Your Journey to Counselling
1. The Initial Intake Assessment
When our waiting list is open, you will be invited to attend a 40 to 50-minute intake appointment with an experienced counsellor [4.1, 7.1]. This is a safe space to discuss your needs, answer your questions, and ensure we match you with the right therapeutic path [7.1, 19]. This can take place face-to-face at our Norwich office, via phone, or online via Microsoft Teams or Zoom [7.1].
2. Weekly Regular Sessions
Following your assessment, you will be matched with a regular counsellor [4.1]. To build a safe, consistent relationship, you will meet with your counsellor every week at the exact same scheduled day and time .
3. Cancellations & Commitment
Therapeutic progress requires consistent commitment. If you need to cancel an appointment due to sudden illness or emergency, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance [28.1]. We regret that missing a session without 24 hours' notice will require a donation for that session [28.1].
What Does Counselling Cost?
Off The Record receives no government or NHS funding.
To make our service sustainable and cover our direct operational costs (including venue overheads and professional counsellor fees), we operate an income-based donation model.
By contributing honestly according to your financial situation, you directly help us keep therapy accessible for everyone in our community.
|
Annual Income |
Suggested Donation |
Session Limit |
Service Policy |
|
Under £21,000 |
£20 per session |
Capped at 24 sessions |
Reserved for those with limited income |
|
£21,000 – £35,000 |
£25 - £35 per session |
Core block 24 sessions* |
Standard community rate. |
|
Over £35,000 |
£40 – £45 per session |
Core block 24 sessions* |
Heavily subsidised vs. private market. |
For Perspective:
The average cost of private counselling in Norfolk is £60 per session. Our tiers are heavily subsidised to ensure that even our highest tier remains significantly more affordable than commercial private therapy.
Service Duration Policy Note:
To ensure we can provide affordable care to as many people across Norfolk as possible, Off The Record provides short-to-medium-term counselling structured around a core 24-session framework (rather than indefinite, long-term therapy).
*For clients navigating deeply complex trauma or long-term issues, extensions can be clinically reviewed and authorised by our service management team toward the end of your initial block.
Policy & Fairness Terms
The Initial Assessment: All initial intake assessments are charged at a flat rate of £20.
- The Subsidised Tier Bound: Our lowest tier (£20) is strictly reserved for those facing genuine financial hardship and is capped at a maximum of 12/24 sessions to ensure fairness across our waiting list.
- Financial Review: Your contribution tier will be discussed and agreed upon during your initial intake assessment. If your financial circumstances change during your time with us, please let your counsellor know.
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