people aged 16+ and those supporting them. Full service age ranges are shown below. Check where you need to live, work, study or have a GP before referring.
Each service assesses suitability. Waiting times, age limits and availability can change. Inclusion is support options, not a clinical endorsement or guarantee of a place. Details reviewed on 4 October 2026.
Hounslow Youth Counselling Service
Free. Face-to-face one-to-one counselling for ages 11-25 who live, work or study in Hounslow. Young people can contact the service yourself; contact the service directly to request support.
Brandon Centre - Camden and Islington
Free. Up to 16 weekly counselling or psychotherapy sessions for ages 16-24, until their 25th birthday, who live or have a registered GP in Camden or Islington. In-person and remote options; contacting the service yourself accepted.
Brent Centre for Young People
For ages 14-21 living or studying in Brent, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Harrow or Ealing. Individual talking therapy, group and parent work; most services require a referral. Free domestic violence and disordered-eating support routes are confirmed. Ask the centre which funded route is available; its general introduction does not confirm that every support route is free.
Local counselling and therapy
Open Door - Haringey
Free psychological therapies for ages 12-24 living in Haringey. Young people can contact the service directly to request support.
Off the Record - Croydon, Merton and Sutton
Free counselling for ages 14-25 in Croydon and 11-25 in Merton and Sutton, for those who live, work or study locally. Free text, phone and video counselling is available to ages 11-25 living in these three boroughs. Contacting the service yourself available.
Off the Record - Twickenham
Free counselling for ages 11-24 who live, work or study in Richmond upon Thames. Employed over-18s who can afford it are asked to contribute up to £10 per session. This is a separate charity from Off the Record above.
Mind Connect - Depaul UK
Free counselling for ages 11-25, listed within Depaul's London support services alongside help with homelessness. Call 0800 160 1650 to refer yourself or someone else and check suitability and current access arrangements.
Off Centre - City and Hackney
Free, confidential therapy and support for ages 11-25 registered with a City and Hackney GP. The main therapeutic service is for ages 16-25; different support routes have their own criteria. Includes counselling and arts therapies.
Online support and further services
The Mix - UK-wide
Free short-term counselling for ages 13-25. Telephone and online counselling options are available. Apply through the website; the service is not designed for crisis support.
Soluna by Kooth
Free digital mental health support for eligible young people. Includes one-to-one text chats with practitioners, moderated peer support and wellbeing tools. Kooth has transitioned to Soluna. Age ranges and access depend on local funding; check eligibility when registering.
NHS Talking Therapies - London
Free treatment for anxiety, depression and related difficulties. Usually available from age 18, with ages 16-17 accepted in some areas. Contacting the service yourself is often available; local age, GP and clinical criteria apply. Use the NHS finder to check your service.
Youth Access - find local support
A searchable directory of free, confidential youth counselling and advice services. Enter your postcode or city to explore services near you, then check current eligibility and referral arrangements with the provider.