Publicly funded and private therapy are different routes into psychological care in West London. Publicly funded therapy can be free at the point of use, while private therapy is self funded or may be supported by an individual insurance or cash plan benefit. Local access arrangements, continuity, current appointment availability and funding all vary. Written by Sanah Younis, BABCP accredited CBT therapist. Public service pathways may have different referral routes, eligibility criteria, assessment arrangements and planned session structures. Published access data can provide context, but it cannot predict an individual timeline. Private therapy may offer a choice of therapist and an opportunity to discuss continuity, format and pace of care. Starting with a public route Publicly funded talking therapy services may be a relevant first route for many people. Local arrangements can differ, and self referral is not available everywhere or for every presentation. A service assessment may consider the difficulty, risk, access needs, physical health and whether a different local service is more appropriate. Check current information directly rather than assume a published waiting time, programme length or eligibility rule applies to you. Considering private therapy Private therapy does not automatically mean quicker access, a better clinical fit or a fixed treatment plan. It gives a person the opportunity to ask about current appointment availability, qualifications, approach, location, online arrangements, fees and how progress is reviewed. Before choosing a clinician, ask what type of assessment is offered, whether the therapist works with the presenting concern and what happens if medical, specialist or urgent support is needed. Funding, insurance and practical decisions An insurance or workplace cash plan benefit may contribute to fees, but cover is individual. Check the insurer’s requirements directly before booking, including referral or authorisation rules, provider eligibility, benefit limits, excesses and payment arrangements. Do not assume that a policy covers every session or condition. If affordability is a concern, public services, workplace support, charities and local advice services may also be relevant to explore. Safety and choosing a next step Neither route is a substitute for urgent help. If you are unable to keep yourself safe, have thoughts of harming yourself, experience psychosis, a sudden marked change in mental state or acute physical symptoms, use the appropriate urgent medical or crisis route. For related information, see https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/anxiety/, https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/depression/, https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/private therapy no gp referral/ and https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/depression therapy waiting times west london/. Frequently asked questions Can a guide tell me which route is right? No. It can describe general considerations, but your needs, safety, access and preferences require an individual conversation. Can I move between public and private support? This may be possible in some circumstances, but pathways, records and funding arrangements vary. Confirm current arrangements with the relevant providers. The Lyceum offers BABCP accredited CBT therapy face to face in Chiswick (W4), Ealing (W5), and Hammersmith (W6), West London, and online. Session fees are £110 online and £140 face to face. Confirm individual insurance or cash plan benefits directly with the provider before booking, and contact the clinic to enquire about suitability and current appointment availability. For further reading, visit the Clinical Guides library at lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides, or book a free consultation at lyceumclinic.co.uk/start.