Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Getting started

What is Towards?
Towards is a professional mental health therapy service offering both online and face-to-face sessions with experienced, evidence-based psychological therapists. We support children, young people, and adults, providing tailored approaches to meet each individual’s needs. Our therapists can work directly with children aged 7 and above, and we also offer parent-led therapy to help support children aged 5 and above. Whether through one-to-one sessions, parent support, or flexible online options, Towards helps families and individuals access high-quality therapy in a way that fits their lives and fosters lasting emotional wellbeing.

How do I sign up?
You can get started by downloading our TOWARDS app. Once you download our app you will be asked to provide your name and create an account using your email and password.

Who are the therapists on Towards?
All therapists at Towards are qualified mental health professionals who are registered with UK regulatory bodies such as the BABCP, HCPC, BPS, BACP, or UKCP. Each therapist undergoes a comprehensive onboarding process, participates in ongoing professional training, and receives weekly clinical supervision to ensure the highest standards of care and practice. In addition to our qualified therapists, we also have trainee therapists who are part of the Towards Academy. These trainees are in the final stages of their accredited training and work under close supervision from senior clinicians. This allows us to offer high-quality, affordable therapy while supporting the next generation of skilled mental health professionals.

Is Towards right for me?
Towards supports people dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, and more. If you’re in crisis, we recommend contacting emergency services NHS 111 or Contact Samaritans on 116123.


What kind of therapy do you provide?

We provide evidence-based psychological therapies, such as:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Counselling

  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

  • Schema Therapy

  • Compassion Focussed Therapy

  • EMDR


Using the App & Platform


What devices can I use to access Towards?

You can use Towards on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. Our app is available on iOS and Android, and you can also log in through any modern web browser.

How to register to start using our App?

It is easy, we just ask for your name and email address. Once you sign up you are ready to explore our App, access free resources and start booking appointments.


How do I book an appointment?

In order to book an appointment, we will ask you to sign up to our app with your: 

  • Full name 

  • Email 

  • A unique password

Once your sign up is complete you will be able to book your initial assessment session. 


What is the assessment session ?

The assessment session will be your first session with one of our experienced therapists. In that session you will explore the nature of your problem/s, how they are impacting your life and what you'd like to get out of therapy.  Your therapist will help you understand the sort of things you might be doing in therapy.  Your therapist will also ensure that they are the best person to meet your needs.



What type of therapists can I choose from?

Therapist in Training – Our Therapists in Training are part of the Towards Academy and are in the final stages of their accredited training. They work under close supervision from senior clinicians, providing high-quality, affordable therapy while gaining hands-on experience.

Therapist – Ideal for individuals experiencing common mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, stress, or low self-esteem. Our therapists are fully qualified and use evidence-based approaches to help you build effective coping strategies and improve your wellbeing.

Senior Therapist – Perfect for those dealing with more complex or long-standing issues. Our Senior Therapists bring extensive clinical experience and advanced training. Many of our Senior Therapists also specialise in neurodiversity, ADHD, and Autism, offering tailored support and deeper understanding for clients with these experiences.

Specialist Therapist – Best suited for highly specialist areas, including sexual dysfunction, bipolar disorder, recurrent or treatment-resistant depression, personality disorders, and complex trauma. Our Specialist Therapists have advanced expertise in these areas and provide comprehensive, evidence-based interventions for complex needs.

What kind of therapy do we offer?
  • Individual therapy 

  • Group therapy 

  • Couples therapy 

  • Family therapy 

                           

How long does the assessment session take ?

This session takes 50 minutes. 

Do I need to book an assessment or can I go straight to a therapy session ?

Yes , your first session with us should be booked as an assessment. The first session is really important - it's a chance to develop a shared understanding of your problem and an opportunity for you and your therapist to decide whether they are the right person to work with you.


How does online therapy work?

You’ll meet with your therapist via secure video sessions, with the option to message your therapist and our support team in between sessions.


Can I message my therapist outside of sessions?

Yes, therapists can be contacted for routine questions through the app's messaging functionality.All our therapists use between session messaging as part of their work with their clients.  Your therapist will help you work through any issues that may crop up between therapy sessions. They will support you to have a go at  reflecting, between sessions or practice strategies that you have learnt in therapy.


How do I book or change an appointment?

You can book your appointments directly through the app or with the support of our service team in the Hub. If you wish to change your appointment please email us on contact@wearetowards.com and one of our team will be in touch to help change or cancel your appointment. 



Payments & pricing
How much does it cost?

Our initial assessment session is free and will last approximately 50min.

Other sessions:

The price you will pay will depend on which Therapist you choose: 

  • Therapist in Training - £40 per session (Provided by trainee therapists from the Towards Academy, working under close supervision from senior clinicians.)

  • Senior Therapist -  £80 per session (For more complex or longer-term difficulties. Many of our senior therapists specialise in neurodiversity, ADHD and Autism.)                            

  • Specialist Therapist - £120 per session (For specialist areas including sexual dysfunction, bipolar disorder, recurrent depression, personality disorders, and complex trauma.)

  • Group therapy -  from £10 per session (Small, supportive groups of up to 10–12 participants, providing a safe and collaborative space to explore shared experiences and learn effective coping strategies.)             

       

How do I pay for sessions?

Payments are made securely through the app or website using a debit or credit card. Sessions must be paid for in advance.

How long before the session can I pay?

Payments are to be made atleast 24 hours before the appointment. You won't be able to attend the session if it's not paid on time and will be cancelled.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancelled appointments within 24h of your booked slot will incur 100% cost. Any no show appointments will also be non refundable 

Refunds

We can only refund your appointments if we receive your refund request with more than 24 hours notice. Please email us on contact@wearetowards.com and our service team will be able to process your request. Please allow up to 15 working days for refunds to be processed and reach your account.

6 for 5 sessions offer

What is the 6 for 5 offer?

Book 6 sessions and only pay for 5. It's available across all therapist levels:

  • Therapist in Training – £200 for 6 sessions

  • Senior Therapist – £400 for 6 sessions

  • Specialist Therapist – £600 for 6 sessions

How long do I have to use my sessions?

All 6 sessions must be booked and completed within 6 months of your first attended session

How do I book my sessions?

Your therapist can book these for you, or you can email us at contact@wearetowards.com to book all 6 sessions in one go or one at a time.

Does the cancellation policy still apply?

Yes. Our standard 24-hour cancellation policy applies. If you cancel or miss a session without at least 24 hours' notice, that session will still be deducted from your 6 for 5 offer.


Privacy & confidentiality
Is my data safe?

Yes. We follow GDPR guidelines for data protection. All personal and clinical information is stored securely and only accessible to authorised professionals.

Will anyone know I am using Towards?

No. Your therapy sessions are private. We will never share your data without your consent, except in rare cases where we are legally required to do so (e.g. safeguarding concerns).


Support & troubleshooting
What if I’m having technical issues?

If you're having trouble with the app, website, or a session, you can contact our support team at Wellifiy | Tech Support

Can I change my therapist?

Yes, you can request a different therapist at any time. We want you to feel comfortable and supported at all times.

What if I miss a session?

If you miss a session without giving notice, no refund will be issued. You can reschedule your appointment by contacting us on contact@wearetowards.com. We require 24 hour notice to reschedule any appointments.


Feedback and Complaints - How We Can Help
Our commitment

Towards is committed to delivering a high-quality service. The views and experiences of the people that use our service are important to us and help us in the process of continuous quality improvement. There may be an occasion when you are unhappy with some aspect of our service. In this instance, we would like to hear from you. Equally, if you are pleased with the services offered, or have any suggestions, please let us know.

What is a complaint?

A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction that requires a response. Anyone who uses our service can complain. You can also complain if you are the health care professional of a person who has contact with our services, or if you are a relative, carer, legal representative or appointee of anyone who uses our services. You can complain on someone else’s behalf, although you will generally need their consent.

How to complain?

If you are unhappy about something you should speak to us straight away. When you complain, you should try to tell us how we can contact you, who or what you are complaining about, and, if possible, what you would like to be done to address your complaint. You can make your complaint by email, letter, in person or via our secure messaging service on the Towards App.

You can email our Senior Clinical Team at complaints@wearetowards.com

How we will deal with your complaint

If you make a complaint in person, we will document your complaint and acknowledge receipt of your complaint, in writing, within 3 working days. We will aim to resolve your complaint within 21 days, keeping you informed of the progress. If there is any reason for a delay in responding, we will let you know.

If you contact us by letter, email, or secure message we will acknowledge receipt of your complaint, in writing within 3 working days. We will aim to resolve your complaint within 21 days and will keep you informed of progress. If there is any reason for a delay in responding, we will let you know.

All complaints will be investigated promptly. If necessary, you or your representative can ask for a meeting with our Lead Therapists and/or any other relevant staff member. Meetings can be held face-to-face, by telephone or via an online meeting room. We aim to resolve all complaints within 21 days. You will receive a final letter informing you of the outcome of our investigation.

Help making a complaint

If you need help making a complaint, you can contact our Senior Clinical Team at complaints@wearetowards.com The team will be pleased to support you. You may also approach an independent advisory service, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.

If you are unhappy with the outcome

If you are unhappy with the outcome of your complaint, you can contact:

● Our Chief Clinical Officer Dr Sarah Bateup at sarah.bateup@wearetowards.com

● Your local Citizens Advice Bureau

● Or the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman – www.ombudsman.org.uk

If you believe we have breached the Data Protection Act 2018 or the European General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) you may also contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) on 0303 123 1113.