Therapist wouldn’t tell me fees? Is this weird?

[CeceJoyce]

So basically I contacted a private therapist as both of my daughters need help with anxiety which has gotten quite bad for them (ages 17 & 15). She replied and said she could call me the next day to discuss some of their issues etc. I said thank you and yes I’d be free to talk and then I asked if she could please let me know her fees.
She responded with a link to a charity and a recommendation to contact cahms (I have already done this the waiting list is long and we are in a fortunate position to pay for private therapy).

She said the charity may offer low rates.
In no way did I say I couldn’t afford the going rate but I’m in London so looking online I’ve seen therapists charge anything from £40 per 50 minutes up to £85. I don’t think I’m unreasonable to ask her rate!! But she hasn’t told me and just said to try this charity??
It feels a bit rude to me, is it unreasonable to ask how much she charges, do very wealthy people not need to ask and she’s assumed i can’t afford her??

@Smashingspinster who said anything about not being registered with a professional body? You can be qualified and registered without being accredited. Most BACP therapists are not accredited, but they are qualified and registered.

I think you have very much dodged a bullet OP. She sounds awful! Not even able to be honest about her fees.
I agree with you completely about counselling being like talking to a brick wall and I also feel CBT is more effective in a lot of situations (particularly anxiety conditions). Have you thought of asking CAMHs if they can recommend someone?

@MajesticWol

Wow, so much misinformation here!

OP, her not telling you her fees is really weird. Where did you find her details? Therapists usually have a website and online directory entries which will list fees.

Anyone can call themselves a counsellor but you can easily check they are qualified by checking they are registered with a professional membership organisation such as (but not limited to) the BACP, NCS or UKCP. Counsellors should also be happy to give details of their qualifications if asked.

Counselling Directory is an good place to find a qualified counsellor.

Being “accredited” is not the same as being “qualified”.

Prices vary and many qualified therapists offer low prices because they are able to afford to and think it is the right thing to do, £200 an hour is rare for a CBT therapist. A low rate doesn’t mean they are unqualified.

If I could like this post I would! Absolutely spot on.

Another point, unless you are looking for family therapy which I didn't think seems to be the case from your posts then your DDs really should have separate therapists, not the same one.

Did she mention this to you?

I know of some professionals in the same and similar fields who as a RULE decline to work with anyone who asks their fees during the initial contact, because they say the potential clients doesn't have the right "attitude"

They're all pretentious twats.

I know of some professionals in the same and similar fields who as a RULE decline to work with anyone who asks their fees during the initial contact

Blimey!

As a therapist I think she may be being evasive as she's doesn't feel she is the right help for the presenting issues yet instead of admitting that is just sign posting you on. Don't know why she doesn't just say that though

I know of a good therapist in London who specialises in young people with anxiety and those with autism. If you are still looking just drop me a pm and I will give you the details.

I would contact the person who recommended her.

She sounds extremely off not to want to provide such basic information.

As it states on the website "contact for fees" why would she repeatedly refuse to provide it.

It reflects poorly on the person who recommended her in good faith, so I would send them an FYI about it.