For several years now GAPS has been running a successful Low Cost Therapy Scheme to enable those on low incomes to access psychotherapy and/or undertake an analysis. The psychotherapy/analysis is usually conducted by a person in the advanced stage of their training with GAPS, under close supervision by a senior analyst. In some cases, therapy/analysis is offered by a qualified member of GAPS. Priority will be given to applicants who are prepared to commit to a minimum of two sessions a week for at least 2 years, but this should not deter anyone from applying.
Application procedure
If you would like to be considered for psychotherapy/analysis through the Low Cost Therapy Scheme please contact the Low Cost Therapy Scheme Co-ordinator, Hetty Los, either
• by post to PO Box 59919, London, SW16 3DU
• by telephone on 020 8965 1611
• or by email to info@gaps.co.uk
The Co-ordinator will then arrange to have an informal chat with you, at the end of which you will have an opportunity to ask any questions about the scheme.
If at that stage you wish to proceed, the Co-ordinator, will provide you with the contact details of a senior analyst whom you will need to contact to arrange an initial assessment. There is a fixed fee of £35 for the assessment (although in exceptional cases this may be reduced). The purpose of the initial assessment is to evaluate your psychological needs and to consider whether therapy/analysis is the most appropriate way to proceed. If not, the analyst carrying out the assessment will offer you a recommendation as to alternatives.
Following the initial assessment, the Co-ordinator will endeavour to place you with a suitable therapist with a view to starting the psychotherapy/analysis. Fees for the on-going therapy/analysis are negotiated with that therapist, taking into account ability to pay. There is a guideline minimum fee of £10 per session.
Applicants should be aware that the application process can take several weeks and that suitable places may not always be available due to demand. No person will be excluded on the basis of ability to pay, but GAPS has an absolute discretion as to whom it accepts on to the scheme.