Online private counsellor

Adults, and sometimes young people, who pay privately to avoid NHS waiting lists. Some work comes through employee assistance schemes or counselling directories.

A fee per 50-minute session, usually paid in advance or per session. Income grows as you build a steady caseload of regular clients.

• A recognised counselling or psychotherapy qualification
• Empathy and good listening
• Keeping clear professional boundaries
• Comfortable with video calls and online security

• Counselling is not a protected title in the UK, but clients and insurers expect proper training and professional body membership. Check what applies to you
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
• Registering with the ICO and handling client notes in line with data protection law
• Regular clinical supervision, expected by professional bodies
• Having a plan for clients in crisis, including a local emergency contact and clear limits on what you can offer
• Training takes time, so this is not a quick start unless you are already qualified

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on insurance, secure video software, professional memberships and your home workspace. These are estimates, and training is a separate cost if you are not yet qualified.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on how many clients you see each week and your session fees. This is an estimate, and it takes time to build a regular caseload.

Check what training and professional body membership clients and insurers expect, as counselling is not a protected title. Also check professional indemnity and public liability insurance, ICO registration, data protection for client notes, supervision, and a plan for clients in crisis.