Service Description

We offer counselling to those aged between 12 and 24 who are living, working or studying within West Surrey and North East Hampshire.

You can talk about anything that is worrying you like relationships, families, drugs, pregnancy, sexuality, stress, bullying, feeling low, depression or anything else. 

We can offer you 6 - 12 sessions and each session will last up to 50 minutes. Our counsellors can give you the time and space to talk about the things you want to. We are trained to listen. We are a free and confidential service. So it won‛t cost you anything and we will keep what you say private unless you or someone else is in danger.

Counselling is about helping you make sense of your thoughts and feelings. We can help you look at difficulties and problems that you may be experiencing and work through any concerns. Counselling may help you feel better about your life and help you cope with future problems you may experience.

Requests for support

We accept direct requests for support.

To request support please contact us directly on 0345 600 2516.

Social workers from the below teams should make referrals through the social work referral pathway:

  • Assessment
  • Child in Need
  • Child Protection
  • Children with Disabilities

A professional can also create a request for support. If you are a professional, visit the request support page to find out more information on how to do this.

Areas covered:

  • Guildford
  • Hart
  • Runnymede
  • Rushmoor
  • Spelthorne
  • Surrey Heath
  • Waverley
  • Woking
  • West Elmbridge

Contact Details

Address:
Azalea House,
Farnham Road Hospital,
Bray Road,
Guildford,
Surrey,
GU2 7LQ

Telephone: 0345 600 2516

Opening times:

We have a 24 hour answer phone where you can leave a message; we will respond to you within four working days.

The Team Administrator is available Tuesdays and Fridays 9am to 12 noon for referral queries.

Appointments are offered either face-to-face or virtually, during Monday - Friday 9-5pm (some online/virtual appointments may be available up to 6.30pm).

Service Manager: Kerry Pilbeam

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What happens after I’m referred? 
You’ll receive a referral pack by email or post (check your junk folder). It must be completed and returned within 3 weeks to secure your place. If you haven’t received it, please contact us: 

Phone: 0345 600 2516 or 07827 992 764 

Email: rxx.youthcounsellingservice@nhs.net

Who should complete the forms?
The young person attending sessions must complete the forms, either alone or with support. 

Steps to complete referral: 

  • Fill in and return paperwork within 3 weeks (email or post). 
  • Add correct postage if sending by mail. 
  • Need help? Let us know - support is available. 

Postal Address: 
Youth Counselling Service, 
Azalea House, Farnham Road Hospital, 
Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7LQ 

You’ll find a list of support services in your welcome pack. Here are some key options: 

How many sessions will I get?
You’ll be offered 7 weekly sessions, each lasting 50 minutes, online or in person. The first includes an assessment. 

When are sessions held? 
Sessions run during the day with GP opening hours (including school hours/holidays). Schools are aware and supportive.  

Can I delay starting? 
No - when you reach the top of the list, you must start. If not ready, you’ll be discharged and can re-refer when you are.

Where will sessions take place?
We offer sessions across various towns. You’ll be offered the best available option based on your location. If not suitable, you can return to the list (max 2 offers before possible discharge). 

Can a parent/carer attend?
Only for the first part of session one (with the young person’s consent). Sessions are confidential, 1:1 with the young person. 

What is ‘contracting’? 

It’s a discussion in the first session outlining: 

  • The 7-session structure 
  • Confidentiality and its limits (safeguarding)
  • Therapy goals and possible session extensions 

Is counselling mandatory?
No. Participation is voluntary and the young person can stop at any time. 

Do you offer drop-ins? 
​​​​​​​No. We only offer scheduled 7-week blocks. For drop-in support, use the Crisis Line or Kooth.

Do you provide reports/feedback? 
No, unless there's a safeguarding concern. Parents/carers can share updates, which will be discussed with the young person. 

Can you give a diagnosis or medication? 
No, we are not a diagnostic or prescribing service. We can guide next steps if needed. 

What is counselling? 
Counselling offers a safe space to explore thoughts and emotions, with support from a trained professional. It's not about advice - it's about helping the young person understand themselves, gain deeper insight, links and self-awareness and make positive changes. 

Will it help? 
It can, but outcomes vary. Sometimes, things may feel more difficult before they improve - this is part of the process. 

Need to cancel?
Let your counsellor know directly, or contact us via the numbers/email above. 

  • One cancellation is allowed. Further missed sessions may count as attended. 
  • If you don’t contact us within 48 hours, your slot may be given to someone else and you’ll return to the waiting list. 
  • Please let us know if you're unwell or facing challenges. 

Running late? 
Counsellors wait up to 15 minutes. If you’re later than that, the session can’t go ahead. 

What happens at the end? 
Your counsellor will support you with a planned ending and signpost you to other services if needed. 

Can I return to counselling later? 
Yes. After a 3-month gap, you can re-refer and will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list.

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