Counselling in Sunderland

Deciding to talk to someone is often the hardest step, and it can be difficult to know where to start. In Sunderland there are several routes into counselling: the NHS Talking Therapies service, which you can contact yourself without seeing a GP, and a group of long-standing local charities that offer counselling, listening services and support groups. This guide explains how each route works so you can choose the one that fits. Services, waiting times and eligibility change, so contact each organisation directly to check what is available to you.

Best for: If you are struggling to cope or feel unsafe, you do not have to wait for an appointment. Call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, day or night, call NHS 111 and choose option 2 for the local mental health crisis line, or call 999 in an emergency.

NHS Talking Therapies in Sunderland

NHS Talking Therapies is the NHS service for common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. In Sunderland it runs as Sunderland Talking Therapies, run by the local NHS, and you can refer yourself through the self-referral form on its website or by phone. You do not need a GP referral, although your GP can refer you if you prefer.

After you get in touch, a therapist usually arranges a telephone assessment to understand what is happening and agree a plan. Depending on your needs, support can range from guided self-help and courses to one-to-one therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling. Treatment through the NHS is not charged for, but there may be a wait, so it is worth contacting the service early rather than waiting until things feel worse.

Best for: Adults who want NHS support for anxiety, low mood or stress and are happy to refer themselves.

Sunderland Counselling Service

Sunderland Counselling Service is a registered charity based on John Street in the city centre. It works closely with NHS Talking Therapies services across the North East, so you may be seen by one of its counsellors after referring yourself to the NHS service.

It also runs its own services in Sunderland, including a bereavement support group, counselling for children and young people (some of it in schools), specialist counselling for adult survivors of sexual violence and abuse, and link work within local mental health teams. Its contact page and main phone line are the best starting point if you are unsure which service applies to you.

Best for: People looking for experienced, person-centred counselling from a local charity, including after bereavement or abuse.

Sunderland Mind

Sunderland Mind is an independent local charity with a wellbeing hub on Church Street East in the East End. It supports people from the age of seven upwards.

Its Listening Ear service offers a confidential chance to talk things through with a trained member of staff. The charity is clear that this is not counselling, but for many people it is a helpful first step. Alongside it are counselling services, including couples counselling and Space 2 Talk for young people, and a programme of groups such as a men's group, grief and loss groups, a coffee morning and craft sessions. The charity's website has an urgent help page and details of how to get in touch.

Best for: Anyone who wants to start with a listening service or a peer group before, or alongside, counselling.

Washington Mind

In Washington, Washington Mind is a separate local charity based on Grasmere Terrace in Columbia. It provides mental health services for people aged 11 and over, including a counselling service for adults and young people and a dedicated young people's project.

The office is open on weekdays, with a later finish on Wednesdays, and the charity's website explains how to refer. For people living in the Washington villages it can be a closer option than travelling into the city centre.

Best for: Washington residents, including young people, who want counselling close to home.

Private counsellors and therapists

There are also private counsellors and psychotherapists working across Sunderland, Washington and Houghton, often from small rooms in shared therapy centres or online. Private counselling is usually quicker to start and lets you choose your counsellor, but you pay per session.

If you go privately, check that the counsellor is registered with a professional body that holds an accredited register, such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) or the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). Each body has an online register you can search to confirm membership. It is reasonable to ask about a counsellor's training, the approach they use, how long sessions last and what they charge before you book, and many offer a short introductory call.

Other sources of support

If counselling is not quite right for you at the moment, your GP can talk through other options, and Samaritans is there to listen at any time on 116 123. For bereavement, our guide to what to do when someone dies in Sunderland lists practical steps, and the bereavement hub gathers local services in one place.

Know a local counselling service we have missed? Get in touch.