Counselling

Free and Subsidised Counselling

Thanks to the support The Spark receives from our funding partners and donors we can offer some services for free or at a reduced rate. Please note to be eligible to access these services you need to be a permanent resident of Scotland.

Fast Access Single-Session Therapy


Fast access single-session therapy is a form of solution-focused counselling for individuals that lasts for a single session. Although more help is available after the session if needed. The sessions are highly focused on a specific issue of concern with the goal of helping you identify your next steps to meaningfully address the issue. Because there is only one session to organise, we are often able to offer fast access single-session therapy sessions very quickly.

Fast access single-session therapy sessions take place online and are currently free for individuals 16+ who reside permanently in Scotland. Find out more about fast access single-session therapy and schedule an appointment.

Subsidised counselling


PLEASE NOTE: due to a change in our funding we are no longer able to offer ongoing counselling for free. We are still able to offer low-cost subsidised counselling sessions.

We believe everyone should have access to counselling if needed. Couples and individuals who may benefit from therapy can access online or in-person counselling. Ongoing counselling is a fee-based service, however, thanks to our donors and funders some subsidised counselling sessions are available.

Freephone 0808 802 2088 during our opening hours for more information and support.

Frequently Asked Questions


These are some of the most frequently asked questions about our services. If you have a question that’s not covered, you might want to look at our full list of frequently asked questions or contact us.

For how long could I get counselling?

Couples and individuals assessed as potentially benefitting from counselling will be offered up to eight, one-hour counselling appointments in the first instance. Alternatively, you might want to consider fast access single-session therapy that lasts for a single session.

Can I get in-person counselling appointments?

Yes, we are able to offer in-person counselling sessions in Glasgow and Edinburgh. We also offer online counselling services.

What is The Spark?

The Spark is a mental health charity that offers counselling and support services for individuals, couples, families, children and young people in Scotland. The Spark has been supporting individuals, couples and families dealing with their mental health, well-being and relationships since 1965.

The Spark Blog

Articles, insights, mental health news and more can be found on our blog.

What is relationship counselling?

Learn more about relationship counselling with The Spark.

Need some support?

Make a counseling enquiry today and get the support you need.