Sussex Community Counselling, SCDA

About Sussex Community Counselling

Sussex Community Counselling is part of the Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA) and is a BACP-accredited service. We offer confidential, professional counselling to adults and young people aged 11 and over, supporting people with a wide range of emotional, psychological, and situational difficulties. We accept referrals from individuals, professionals, and services including GPs, Health in Mind, and other local mental health providers.

How to Request Counselling

To request counselling, please complete our online referral form. It takes around 8 minutes and asks for some basic details about you and the support you're looking for. You can access the form here (SCC Online Referral Form).

If you are unable to access the form or need help filling it in, we can help, contact us at [email protected] or 01273 519108

What Happens After You Submit the Form

After submitting your form, we will contact you to arrange a 30-minute telephone assessment. This is a friendly conversation to understand your needs and decide the best counselling option for you.  After your assessment, we’ll aim to match you with a counsellor based on your needs, preferences, and availability. Waiting times vary depending on demand and flexibility.

How Counselling Is Delivered

All counselling sessions are offered:

• In person (Newhaven, Hailsham, Eastbourne, Lewes*)
• Remote (Online via video or by telephone)

*Please note: our Lewes venue is temporarily closed.

General Counselling

Low-Cost Counselling (Adults 18+)

• For those experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress, life changes, or other emotional challenges
• Up to 12 sessions
• Fees: £25–£45 per session, based on income and level of need

Please note: Our low-cost service is mainly delivered by trainee counsellors in the final stages of their training. Clients with more complex needs may be matched with a qualified or specialist counsellor, which may involve a higher fee.

As a charity, we rely on client contributions to keep our service running and to support others in need. We’re committed to making counselling as accessible as possible and understand that paying for sessions can be difficult — we’ll do our best to find an option that works for you.

Youth Counselling (Ages 11–18)

• Tailored support for young people facing emotional or mental health challenges
• Up to 12 sessions
• £40 per session (or £25 when funding is available)

Specialist Counselling Services

Our specialist counselling services are funded (when funding is available) and are only offered to individuals living in East Sussex. Availability will be discussed following your assessment.

Bereaved by Suicide Support (BBS)

• For individuals bereaved by suicide
• 6 funded sessions (East Sussex County Council)
• Additional sessions are self-funded at £40 each

Domestic Abuse Support (DV)

• For individuals affected by domestic abuse or coercive control
• Up to 12 sessions
• £40 per session (or £25 when funding is available)

Support for Survivors of Suicide (SSOS)

• For individuals impacted by suicidal thoughts, attempts, or experiences
• Up to 12 sessions
• Sessions are self-funded at £40 each

Is This Service Right for Me?

Our counselling service is suitable for:

• Adults (18+) or young people (11–18) needing short-term counselling
• Individuals able to attend regular weekly sessions
• Those seeking emotional support or space to explore difficulties

Our counselling service is not suitable for clients who may be:

• People in crisis or needing emergency mental health support.
• Individuals under active care of specialist NHS mental health services
• Those unable to engage in short-term counselling

Need Help?

If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, please contact your GP, call 999, or reach out to a crisis service such as Samaritans at 116 123.

If you have questions or need assistance with your referral, contact us:

[email protected]

01273 519108