Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question? We have answers! Check out our FAQs below.


General
If someone's life is at risk - such as after a serious injury or an overdose - or if you feel unable to keep yourself or someone else safe, please call 999 immediately. If you're facing a mental health crisis or emergency, it's important to seek immediate expert advice and support. Remember, there are support services available for you, no matter what you're going through.
Deciding if therapy is right for you often begins with reflecting on your current feelings and challenges. Therapy can be beneficial if you're struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or any personal issues that feel overwhelming. It’s also helpful if you're looking for a safe space to explore your thoughts, emotions, or behaviours with the support of a professional. If you’re unsure, a consultation with a therapist can help you determine if therapy is the right path for you and what type of approach might best meet your needs.
Therapy sessions
It’s completely normal to feel nervous if you’ve never experienced counselling or therapy before. Many people feel the same way at first. Our therapists are here to support you every step of the way, and they understand how to help you feel comfortable and at ease. The first session is all about getting to know you and your needs at a pace that feels right for you. Remember, you’re in control, and we’re here to create a safe and welcoming space where you can express yourself freely.
Ah... a question that divides opinion, even among counsellors and therapists. Since neither term is a protected term in the UK, there's officially no clear distinction between the two. At Carecoins we often refer to both counselling and therapy. To give some kind of answer to the question though, we feel that counselling is about offering listening skills, empathy and being non-judgmental, with the aim of helping someone to heal or grow. Therapy is a little more in depth, and may be used with those who have deeper underlying struggles, trauma or more complex needs, whilst still using those same counselling skills.
Yes, our therapy sessions are completely confidential. Everything you share with your therapist stays between you and them, ensuring a safe and private space for you to express yourself freely. The only exceptions to this confidentiality are in very specific situations, such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, which your therapist will explain during your first session. Your privacy and trust are of the utmost importance to us, and we take every measure to protect them.
In short, yes. The consultation is there for our team to assess how best we can help you with your journey. This gives us the necessary information to recommend a therapist who fits what you are looking for. We will also explain the next steps, describe what to expect and answer any questions you have.
In your consultation, you can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where the focus will be on understanding your needs and goals. During this session, our expert team will discuss what has led you to seek therapy and explore any specific concerns or issues you wish to address. They will also explain their approach and how the therapy process will work. This initial meeting provides an opportunity for you to ask questions, set expectations, and ensure that both you and your therapist are aligned on the best way forward. It’s a crucial step in creating a comfortable and effective therapy experience tailored to your needs.
The initial consultation is an opportunity to speak to someone who really cares, and to explore what you've been going through. It isn't a counselling or therapy session, but it will help you and us to understand what your needs might be, so that we can get you matched up to the right person. We don't use the word assessment, because that makes it feel bigger (and scarier) than it actually is. Think of it as an informal chat to explore your needs, and an opportunity to be really heard and supported. Your initial consultation can take place by video call or, if you prefer, over the phone. It will always be with a friendly, professionally trained member of our team, who will help you every step of the way.
At Carecoins, we provide a range of options for your therapy sessions to ensure they fit your needs and preferences. You can choose between in-person sessions, online video calls, or phone therapy. Whether you prefer the personal touch of face-to-face meetings, the convenience of virtual sessions, or the flexibility of phone calls, we aim to make accessing therapy as comfortable and accessible as possible. Feel free to select the method that works best for you, and you can adjust your choice as needed.
This is a tricky one to answer. It will depend on lots of things - what has brought you to counselling or therapy in the first place? What are you looking to gain from coming? Is it for one issue or several? The number of sessions you need will be unique to you. Some people will have 3 to 4 sessions and feel they've made enough progress with that. Some may have sessions weekly for a year or more. Others may have a few sessions weekly, and then move to having a monthly review session with their counsellor or therapist. Carecoins allows you to be flexible with the frequency of your sessions based on your need.
After you enquire with Carecoins, your consultation is typically scheduled within 48 hours. Following this consultation, which helps us understand your needs and match you with the right therapist, sessions are usually booked 48 hours thereafter. This process ensures that everything is in place for a smooth and effective start to your therapy journey. If you have specific timing needs or preferences, please let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.
Yes, you can switch therapists if needed. We understand that finding the right therapeutic match is important for your comfort and progress. If you feel that another therapist might better meet your needs or if you simply wish to explore a different approach, just let us know. We’re here to support you in finding the best fit for your therapy journey.
Pricing
Carecoins don't charge a joining fee, or any ongoing subscription fees. You simply pay for Carecoins as and when you need them. Carecoins last 24 months, so you can use them as and when you need them, or gift them to someone else.
You can start with just one Carecoin for £33, which covers an initial consultation lasting up to one hour. This gives you time to talk through your needs, ask questions and explore whether Carecoins feels right for you.
We recommend purchasing three Carecoins for £99 because this covers your initial consultation plus two 30-minute therapy sessions or one 60-minute session with your matched therapist, helping you take the next step towards support.
However, we understand that you may simply be exploring your options. Starting with a single coin allows you to use the initial consultation to gather information and better understand your needs before deciding how you’d like to move forward.
Our therapy sessions start from £33 for a 30-minute appointment over telephone or online video. Face to face sessions cost from £66. We also offer complete flexibility in the number of sessions you book, ensuring that your therapy experience is tailored to your individual needs.
Yes, your payment is completely secure. We use advanced encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information, ensuring that your payment details are safe at all times. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of security and privacy so you can have full confidence when making a payment with us.
Company
Our vision is inspired by the Starfish story, where even small actions can create a meaningful impact. Just as the boy in the story throws starfish back into the ocean one by one, believing each saved life matters, we aim to break down the barriers to better mental health - one person at a time. Our mission is to prioritise mental wellbeing and make therapy accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances. By offering a way to directly provide mental health support, we believe that each Carecoin donated has the power to make a real difference, helping create a world where mental health care is within everyone’s reach.
At Carecoins, we believe that therapy should be a deeply personal and human experience, which is why we don’t use AI for providing mental health support. While some companies might offer AI-based solutions, we prioritise human to human therapy to ensure that individuals receive the empathetic, nuanced, and personalised care that only a trained human therapist can provide.
We understand the value of human connection in mental health, and our goal is to facilitate direct, meaningful interactions that truly support and address the needs of those seeking help.
Yes, we do offer services to businesses that include employee therapy and mental health training courses. To learn more about how Carecoins can support your organisation’s mental health initiatives, please visit https://www.red-umbrella.co.uk/alternative-eap
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