Low-Income Concession Policy
Effective Date: 15 December 2025
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the framework for offering concessionary rates for therapy sessions provided by Bernadette Bustin, Counselling Psychologist. The aim is to improve the accessibility of psychological support for individuals on a low income who may otherwise face financial barriers to accessing therapy.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all clients of the practice. The availability of concessionary-rate appointments is limited and subject to the psychologist's discretion and capacity.
All payments are to be made in advance of sessions.
3. Standard Fee Structure
- Standard Session Fee: £85
- Four-Session Bundle : £300
4. Concessionary Rates
Eligible individuals may be offered the following concessionary rates:
- Concessionary Session Fee: £70
- Four-Session Concessionary Bundle: £260
5. Eligibility Criteria
Clients may be eligible for a concessionary rate if they are:
- A full-time student.
- Unemployed and in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit with no employment earnings.
- Employed with a total annual household income below £25,000.
- In receipt of disability benefits (e.g., Personal Independence Payment [PIP] or Disability Living Allowance [DLA]).
Consideration may be given to individuals who do not meet these specific criteria but are experiencing significant financial hardship. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
6. Application and Verification Process
Clients wishing to be considered for a concessionary rate should raise this with the psychologist during their initial enquiry or consultation.
This practice primarily operates on an ‘honour-based’ system and, as such, clients are requested to behave ‘honourably’ in their request for concessionary rates.
However, the psychologist reserves the right to ask for evidence of income via the following:
- Valid student identification card.
- A recent letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming receipt of benefits.
- Recent payslips or a P60 form to verify income.
All financial information provided will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and used solely for the purpose of assessing eligibility for this policy. It will not be retained once eligibility is verified.
7. Terms and Conditions
- Concessionary rates are offered on the understanding that the client's financial circumstances necessitate such a reduction.
- The concessionary agreement will be reviewed every six months, or sooner if the client's financial situation changes.
It is the client's responsibility to inform the psychologist of any significant improvement in their financial circumstances.
- The practice reserves the right to limit the number of concessionary rate sessions and/or to withdraw the concessionary rate if eligibility criteria are no longer met.
- All other practice policies, including the cancellation policy, apply to clients receiving concessionary rates.
8. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains fair, transparent, and fit for purpose.
Bernadette Bustin
Counselling Psychologist
Therapy for Addictions and Compulsive Behaviours
V 1.0 Next Review Date: December 2026