How much does therapy for foster parents cost?

There is no standard UK price for therapy for foster parents. The amount a foster carer pays personally depends on whether the support is commissioned through the fostering service, included within an existing support arrangement, or obtained independently from a private practitioner.

Before booking, check what your fostering service means by “therapy”. Some services provide access to therapeutic consultations, reflective support or counselling as part of their wider offer. This may not be the same as choosing a private therapist for ongoing individual sessions, so ask which types of support are covered and whether approval is needed before an appointment is made.

If you arrange private therapy, ask the therapist for a full fee schedule rather than relying only on the session price. Check:

• the cost of an initial assessment;
• the fee for each follow-up session;
• how session length affects the charge;
• whether written reports, letters or discussions with the fostering service cost extra;
• the cancellation and rearrangement policy; and
• whether any review of your support needs is included.

Costs can also differ according to the type of therapy and the level of specialist experience required. A foster parent seeking help with stress may need a different service from someone requiring trauma-informed therapy, family work or support connected with a child’s complex experiences. The most expensive option is not automatically the most suitable. The therapist should explain what they offer, their qualifications and how they would work with fostering-related concerns before treatment begins.

Where a fostering service may contribute towards therapy, establish the arrangement in writing. Important points include who gives approval, the maximum contribution if one applies, whether the service pays the therapist directly or reimburses you, what evidence is needed, and whether the arrangement covers assessment as well as later sessions. Do not assume that a general fostering allowance can be used for therapy; allowances are intended to meet the costs of caring for a child and their permitted use may differ from therapeutic support arrangements.

It is also worth asking how privacy and payment records are handled. A service may need confirmation that an appointment took place for administrative purposes, while the therapist should explain what information, if any, can be shared with the fostering service. The cost question should therefore be considered alongside confidentiality and consent, particularly if therapy forms part of a wider support plan.

If cost is a concern, tell the fostering service or prospective therapist at the outset. They may be able to explain available routes, whether a different form of support is more appropriate, or what financial responsibility would remain with you. Get the position clarified before starting so that fees do not become an unexpected part of your fostering budget.