Counselling, also known as psychotherapy, provides a safe and confidential spaces to talk with trained counsellors about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences.
Counselling can help you understand yourself better, work through challenges, and find ways to cope and make positive changes in your life. It can lead to greater self-awareness and improved wellbeing. We currently deliver four free counselling services across Edinburgh and the Lothians, as well as our specialist Historic Adoption service across Scotland.
What to expect from Counselling
All services offer weekly sessions, held at the same time and place each week with the same counsellor.
The number of sessions offered will depend on the service you use. The four counselling services on this webpage are free to use.
Your first session will include a short assessment to help your counsellor understand your history and needs.
You’ll also go over the terms of the service, including confidentiality and the cancellation policy.
Our counsellors use a mix of person-centred, psychodynamic, and integrative approaches.
You will have 50 minutes every week to discuss whatever feels most important to address. Your counsellor will listen without judgment. You will be supported to explore what matters most to you, and to find your own insights and solutions.
We welcome feedback about your counsellor and your experience using our services
It’s important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor so that you can be open and honest about yourself and your issues.
Counselling Services
Our services are available in different localities across Edinburgh and the Lothians. If you’re not sure what locality of Edinburgh you live in, check your address here.
North East Edinburgh Counselling
This service is currently open to referrals.
This service is designed for people experiencing mild to moderate mental health needs, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties.
Who is it for? Residents aged 18+ in the North East Edinburgh locality (Craigentinny, Duddingston, Leith, Leith Walk, Portobello, Niddrie and Craigmillar)
How is it delivered? Qualified counsellors; face-to-face or online
Number of sessions: Up to 12
South East Edinburgh Counselling
This service is currently open to referrals.
This service is delivered by trainee counsellors, and is suitable for people experiencing low to moderate mental health needs.
What is a Trainee Counsellor?
Trainee counsellors are in the final stages of their professional training and gaining experience through supervised practice. They are members of professional bodies such as BACP, COSCA, or HCPC, and are working towards a diploma or master’s in counselling and/or psychotherapy. They are trained, capable, and supported by our team to ensure safe and effective practice.
Who is it for? Residents aged 18+ in the South East Edinburgh locality (City Centre, Liberton, Gilmerton, Meadows, Morningside, Southside, and Newington)
How is it delivered? Trainee counsellors (face to face)
Number of sessions: Up to 12
Trauma Counselling
General trauma counselling is open for referrals in North East Edinburgh, North West Edinburgh and South West Edinburgh.
We are also accepting referrals for our men-only trauma counselling services in East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian
Trauma counselling is designed to support survivors in working through their experiences in a safe, non-judgemental space.
Who is it for? Adults aged 18+ who have experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA)
How is it delivered? Qualified counsellors; face-to-face or online
Number of sessions: Up to 24
Lothian Deaf Counselling
Designed to support emotional wellbeing in an accessible and inclusive way for people who are Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.
Who is it for? Adults aged 18+ who are Deaf, deafened or hard of hearing.
How is it delivered? Qualified counsellors; face-to-face or online; Available in English or BSL
Number of sessions: Up to 20
Historic Adoption Counselling
Open for referrals from anywhere in Scotland.
We deliver free counselling as part of our Historic Forced Adoption Support. This is to support people (both birth mothers and adoptees) affected by Historic Adoption practises that resulted in new-born babies being unnecessarily taken away from unmarried mothers and placed for adoption.
Who is it for? Adults aged 18+ who experienced historic forced adoption practises in 1950-1989.
How is it delivered? Qualified counsellors with specific training around Historic Adoption; face-to-face (in Edinburgh), online, or on the phone.
Number of sessions: Up to 24
Accessing counselling through Health in Mind
There is high demand for counselling in Edinburgh, and there may be a wait of up to several months before we are able to offer you a space. Due to this, the waiting lists for some services may be temporarily closed to new referrals.
To get in touch, make an enquiry through our website or call us on 0131 225 8508. A member of our team will take time to discuss your needs with you, and if counselling is a good fit, we will progress you onto the waiting list when capacity allows.