Private Health Insurance Therapy
Access counselling and psychotherapy through your private medical insurance.
If you have private health insurance, you may be able to access counselling or psychotherapy as part of your policy.
Many people are surprised to discover that their insurance includes mental health support, but aren't sure where to start.
Do you need a GP referral?
Can you choose your own therapist?
How many sessions will your insurer fund?
What happens if you need more support?
The good news is that the process is often much simpler than people expect.
I work with adults accessing therapy through a number of the UK's leading private health insurers and will guide you through the process once your treatment has been authorised.
Recognised Private Health Insurance Provider
I am recognised by the following private health insurance providers:
Bupa
AXA Health
Aviva
Vitality
WPA
Cigna
Health Assured
If you're unsure whether your policy includes counselling or psychotherapy, I recommend contacting your insurer directly before booking your first appointment.
How Does It Work?
Step 1 – Contact Your Insurer
Speak to your private health insurance provider and ask whether your policy includes counselling, psychotherapy or talking therapies.
Depending on your insurer and your policy, you may need a GP referral, an assessment through the insurer or simply an authorisation number before treatment can begin.
Your insurer will explain the process that's right for your policy.
Step 3 – Get in Touch
Once you have your authorisation details, contact me to discuss availability.
I'll confirm whether I'm recognised by your insurer and answer any questions you may have before arranging your first appointment.
Step 2 – Obtain Authorisation
If your treatment is approved, your insurer will usually provide:
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an authorisation or claim number
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the number of sessions initially approved
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any information your therapist needs before your first appointment
Step 4 – Begin Therapy
We'll arrange your first session and begin working together towards the goals that matter to you.
Throughout therapy, I'll explain anything you need to know about the insurance process, including reviews or requests for additional sessions if these become appropriate.
My Approach
Suzie Booth, MSc. MBACP (Accred.)
I provide relational, integrative counselling and psychotherapy for adults.
Rather than simply focusing on symptoms, we'll explore what may be sitting underneath them.
Whether you're experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, relationship difficulties, grief, burnout, life transitions or simply feeling overwhelmed, therapy offers a space to understand yourself more deeply and create lasting change.
Every person's story is different, so therapy is always tailored to your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral?
It depends on your insurer and your policy.
Some insurers allow direct access to mental health services, while others require a referral or assessment before authorising treatment.
The quickest way to find out is to contact your insurer directly.
What happens if my authorised sessions come to an end?
As you approach the end of your authorised sessions, we'll review the work we've done together and discuss your options.
Depending on your insurer, it may be possible to request further sessions. If additional funding isn't available and you would like to continue, many clients choose to continue privately.
Can I choose my own therapist?
Often, yes. Many insurers allow you to choose from therapists recognised by them.
Because the relationship between you and your therapist is such an important part of successful therapy, it's worth taking the time to find someone who feels like the right fit.
Will my employer know what we talk about?
No. Everything discussed in therapy is confidential, subject to the usual professional, legal and safeguarding responsibilities that will be explained before therapy begins.
If your therapy is funded through your insurer, they may request limited clinical information to review your treatment, but your therapy conversations remain confidential.
How many sessions will my insurance cover?
This varies between insurers and individual policies. Many insurers authorise an initial block of sessions before reviewing progress.
If further therapy is clinically appropriate, additional sessions may sometimes be requested, although the decision always rests with your insurer.
Where can I get more info?
If you'd like to understand the process in more detail, you may also find these articles helpful:
Ready to Get Started?
If your therapy has already been authorised, or you'd simply like to discuss whether I might be the right therapist for you, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
I offer:
✔ Face-to-face counselling in Horsham, West Sussex
✔ Online therapy across the UK
✔ Therapy funded through Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Cigna and Health Assured
Contact me today to discuss availability or arrange an initial appointment.